Interview with Robert C. James, October 24, 1991

Interview Summary

James describes his family's history with hemp. He explains his experience with the government and the narcotic stamps. He describes the process of farming hemp from acquiring seeds, to the machines used, and the process of retting in order to pull the fiber out of the stalk. He goes on to describe the ratio of line and tow that came from his hemp fiber production, as well as the process of burning the hemp hurds. He explains the racial make up of the manual laborers and the system of payment. He describes hemp production during World War II. He describes his experience with the government extension programs.

Interview Keyword

Hemp production Heritage farms Agricultural extension agents War effort Hemp Fiber Line and tow World War II

Interview LC Subject

Agriculture--Kentucky Agriculture. Family farms Hemp Hemp farmers Hemp industry Hemp industry--Kentucky Farm life--Kentucky Crops Traditional farming Farm mechanization World War, 1939-1945

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.