Archives Online at Indiana University

Call Number
75-044

Physical Description

17 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 40 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Crouch, Tamara

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Jessie Allen, born 1889 and died 1978, moved with her family to Owen County in 1900. She speaks briefly about her childhood and attending school in Spencer before going into some detail about living in the community during the Great Depression. She also discusses the decline in business and overall friendliness since she moved to Spencer.

• Keywords
• • Place Names
  • McCormick's Creek State Park, Indiana
  • Morgan County, Indiana
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • church events
  • Great Depression
  • local business decline
  • racial diversity
  • religious beliefs
  • Spencer public schools

Call Number
74-004

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 30 minutes

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Effie Alspaugh discusses the local history of Spencer, Indiana.

• Keywords
• • Place Names
  • Spencer, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • local history

Call Number
75-037

Physical Description

47 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 115 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Chic and Irene Bain, both born 1903, speak about their education and growing up in a small town. They discuss their belief that mothers working outside the home was one of the worst things to happen for children's morals and schools. They also speak about the time it took for Chic to become accepted in the community, and the way the community treated the rich and poor.

• Keywords
• • Personal Names
  • Scott, Derby
• • Place Names
  • Bloomington, Indiana
  • Martinsville, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • economic class differences
  • educational system
  • Great Depression
  • racial diversity
  • religious beliefs
  • Spencer public schools
  • working mothers

Call Number
75-038

Physical Description

Not transcribed, 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 65 minutes

Interviewer
Brown, Mike; Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Gene and Eloise Bowen discuss religious beliefs and schools in Spencer, Indiana.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • religious beliefs
  • Spencer public schools

Call Number
75-041

Physical Description

28 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 65 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hatfield, David; Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Ollie Bowler, born 1901, moved to Spencer during the Great Depression. He discusses the influence of politics and the wealthy in the community, especially in regards to policies and employment. He also speaks about the friendliness of the community and how businesses have declined since he first moved to the town.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Owen County Welfare Board
  • Works Progress Administration
• • Subjects
  • community pride
  • crime rates
  • Great Depression
  • local politics
  • racial diversity
  • religious beliefs
  • police

Call Number
76-008

Physical Description

18 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 45 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Crouch, Tamara; Hatfield, David

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Gary Bryant, born 1934 and died 1995, grew up in Spencer and lived there most of his life. He speaks about the large number of people living in town who must commute to work everyday, and the need to travel to larger cities to shop. He also briefly touches on the town's clannishness and how it reacts to newcomers.

• Keywords
• • Place Names
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • child discipline
  • commuting
  • education changes
  • local employment

Call Number
75-006

Physical Description

44 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 105 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hatfield, David; Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Watson Buker, born 1915, lived most of his adult life in Spencer. He speaks about the influence of religion in his life and, as school board president, the value of education. Without giving too many details, he discusses the firing of the high school principal over differences in ideology.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Fraternal Order of Masons
  • Improved Order of Redmen
  • Spencer Elementary School
• • Occupation Names
  • school board president
• • Place Names
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • African-American population
  • church activities
  • Church of the Nazarene
  • commuting
  • education
  • local politics
  • religious beliefs
  • small town advantages
  • Spencer public schools
  • World War II

Call Number
74-018

Physical Description

18 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 45 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Crouch, Tamara; Hatfield, David

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Rose Camden speaks about life in Greene County and Spencer, Indiana. She discusses the differences in education, particularly discipline, between her generation and the present. She also discusses the importance of religion as well as the denominational friction between the churches in town. She speaks about crime, the bank robbery in the 1920s, and the differences between the economic classes.

• Keywords
• • Personal Names
  • Riley, James Whitcomb
• • Place Names
  • Greene County, Indiana
  • Lyons, Indiana
  • Spencer, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • bank robbery
  • Church of Christ
  • crime rates
  • economic class differences
  • education changes
  • Great Depression
  • religious beliefs
  • religious denominations
  • Spencer public schools

Call Number
75-070

Physical Description

12 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 30 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

James W. Clark, born 1891, speaks about his education and religion, including how it has evolved over the years. He has also been involved in the local politics, such as county clerk and school board, and speaks about the changes in local politics from mostly Democratic to Republican.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Spencer-Owen County School Board
• • Subjects
  • education
  • Great Depression
  • local employment
  • local politics
  • religious beliefs
  • Spencer public schools
  • Wesleyan church

Call Number
75-035

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 78 minutes

Interviewer
Hatfield, David; Noland, Craig; Crouch, Tamara

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

James Clark, Janet Long, Rosalie Long, Dortha Monroe, and Sandra Monroe speak about local history, education, religion, social classes, and economic changes in Spencer, Indiana.

