Interview with Mary Stewart, January 15, 1980

Interview Summary

Throughout the course of Mary Stewart's childhood, she learned about the Frontier Nursing Service. Her grandmother, Anna Richardson, was a close friend to the founder of the organization, Mary Breckinridge. When Stewart was a young woman, she was sent to Wendover, Kentucky to volunteer for the FNS. She spent the majority of her time alongside other volunteers in the barn. Stewart would wake up each morning and perform all of the chores that needed to be done that particular day. While it was a rather messy occupation, she was grateful for the opportunity because she was able to contribute to the greater good. Following her time with the FNS, Stewart went on to work for the Red Cross for the military. She taught soldiers how to read and write so that they could send letters home during their time overseas. Stewart stuck with volunteering her entire life because it fulfilled her to be able to impact others, no matter how large or small.

Interview Keyword

Appalachia Childbirth Children FNS courier in early 1940s Kentucky Mary Stewart Nurses Ohio Transportation Wendover (Ky.)

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Appalachian Region--Social conditions Breckinridge, Mary, 1881-1965 Family history Farm life--Appalachian Region Frontier Nursing Service, Inc. Medical care Nursing Rural conditions

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Interview Usage

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