Interview with Agnes Lewis, January 5, 1978

Interview Summary

Mary Breckinridge hired Agnes Lewis in 1930, when Lewis was about thirty, to work in the FNS records department. Lewis describes an eventful trip to Wendover, in the course of which she had to look after two children returning from the hospital in Cincinnati. When she arrived at Wendover, many people were leaving, and she was assuming great and unfamiliar responsibilities. Lewis describes Mary Breckinridge and recounts some of their conversations. She also refers to Breckinridge's father, who conducted various small projects on the grounds and lived at Wendover until his death in 1932. Lewis goes on to discuss the drought and the Great Depression, which occurred in succession. The Red Cross came in at Breckinridge's request and determined allotments to be given to local families. Lewis tells of Breckinridge's fall from a new horse and relates the effects of the accident. Besides her mention of many local people who assisted the FNS, Lewis identifies a number of the FNS staff. She handled the bills owed by the FNS during the 1930s and 1940s and indicates the difficulties faced by the organization during that period, including a flu epidemic and the necessity of cutting nurses' salaries. Lewis comments at length upon the character of the mountain people. She also tells of two near-lawsuits and how they were avoided. In addition, Lewis explains the philosophy behind the regulations observed by the FNS nurses.

Interview LC Subject

Breckinridge's fall from horse Breckinridge's father Children--Health and hygiene--Kentucky Drought--Economic aspects Frontier Nursing Service, Inc. Frontier Nursing Service, inc.--History. Influenza Mary Breckinridge Medical care Mountain people--United States--Public opinion Nursing Red Cross University of Kentucky--Sports--History Volunteers Wendover (Ky.)

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