• Keywords
• • Place Names
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • economic class differences
  • education
  • local history
  • religious beliefs

Call Number
75-049

Physical Description

37 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 90 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Roscoe Close, born 1914, grew up in the Spencer area and speaks about his early history, including school, trapping, and farming. He also talks about education and discipline in the school as well as community interaction between the rich and poor.

• Keywords
• • Personal Names
  • Peden, Walter
• • Place Names
  • Spencer, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • Catholicism
  • child discipline
  • education
  • farming
  • one-room schools
  • religious beliefs
  • trapping

Call Number
74-023

Physical Description

Not transcribed, 2 tapes, 150 minutes

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Louis Crouch speaks about religion and education in Spencer, Indiana

• Keywords
• • Place Names
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • church activities
  • education
  • local history
  • religious beliefs

Call Number
74-005

Physical Description

49 pages; 2 tapes, 3 3/4 ips, 120 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hatfield, David; Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Jessie Curtis, Ina Hight, Gladys Laymon, Donna Peden, and Martha Weymouth speak about life in Spencer during the early twentieth century. They discuss both their family and local history, education, and religion. They also talk about the community interaction, such as that between the rich and poor, and the recreational events.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Indiana University
  • World Products Company
• • Personal Names
  • Campbell, Harley
  • Peden, Thomas Alexander
  • Scott, Derby
• • Place Names
  • Gosport, Indiana
  • McCormick's Creek, Indiana
  • Quincy, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • bank failures
  • child discipline
  • education changes
  • farm life
  • Great Depression
  • local history
  • racial diversity
  • religious beliefs

Call Number
75-005

Physical Description

34 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 80 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hatfield, David

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Lillian Dyer, born 1906, was a music teacher in Spencer, Indiana. She discusses her knowledge of the community, and her thoughts about religion and education.

• Keywords
• • Place Names
  • Owen County, Indiana
  • Spencer, Indiana
• • Occupation Names
  • music teacher
• • Subjects
  • education
  • Great Depression
  • racial diversity
  • religious beliefs

Call Number
76-062

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 65 minutes

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Charles Edwards speaks about local history and his involvement in Indiana politics.

• Keywords
• • Place Names
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • local history
  • local politics

Call Number
75-075

Physical Description

16 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 40 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Fenton, Leslie

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Violet Emerson has lived in Spencer since her husband opened a drugstore during the Great Depression in the nineteen thirties. She speaks about her early childhood, including the sense of importance of education and religion she got from her parents. In fact, her father apparently moved to Bloomington when they were younger to prepare them for college. She speaks about life in Spencer after the 1930s, and especially discusses the importance of religion and the commute of those seeking employment.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Emerson Drugstore
  • Rexall Drugstore
• • Place Names
  • Bloomington, Indiana
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • child discipline
  • education changes
  • local employment
  • local politics
  • religious beliefs

Call Number
75-077

Physical Description

20 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 50 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Nelson Fisher was born June 4, 1889 and lived his whole life in Spencer, Indiana. He quit high school at the age of eighteen, although he was only in the ninth grade, due to a series of illnesses that kept him out of school for a long period of time. He went to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Spencer and became a telegraph operator. He discusses his success at his job because he was ambidextrous, being born left-handed and trained to be right-handed in school. In the 1930s, Mr. Fisher had to retire because tuberculosis had settled in his bones. He has lived ever since on his railroad pension and Social Security. Mr. Nelson also talks about his children, his time spent in various nursing homes over the years, and his religious beliefs.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Pennsylvania Railroad
• • Occupation Names
  • telegraph operator
• • Place Names
  • Florida
• • Subjects
  • bank robbery
  • Church of Christ
  • disability
  • funeral services
  • nuclear power
  • nursing homes
  • pensions
  • railroad decline
  • religious beliefs
  • tuberculosis

Call Number
76-007

Physical Description

20 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 50 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

