Interview with John R. Skeese, February 8, 2005
Project: Peace Corps: Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (Kentucky) Oral History Project
Interview Summary
John R. Skeese (Nigeria, 1961-1964; Education Program) discusses his life and educational background both before and after joining the Peace Corps. Skeese describes his service in the Army in the 1950s and his work camp experiences in Spain and Greece before joining the Peace Corps. Skeese talks of his Peace Corps training in Los Angeles. The interviewee discusses being one of the earliest volunteers to enter the Peace Corps and his role as a secondary school teacher in Nigeria. Skeese explains why he decided to participate in an international work camp in Nigeria during his Peace Corps service. Skeese's living situation and adjustment to life in Nigeria are examined. Additionally, Skeese recalls his 30,000 mile journey on a motorcycle in West Africa and describes his post-Peace Corps work at Albert Schweitzer’s hospital in Gabon. Skeese talks of his career and education following his return to the U.S. Skeese then discusses the impact of the Peace Corps upon his family. Skeese explains how the Peace Corps impacted Nigeria and himself personally, including how his worldview was affected by the experience. The interviewee evaluates the overall impact of the Peace Corps. To conclude the interview, Skeese reveals his interest in returning to Nigeria and details the life of his friend Jack.Interview Accession
Interviewee Name
Interviewer Name
Interview Date
Interview Keyword
Education Albert Schweitzer Motorcycles Friends Secondary schools Anoicha North (Nigeria)Interview LC Subject
Nigeria Peace Corps (U.S.)--History Peace Corps (U.S.)--Nigeria Skeese, John R. Skeese, John R.--Interviews Training Peace Corps (U.S.)--History--1960-1969 Education Delta State (Nigeria) Friends' Service Committee Work camps Europe Africa Gabon Catholic schools Hôpital Albert SchweitzerInterview 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.Restriction
Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.
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.
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Skeese, John R. Interview by Jack A. Wilson. 08 Feb. 2005. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
Skeese, J.R. (2005, February 08). Interview by J. A. Wilson. Peace Corps: Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (Kentucky) Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.
Skeese, John R., interview by Jack A. Wilson. February 08, 2005, Peace Corps: Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (Kentucky) Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
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Persistent Link for this Record: https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt754746qj6j