Interview with W. C. H. Wood, October 7, 1991

Interview Summary

Wood describes Kentucky's history with hemp and its many uses. He goes on to talk about the different areas of hemp production during the different seasons. He describes the reemergence of hemp during World War II due to its many potential uses (e.g. rope, tow, and line) and the shortage of other fibers. He goes on to talk about the cultivation and distribution process of the hemp from his family farm in Frankfort. He describes the mechanization of the hemp breaking process. He describes his family's way of growing hemp versus the government's way of growing hemp. After the last of the hemp was used for the war effort, Wood describes the transition back to livestock, tobacco, grain and hay.

Interview Keyword

Hemp production Heritage farms Hemp World War II War effort Marijuana Agricultural extension agents

Interview LC Subject

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

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.