James Fulford, born in La Porte County, Indiana November 12, 1924, was the principal of Owen Valley High School at the time of the interview. He was raised in Monroe County, and attended Indiana University to get a teaching degree. Mr. Fulford taught many places in the state of Indiana, and was brought to Owen County to assist in the county's school consolidation plans. He compares the educational system that was in place when he was growing up to the present. He discusses the challenges of school consolidation. He talks about child discipline in the past and today. Finally, Mr. Fulford discusses Spencer's religious communities, consisting of many small churches of different denominations.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Indiana University
  • Owen County Ministerial Association
  • Owen Valley High School
  • Stinesville High School
• • Occupation Names
  • high school teacher
  • school principal
• • Place Names
  • Bloomington, Indiana
  • Coal City, Indiana
  • Gosport, Indiana
  • La Porte, Indiana
  • Patricksburg, Indiana
  • Peru, Indiana
  • Stinesville, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • 1944 GI Bill
  • child discipline
  • local religious communities
  • religious beliefs
  • school consolidation
  • World War II

Call Number
75-064

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips

Interviewer
Noland, Greg; Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Isabella Goldberg discusses life in Spencer, Indiana.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • local history

Call Number
75-011

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 120 minutes

Interviewer
Crouch, Tamara; Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Raymond Gross discusses life in Spencer, Indiana during the Great Depression and the local history of the area.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • Great Depression
  • local history

Call Number
76-009

Physical Description

24 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 60 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike; Hatfield, David

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

John Hackworthy, a a small business owner, discusses the changes in Spencer, Indiana since he and his wife moved there in 1964. He talks about school consolidation and compares the schools in Wisconsin, his native state, to those in Owen County. He talks about the Spencer, Indiana Catholic community, of which he is a member. Mr. Hackworthy compares the atmosphere of the small Spencer community to that of larger communities in Wisconsin.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Owen Valley High School
  • Spencer Chamber of Commerce
  • Stella Products
• • Occupation Names
  • small business owner
• • Place Names
  • Wisconsin
• • Subjects
  • Catholicism
  • child discipline
  • local scandal
  • racial discrimination
  • religious discrimination
  • school consolidation

Call Number
75-048

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 80 minutes

Interviewer
Hatfield, David; Noland, Greg

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Elliott Hickam discusses the local history of Spencer, Indiana, small town life, and the Spencer educational system.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • economic class differences
  • local history
  • small town life

Call Number
74-008

Physical Description

20 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 50 minutes; no index; photograph of interviewee

Interviewer
Hatfield, David

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Willis Hickam has lived in Spencer, Indiana his entire life. He graduated from Spencer High School in the 1910s and attended Indiana University to earn a law degree to follow in his father's footsteps. He then returned to Spencer to practice law. Mr. Hickam discusses the changes in the small town over the years. He talks about how Spencer fared in the Great Depression and how Spencer fared. He speaks of the differences in the economic classes in Spencer and how they react to each other. He discusses Spencer's religious communities, how they relate to each other, and how they have changed over the years. Mr. Hickam also mentions some memories of his life in Spencer, especially a bank robbery that occurred in 1924.

• Keywords
• • Occupation Names
  • attorney
• • Place Names
  • Bloomington, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • bank robbery
  • child discipline
  • divorce
  • Great Depression
  • local history
  • local politics
  • local religious communities
  • small town life
  • town square

Call Number
74-019

Physical Description

60 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 85 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hatfield, David; Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

John S. Honeay, a Baptist pastor in Spencer, Indiana, was born in Colorado, but grew up in Monrovia, Indiana in Morgan County. Pastor Honeay was called to the ministry at the age of fifteen and attended Franklin College and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He talks about the differences in morality, family life, and child discipline today compared to his childhood. He discusses the different sects of the Christian church in Spencer and their relationships. He talks about his involvement in local politics and local activism. Finally, he speaks of the decline of the family unit, which he feels is largely due to a decrease in church membership.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Franklin College
  • Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• • Occupation Names
  • minister
• • Place Names
  • Brown County, Indiana
  • Monrovia, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • business monopolies
  • charismatic Christian movement
  • child discipline
  • divorce
  • economic class differences
  • elder care
  • Great Depression
  • high school curriculum
  • local politics
  • religious beliefs
  • school consolidation
  • theft
  • World War II

Call Number
75-067

Physical Description

21 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 50 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Fenton, Leslie

