Interviews with several employees of varying positions within Russell-Newman Manufacturing Company. Rowe Boyd Newman, the first interviewee, is the founder and Chairman of the Board of Russell-Newman Manufacturing Company in Denton, Texas. Newman discusses his boyhood, his early work experiences, his education, his experience as store manager of Montgomery Ward and store manager of Butler Bros., his founding of Russell-Newman in 1939, and his decision to specialize in lingerie. He also talks about World War II, the growth and expansion of the store, his financing methods, the chain store accounts, his decisions on designs, fabrics, dyes, government regulations, minority hiring, family members in the business, employee relations, and developing a management team. Frank Martino, the second interviewee, is President of Russell-Newman Manufacturing Company. Martino discusses his family background, his early work experiences, his education, his entry into the clothing business, joining Russell-Newman as a salesman, his promotions to office manager and production manager, the growth and expansion of the company, the new plant locations, and launching a separate business. He also talks about incorporating into Russell-Newman, production and suppliers, employee relations, financing methods, government regulations, competition, family involvement in the business, organized labor, his typical workday, and his attitude toward retirement. Don Robinson, the third interviewee, is Executive Vice-President of Russell-Newman Manufacturing Company. Robinson discusses his family background, his early work experiences, his education, Burr Stores, his work as plant manager and then sales manager at Russell-Newman, policies toward marketing and credit, the growth and expansion of the company, design decisions, government regulations, his typical workday, and his views toward retirement. Lura Kendrick, the final interviewee, is Chief Designer (for thirty years) for Russell-Newman Manufacturing Company. Kendrick discusses her family background, her education, her employment at Russell's Department Store, at Texas Woman's University as an art teacher, and at Russell-Newman as a part-time garment designer. She also talks about fabrics, dyes, consumer preferences, cost consciousness in design, chain stores, design procedures, and the evolution of the design department.
