Interview with Alben W. Barkley, July 18, 1953

Interview Summary

In this interview, Alben W. Barkley alternates between stories of his childhood in western Kentucky and his experiences as a politician in Washington. He tells of "crawly sugar" in Paducah. He describes Thomas Corwin, an Ohio politician, and discusses an incident with Rene Viviani, the foreign minister of France. Barkley provides some further details of his visit to Europe during World War One, and he recalls seeing the concentrations camps in Europe after World War Two.

Barkley explains that he was born with the name Willie Alben, and discusses his decision to change his name to Alben W. He remembers the first time that he used a telephone. Barkley also discusses his children and the time that he was able to spend with his family during his hectic career.

Interview Keyword

Alben Barkley Government politics Public Policy

Interview LC Subject

Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956 Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956--Interviews United States--Politics and government

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.