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Jan and Larry Hunter have lived in Spencer, Indiana for the past five years. They compare the small town community in Spencer to that of Bicknell, Indiana where they both were raised. The Hunters discuss the educational system in Spencer, where Larry is a high school teacher and Jan is a substitute teacher. They discuss their religious beliefs and the values they hope to teach their children.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Indiana University
  • Owen Valley High School
• • Occupation Names
  • high school teacher
• • Place Names
  • Bicknell, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • local scandal
  • religious beliefs

Call Number
74-027

Physical Description

23 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 55 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hatfield, David; Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Oran Kay, born August 9, 1894 and died November 5, 1976, talks about his experiences in Owen County as a general practitioner for forty years. Amongst his accomplishments in his life, he delivered over 6,000 babies. Dr. Kay talks about the changes he has observed in Spencer over the years, including increased crime rates, more divorce, and children moving to other towns to make their living instead of remaining in Spencer. He talks about his practice and the changes he has seen in the medical profession over the years. Finally, Dr. Kay discusses his religious beliefs and how they relate to his interests in medicine.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Indiana State University
  • Indiana University
• • Occupation Names
  • physician
• • Place Names
  • Freedom, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • charismatic Christian movement
  • crime rates
  • economic class differences
  • Great Depression
  • medical profession
  • Presbyterian church
  • religious beliefs
  • universal health care

Call Number
76-005

Physical Description

20 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 50 minutes; index

Interviewer
Noland, Craig; Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Paul Kinney, was raised in southern Indiana and spent the majority of his childhood in Owen County. He talks about attending a one-room school in Owen County until a larger school was built later. He talks about the path that led him to become a teacher. He compares the educational system and methods of today with those he experienced as a youth. He compares the actions and attitudes of the youth of his childhood with those present in today's society. Finally, he discusses his religious beliefs, the Unitarian Universalist Church, and fundamental Christianity.

• Keywords
• • Occupation Names
  • newspaper columnist
  • teacher
• • Place Names
  • Brown County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • Christian fundamentalism
  • economic class differences
  • juvenile delinquency
  • one-room schools
  • religious beliefs
  • separation of church and state
  • teaching methods
  • Unitarian Universalist church

Call Number
75-051

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 70 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Fenton, Leslie; Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Penny Koob talks about the history of Spencer, Indiana, life in a small town, and the economic class differences in Spencer, Indiana.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • economic class differences
  • local history
  • small town life

Call Number
74-006

Physical Description

20 pages; 1 reel, 3 3/4 ips, 50 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hatfield, David

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Gladys Laymon, born in 1899, discusses her life in Spencer, Indiana. She describes her education, church affiliation, and family life. She discusses her father's influence upon her and his strict household. She also discusses changes in education and the community. She shares her opinions about civic pride and community organizations.

• Keywords
• • Family Names
  • Beems
  • Laymons
• • Occupation Names
  • minister
  • teacher
• • Place Names
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • child discipline
  • civic pride
  • community activities
  • community changes
  • community organizations
  • education changes
  • family
  • Great Depression
  • Presbyterian church

Call Number
75-073

Physical Description

29 pages; 1 reel, 3 3/8 ips, 80 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Fenton, Leslie

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lewis discuss life in Spencer, Indiana and how they came to live in the town. They discuss their educations and the education of their children. They also discuss are local politics, community activities, and the lack of diversity in the community.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Indiana University
• • Occupation Names
  • sales representative
• • Personal Names
  • MacMillan, Herald
• • Place Names
  • Bloomington, Indiana
  • Dayton, Ohio
  • Owen County, Indiana
  • Tulip Park, Illinois
• • Subjects
  • African-American population
  • church activities
  • community activities
  • economic class differences
  • hardware business
  • local economy
  • local employment
  • local politics
  • patriotism
  • phonics
  • segregation
  • small town advantages

Call Number
74-026

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 3 3/4 ips; 35 minutes

Interviewer
Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Joe Miller discusses the educational system in Spencer, Indiana. He also describes the interaction of the religious denominations in the area.

