Interview with Alben W. Barkley, July 20th, 1953

During this session, Alben W. Barkley continues describing his childhood in western Kentucky and his early career. He recalls helping his mother with the housework and his father with the farm work since he was the oldest child. He remembers working with his father as a wheat thrasher. Barkley's father was a strict Presbyterian and Barkley explains that they had no cards or alcohol in their home.

He describes Elizabeth Lowe, an influential teacher and Dr. Fuller, a country physician who healed more than just physical wounds. Barkley recalls celebrations in Lowe when he was a child including the festivities after the adoption of a new state constitution and other dances and hayrides.

Barkley worked his way through Marvin College as a janitor, and then paid for law school by working as a clerk and stenographer. He recalls his early experiences with speechmaking and what it was like to campaign in hot weather. Barkley remembers the Free Silver debate. He describes his first political campaign for prosecuting attorney during which traveled through parts of western Kentucky on horseback. He mentions the first marriage ceremony that he performed, his first congressional race, and he justifies his attempts to get federal funding for Kentucky roads. He explains the original role of the congressional committee as a means to investigate problems and formulate legislation to solve those problems. Barkley also remembers his experiences with Irvin Cobb.