Title
Hugh B. Robards Interview, 1976
Files
Download Hugh Robards Interview Transcript (2.1 MB)
Document Type
Book
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Interviewer
Sue Von Mosch
Interviewee
Hugh B. "Pat" Robards
Date Recorded
11-12-1976
Date Digital
7-7-2020
Location Recorded
Robards Residence, Alexandria, Minnesota
County
Douglas County
Keywords
Hardware stores--Minnesota--Alexandria; Business enterprises--Minnesota--Alexandria; Businesspeople--Minnesota--Alexandria; Depressions--1929; World War, 1939-1945; Rationing--Minnesota--Alexandria; Advertising; World War, 1914-1918--France; Tourism--Minnesota--Alexandria; Alexandria (Minn.)
Description
Hugh Robards was born January 11, 1894 in Alexandria, Minnesota. He graduated from Carleton College in 1916 and served in the infantry in World War I. He was discharged in 1920, at which time he returned to Alexandria to take over operation of the Cowing Robards hardware store.
In this interview, Hugh Robards discusses the early founding and development of the store, obtaining the Our Own Hardware franchise in 1913, advertising, business fluctuations in the Depression and World War II, and the rationing of products during World War II. He also discusses the time he spent in France during World War I, tourism in Alexandria, and the civic duties of citizens.
Run Time
00:44:43
Language
English
Original Format
Reel-to-Reel
Digital Identifier
DCRobards01
Repository
West Central Minnesota Historical Research Center (WCMHRC)
Local Identifier
1054
Recommended Citation
Robards, Hugh B., "Hugh B. Robards Interview, 1976" (1976). All Minnesota Oral Histories. 93.
https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/mnoralhistories/93
Primo Type
Audio