• Keywords
• • Place Names
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • education
  • religious denominations

Call Number
76-006

Physical Description

25 pages; 1 reel, 3 3/4 ips, 60 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Jack and Althea Money discuss their lives in Spencer, Indiana. Jack discusses his childhood activities and education. He discusses his father's drug store and its financial difficulty during the Great Depression. Mr. and Mrs. Money also discuss community clubs and activities as well as the educational system in Spencer.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Purdue University
• • Occupation Names
  • pharmacist
  • school principal
  • teacher
• • Place Names
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Lawton, Oklahoma
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • child discipline
  • church activities
  • class structure
  • community activities
  • commuting
  • family business
  • family changes
  • family expectations
  • Great Depression
  • high school basketball
  • Presbyterian church
  • religious beliefs
  • school board
  • school scandal
  • World War II

Call Number
75-072

Physical Description

27 pages; 1 reel, 3 3/4 ips, 60 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike; Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Dick Nelson discusses his role in developing the Community Tax Force in Owen County, Indiana. He shares his experience with welfare relief from the township trustee and the federal government. Nelson also discusses the cycle of poverty and the communities' responsibility for indigent relief through taxes.

• Keywords
• • Occupation Names
  • county commissioner
  • township trustee
• • Place Names
  • Coal City, Indiana
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • community activism
  • community tax force
  • local employment
  • local government
  • property taxes
  • welfare

Call Number
74-028

Physical Description

27 pages; 1 reel, 3 3/4 ips, 60 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Jack B. Newsom, born 1908, discusses the history of Spencer, Indiana and its current situation. He talks about his education, childhood activities, and community involvement. He discusses his leadership of the Boy Scouts and the young people of Spencer. He discusses the African-American population in Spencer. Newsom also describes religious, political, and community activism.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Boy Scouts of America
  • John Herron Art Institute
  • Rexall Drugstore
  • World Products Company
• • Occupation Names
  • butcher
  • janitor
  • teacher
• • Place Names
  • Owen County, Indiana
  • Reading, Pennsylvania
• • Subjects
  • African-American population
  • childhood activities
  • church membership
  • class structure
  • community activities
  • education changes
  • Great Depression
  • juvenile delinquency
  • local politics
  • religious changes
  • schooling

Call Number
74-020

Physical Description

61 pages; 2 tapes, 1 3/4 ips, 145 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Noland, Craig; Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Ernest and Gladys Royer have lived in Spencer, Indiana for many years. They talk about the 1920s and 1930s and the changes in transportation, social life, and town atmosphere that have taken place since then. They speak of their involvement in the local Presbyterian church and the people they have known throughout their lives.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Farm Life
  • Indiana University
  • Tivoli Theater
• • Personal Names
  • Anderson, Carl
  • Scott, Derby
• • Place Names
  • Bloomington, Indiana
  • Patricksburg, Indiana
  • Stinesville, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • bank robbery
  • church attendance
  • circuses
  • county founders
  • funeral services
  • Indianapolis 500
  • local fires
  • local history
  • local scandal
  • Presbyterian church
  • Prohibition
  • religious beliefs
  • retirement
  • town band

Call Number
74-003

Physical Description

30 pages; 1 tape. 3 3/4 ips, 70 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Mary Frances Smith, born December 15, 1898 and died May 1981, lived in Spencer, Indiana most of her life. She discusses the differences in Spencer when she was young and Spencer today. She speaks of the general decline in morality, citizenship, and decency over the years, which she feels is mostly due to a decrease in church attendance, irresponsible parenting, and women working outside the home. She also talks about memories she has of growing up in Spencer.

• Keywords
• • Place Names
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • bank robbery
  • child discipline
  • church activities
  • Great Depression
  • missionary work
  • poverty
  • Presbyterian church
  • religious beliefs
  • small town life

Call Number
74-002

Physical Description

19 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 45 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hatfield, David

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Renos Spangler, born November 11, 1902 and died January 4, 1992, lived in Owen County his whole life. He discusses the many changes that have taken place over time in Spencer, Indiana, including changes in child discipline, religious beliefs and church attendance, economic factors, education, and small town life in general. He also relates some memories of events and people in Spencer.

