Social History of Spencer, Indiana, 1974-1975
A Guide to the Collection of Oral History Interviews at Indiana University
Bloomington
Finding aid prepared by the staff of the Center for
the Study of History and Memory with a grant from the National Endowment for the
Humanities Division of Preservation and Access, 2000-2002
Overview of the Collection
Repository
Indiana University Center for Documentary Research and Practice
Indiana University
Franklin Hall 0030B
601 E. Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone: 812/855-2856
Fax: 812/855-0002
E-mail: ohrc@indiana.edu
https://cdrp.mediaschool.indiana.edu
Creator
Indiana University Center for the
Study of History and Memory
TitleSocial History of Spencer, Indiana, 1974-1975
Project No.
ohrc092
Interviews
55 interviews. Audiotapes, transcripts, and collateral
materials.
Physical Location
Interviews are housed in Franklin Hall, Room 0030B. Copies of interview transcripts are also held by the IU Libraries University
Archives.
Contact archives@indiana.edu for more information. For other locations housing the interviews
from this project, please contact the Center for Documentary Research and Practice office.
Language
Materials are in English
Abstract
This project interviews people living in Spencer, Indiana. The
interviewees include a variety of ages and the time period of their experiences
span the 1910s-1970s. The interviews include discussion of small town life and
changes throughout the past sixty years. The education system, religious
beliefs, and economic conditions of the town and surrounding county are
discussed. Many interviewees discuss the Great Depression and its effect on the
business owners and farmers of the area. Changing moral standards and
generational differences are themes throughout the project.
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains fifty-five interviews conducted over two years. The interviews range from 25 to 145 minutes. All
interviews consist of audio tapes and most have typed transcripts.
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information
Oral history interviews conducted by the Indiana University Center for the
Study of History and Memory from 1968 to the present, with particular focus on the
history of twentieth-century America and the Midwest.
Usage Restrictions
The archive of the Center for Documentary Research and Practice at Indiana University is open
to the use of researchers. Copies of transcript pages are available only when such copies
are permitted by the deed of gift. Scholars must honor any
restrictions the interviewee placed on the use of the interview. Since some of our earlier
(pre-computer) transcripts do not exist in final form, any editing marks in a transcript
(deletions, additions, corrections) are to be quoted as marked. Audio files may not be copied for
patrons unless the deed of gift permits it, and a transcript is unavailable for that
interview. The same rules of use that apply to a transcript apply to the audio interview.
Interviews may not be reproduced in full for any public use, but excerpted quotes may be
used as long as researchers fully cite the data in their research, including accession
number, interview date, interviewee's and interviewer's name, and page(s).
Preferred Citation
[interviewee first name last name] interview, by [interviewer first name last
name], [interview date(s)], [call number], [project name], Center for Documentary Research and Practice, Indiana University,
Bloomington, [page number(s) or tape
number and side if no transcript; if digital audio and no transcript, cite time when quote occurs].
Interview List
Interviewee
Allen, Jessie
December
1974
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
Interviewee
Alspaugh, Effie
October 17,
1974
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
-
Interviewee
Bain, Chic; Bain, Irene
April 7,
1975
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
Interviewee
Bowen, Eloise; Bowen, Gene
March 6,
1975
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
Interviewee
Bowler, Ollie
March 17,
1975
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
Interviewee
Bryant, Gary
April 15,
1975
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
Interviewee
Buker, Watson
December 5,
1974
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
Interviewee
Camden, Rose
October 26,
1974
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
Interviewee
Clark, James W.
June 18,
1975
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
Interviewee
Clark, James; Long, Rosalie; Long, Janet; Monroe,
Sandra; Monroe, Dortha
April 8, 1975
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
Interviewee
Close, Roscoe
March 20.
1975
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
Interviewee
Crouch, Louis D.
November 7,
1974;
December 14, 1974
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
Interviewee
Curtis, Jessie; Hight, Ina Mae Wendell; Hight, John R.;
Laymon, Gladys; Peden, Donna; Weymouth, Martha
October 24,
1974
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
Interviewee
Dyer, Lillian
December 5,
1974
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
Interviewee
Edwards, Charles
1975
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
Interviewee
Emerson, Violet
April 3,
1975
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
Interviewee
Fisher, Nelson
August 29,
1975
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
-
-
-
Subjects
- bank robbery
- Church of Christ
- disability
- funeral services
- nuclear power
- nursing homes
- pensions
- railroad decline
- religious beliefs
- tuberculosis
Interviewee
Fulford, James
April 16,
1975
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
Interviewee
Goldberg, Isabella
February 26,
1975
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.
Interviewee
Gross, Raymond
December 7,
1974
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
Interviewee
Hackworthy, John
February 26,
1975
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
-
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- child discipline
- local scandal
- racial discrimination
- religious discrimination
- school consolidation
Interviewee
Hickam, Elliott
February 7,
1975
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
Interviewee
Hickam, Willis
October 3,
1974
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
Interviewee
Honeay, John S.
October 31,
1974
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
Interviewee
Hunter, Larry; Hunter, Jan
August 1, 1975
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
Interviewee
Kay, Oran
November 21,
1974
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
Interviewee
Kinney , Paul
1975
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
Interviewee
Koob, Penny
February 11,
1975
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
Interviewee
Laymon, Gladys
October 17,
1974
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
Interviewee
Lewis, Richard; Lewis, Mrs. Richard
January 31,
1975
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
Interviewee
Miller, Joe
November
1974
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
Interviewee
Money, Jack; Money, Althea
February 20,
1975
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
Interviewee
Nelson, Dick
April 30,
1975
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
Interviewee
Newsom, Jack B.
October 23,
1974
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
Interviewee
Royer, Ernest; Royer, Gladys
October 14,
1974
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
Interviewee
Smith, Mary Frances
October 17,
1974
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
Interviewee
Spangler, Renos
October 10,
1974
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
-
-
-
Place Names
- Patricksburg, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- child discipline
- local religious communities
- Lutheran church
- Prohibition
- small town life
Interviewee
Stewart, Betty R. and Frank
January 30,
1975
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
Interviewee
Stogsdill, Dan
June 17,
1975
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
Interviewee
Orrell, Alberta
June 4
,1974
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
-
-
-
Place Names
- Clay City, Indiana
- Patricksburg, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- child discipline
- Great Depression
- local politics
- local religious communities
- religious beliefs
- small town life
- teaching methods
Interviewee
Parrish, Arthur
October 12,
1974
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
Interviewee
Ramsey, Stella
November 7,
1974
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
Interviewee
Reed, Ron
December
1975
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
Interviewee
Sharp, William and Elizabeth
January 22,
1975
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
-
-
-
Place Names
- Indianapolis, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- church attendance
- community development
- economic class differences
- local politics
- local religious communities
- local scandal
- school consolidation
- small town life
Interviewee
Sturgell, Lela Mae
June 12,
1975
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
Interviewee
Walker, Jon
December,
1975
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
Interviewee
Wardlaw, Janet
November 30,
1974
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
Interviewee
Wardlaw, John
December 5,
1974
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
Interviewee
Wesley, T. Perry
October 3
,1974
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
Interviewee
Whitaker, Richard
October,
1975
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
Interviewee
White, Cecil
November 1,
1975
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
Interviewee
White, Glendora
October 26,
1974
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
Interviewee
Williams, Rosa
June 17,
1975
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
Interviewee
Wimberly, William
November 14,
1974
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
Interviewee
Yockey, Virginia
January 1975
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