Interviewer(s): D. Austin. Houma, LA

Affiliation: University of Arizona

Russel Elliot was referred to us by Tom Becnel. When I called him, Russell cautioned me that he had only worked on pipelines for Texaco, and I told him it would be great to get his perspective of the industry. When I arrived at his house, Russell was waiting for me with 6 8 ½ x 14 inch ledger pages of notes about his work. His interview is an excellent overview of Texaco's pipelines in southern Louisiana.

Russel began his career in Houston in 1947 working for The Texas Pipeline Company. He started as an electrical engineer and worked in several states building pipeline stations. He was transferred to Lafayette, Louisiana in 1952 to take charge of the electrical system at the Erath station. In that position, he was responsible for maintaining that system and the installation of the New Iberia system. In 1980 he became the Louisiana District Manager and was in charge of the design and construction of the Houma to LOOP 24-inch line and pump station. He retired in 1985.