• Keywords
• • Occupation Names
  • teacher
• • Place Names
  • Patricksburg, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • child discipline
  • local religious communities
  • Lutheran church
  • Prohibition
  • small town life

Call Number
75-050

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 55 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hatfield, David; Noland, Craig; Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Frank and Betty R. Stewart talk about the local history of Spencer, Indiana, compare small town life in Spencer to life in a big city, discuss the religious communities active in Spencer, and talk about discipline in public schools.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • child discipline
  • local history
  • local religious communities
  • small town life

Call Number
75-071

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 35 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Dan Stogsdill talks about the local history of Spencer, Indiana, including local politics, the shift of community social functions from the church to the school, and the problem of finding work in Spencer, leading young people to move out of the community.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • community changes
  • employment
  • local history
  • local politics
  • societal changes

Call Number
75-060

Physical Description

14 pages; 1 tape. 3 3/4 ips. 35 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Alberta Orrell was born July 6, 1896 in Patricksburg, Indiana and died in May 1978 in Spencer, Indiana. She discusses her schooling, and the influence education had on her, which led her to become a teacher. She talks about the differences between teaching methods of the past and present. She speaks of the changes in small town life over the years. Finally, she discusses the large role her family has played in her life.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Indiana University
• • Occupation Names
  • teacher
• • Place Names
  • Clay City, Indiana
  • Patricksburg, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • child discipline
  • Great Depression
  • local politics
  • local religious communities
  • religious beliefs
  • small town life
  • teaching methods

Call Number
74-009

Physical Description

15 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 40 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Arthur Parrish was born October 2, 1915, and died November 1977 in Spencer, Indiana. He talks about growing up on a farm in the country and attending a one-room school. He speaks of living through the Great Depression. He talks about the changes he has observed in Spencer over the years, and compares his way of life as a youth to the youth of today.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • child discipline
  • farming methods
  • funeral services
  • Great Depression
  • one-room schools
  • religious beliefs

Call Number
74-002

Physical Description

23 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 55 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Hatfield, David

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Stella Ramsey was born November 18, 1894, and died January 1984. She talks about the changes she has observed in Owen County over the years. She speaks of her religious beliefs and her involvement in an Assembly of God Church in Spencer, Indiana. She discusses the moral decay of society, which she feels is due to low church attendance and lack of belief of God.

• Keywords
• • Occupation Names
  • church pianist
• • Personal Names
  • Scott, Derby
• • Subjects
  • Assembly of God church
  • charismatic Christian movement
  • child discipline
  • Christian crusade
  • Communism
  • economic class differences
  • funeral services
  • Great Depression
  • one-room schools
  • patriotism
  • poetry
  • racial discrimination
  • religious beliefs
  • separation of church and state
  • small town life

Call Number
75-056

Physical Description

18 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 45 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Fenton, Leslie

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Ron Reed, part owner of the Tivoli Theater in Spencer, Indiana, shares his observations of small town life. He talks about the political and economic situation in the town. He talks about the disparate economic classes in Spencer. Finally, he discusses the history of the Tivoli Theater and his future plans for the business.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • San Diego State College
  • Spencer Chamber of Commerce
  • Tivoli Theater
• • Occupation Names
  • small business owner
• • Place Names
  • San Diego, California
• • Subjects
  • community development
  • economic class differences
  • local politics
  • small town life

Call Number
75-047

Physical Description

31 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 75 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Crouch, Tamara; Hatfield, David; Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Judge William Sharp and his wife Elizabeth have lived in Spencer, Indiana for the past six years. They describe the differences in small town life in Spencer and life in Indianapolis, Indiana. They talk about local politics and a local scandal involving the school board. Finally, Judge Sharp discusses his duties as the county judge, and his interactions with the Owen County Welfare Board.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Owen County Welfare Board
  • Owen Valley High School
• • Occupation Names
  • judge
• • Place Names
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • church attendance
  • community development
  • economic class differences
  • local politics
  • local religious communities
  • local scandal
  • school consolidation
  • small town life

Call Number
75-061

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 35 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Lela Mae Sturgell discusses local history and politics and small town life in Spencer, Indiana. She also discusses her religious beliefs and compares today's educational methods with those from her schooling.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • local history
  • local politics
  • religious beliefs
  • small town life
  • teaching methods

Call Number
75-065

Physical Description

11 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 25 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Jon Walker has lived in Spencer, Indiana for the past four years. He speaks of the history of the town, especially the Tivoli Theater, of which he is part owner. He talks about his activities on the Spencer Chamber of Commerce. He also discusses how an increase in the tourist trade could potentially help Spencer become a more prosperous community.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Spencer Chamber of Commerce
  • Tivoli Theater
• • Occupation Names
  • small business owner
• • Subjects
  • local history
  • tourism industry

Call Number
75-008

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 110 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike; Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Janet Wardlaw discusses the history of Spencer, Indiana and the religious communities that are active there.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • local history
  • local religious communities

