Interview with William A. Begley, October 30, 1985

Interview Summary

William A. Begley talks about how he first met Father Beiting through a mutual friend. Father Beiting explained his work with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), which intrigued Begley. Begley talks about visiting CAP and his decision to accept a job offer there on the retail store development project. Begley talks about the various projects and programs that CAP was involved with when he arrived in 1971. He mentions CAP's summer camps, used clothing stores, ice cream shops, and other businesses. Begley talks about the various businesses and programs at Christian Appalachian Project's Camp Nelson. He talks about the hopes of Camp Nelson becoming a tourist site until a flood in 1978 destroyed much of the property. He talks about some of their successful economic development programs, including a dairy farm, sawmill, woodworking shop, and more. Begley talks about how CAP began moving its direct mail campaign production more in-house in the 1970s. He talks about their approach and philosophy regarding their direct mail campaigns and how he tried to make it more positive. Begley talks about how CAP gave him an impression of financial insecurity when he arrived in 1971. Begley describes his relationship with Father Beiting, especially as a non-Catholic. He tells a few stories that demonstrate Father Beiting's personality, some of their disagreements, and Father Beiting's tendency to disregard regulations.

Interview Keyword

Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) Finances Fundraising Camp Nelson Father Ralph W. Beiting Father Beiting Income Budgets Donations The Attic Used clothing stores Retail division managers Retail store development projects Businesses Economic development programs Direct mail campaigns

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Appalachian Region--Social conditions Begley, William A. Begley, William A.--Interviews Christian Appalachian Project Social service, Rural Appalachian Region--Economic conditions. Communities. Community Community development. Community involvement Community-based family services. Community-based social services. Culture. Kentucky. Lifestyles. Nonprofit organizations. Poverty--Appalachian Region Rural conditions. Financials Fund raising.

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

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