Interviewer(S): Rylan Higgins; D. Austin. Morgan City, LA

Affiliation: University of Arizona

While sitting around the breakfast table with a group of the men that meet at Manny's each morning, one of the gang gave me Ira Grow's name and told me to call him. When I did, he was eager to participate. We chatted for a few minutes and Ira told me to come by after dinner the same day. Cecile, Ira's wife, met me in the driveway with a big welcome to her home. Ira and Cecile were both very friendly and talkative. Cecile would lightly smack Ira on the arm each time she made a point that contradicted Ira or when she remember something he could not. Diane returned for a follow up interview in 2003.

Ira started his career in the oil industry in 1950, as an engineer on a supply boat. He eventually made his way up to captain. He left for military service, returned in 1952 and was with Kerr-McGee for 34 years when he retired in 1988. He was injured in 1987. Shortly after retirement, the insurance agent who was handling his injury case asked him how he was doing.