Call Number
75-010

Physical Description

29 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 70 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

John Wardlaw has lived in Spencer, Indiana for the past two years. He speaks of the advantages and disadvantages of small town life. He talks about the initial reluctance of the community to accept his family. He discusses the dynamics among Spencer's religious communities. He talks about the conservative nature of the school system and the steps that need to be taken to make it more progressive.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • child discipline
  • community development
  • economic class differences
  • local politics
  • local religious communities
  • local scandal
  • religious beliefs
  • small town life
  • teaching methods

Call Number
74-007

Physical Description

29 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 70 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Noland, Craig

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

T. Perry Wesley has lived in Spencer, Indiana for the past thirty years. He originally came to Spencer to purchase and run the local newspaper, which he managed until his retirement. Mr. Wesley compares small town life in Spencer to other communities he has lived in. He talks about Spencer's religious communities and how they interact with each other. Finally, he discusses his own religious and moral beliefs.

• Keywords
• • Occupation Names
  • journalist
  • newspaper owner
• • Place Names
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • economic class differences
  • local religious communities
  • Prohibition
  • religious beliefs
  • separation of church and state
  • small town life

Call Number
75-076

Physical Description

16 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 40 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Richard Whitaker discusses the infiltration of Communists in the United States Government, the disintegration of moral responsibility, and his opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • Communism
  • Equal Rights Amendment
  • local politics
  • national politics
  • religious beliefs

Call Number
75-078

Physical Description

23 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 55 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Noland, Craig; Perry, Robert

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Cecil White was born September 27, 1910 and died January 30, 1989. He talks about the small Spencer, Indiana school he attended through the sixth grade and the subjects he studied. He speaks of the changes he has observed in Spencer since his childhood. He speaks of his religious beliefs and the importance of the Pentecostal church he attends in Spencer. He also shares some memories of Spencer through the years.

• Keywords
• • Personal Names
  • Scott, Derby
• • Place Names
  • Spencer, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • child discipline
  • Great Depression
  • local religious communities
  • Pentecostal church
  • religious beliefs
  • school consolidation
  • separation of church and state
  • small town life

Call Number
74-021

Physical Description

41 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 35 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Glendora White has lived in Owen County her whole life. She discusses the school she attended as a child. She talks about growing up on a farm, and the changes that have occurred in farming methods over the years. She shares stories of her ancestors and of Spencer in general. She talks about small town life in Spencer and how it has changed. She also discusses her religious beliefs and the importance of the Christian church in her life.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Women's Christian Fellowship
• • Place Names
  • Freedom, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • bank robbery
  • farming methods
  • Great Depression
  • murder
  • religious beliefs
  • small town life

Call Number
75-059

Physical Description

9 pages; 1 tape, 3 3/4 ips, 25 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Rosa Williams, born in 1897, spent most of her life in Spencer, Indiana. She discusses education, religion, family, the community, and how they have all changed over the years. She also discusses the Great Depression and how it effected her family and the community.

• Keywords
• • Subjects
  • church
  • community changes
  • education
  • family
  • farming
  • Great Depression

Call Number
75-009

Physical Description

Not transcribed; 1 reel, 3 3/4 ips; 50 minutes

Interviewer
Hatfield, David; Lucas, Paul; Noland, Craig

Access Status

Restricted. Contact the Center for the Study of History and Memory for more information

Scope and Content Note

William Wimberly discusses his life in spencer, Indiana. He covers topics such as religion, education, and community life.

• Keywords
• • Place Names
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • community education
  • community life
  • religious beliefs

Call Number
75-007

Physical Description

35 pages; 1 reel, 3 3/4 ips, 80 minutes; no index

Interviewer
Brown, Mike; Crouch, Tamara

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Virginia Yockey discusses her life in Spencer, Indiana. She discusses changes in the community, education, activities, and child rearing. Mrs. Yockey describes community activities and the advantages of living in a small town. She discusses the town's civic pride and the importance of patriotism.

• Keywords
• • Corporation Names
  • Indiana University
• • Personal Names
  • Jackson, Margaret
• • Place Names
  • Illinois
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Owen County, Indiana
• • Subjects
  • child discipline
  • child-rearing
  • civic pride
  • community activities
  • generation gap
  • household budgeting
  • patriotism
  • religious beliefs
  • small town advantages