Interview with R. L. Sanders, December 15, 1978

Interview Summary

Robert Leighton Sanders came to the University of Kentucky in 1918 to join the Students Army Training Corps (SATC) during World War I. The SATC was discharged when the war ended and Sanders chose to return to the university to earn his degree. In this interview he discusses his experiences with the SATC, including his schedule of military training and classes, the barracks where the men lived, and the reactions to the signing of the armistice.

Sanders talks about majoring in engineering and discusses why he switched to economics. He talks about forming a band with his brother, called the Blue and White Orchestra. He talks about performing with the band at various dances and other events on campus as a way to earn money. He talks about joining the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, discusses hazing practices, and talks about his fraternity brother Happy Chandler. He talks about social events on campus, including parties and dances, talks about students' alcohol use during Prohibition, and talks about how activities for students have changed over the years. Sanders discusses students' misbehavior, and a post-game celebration which resulted in the death of a student.

Sanders talks about various professors at the university and their relationships with the students. He describes university president Frank McVey and his wife Frances Jewell. He talks about the role of athletics on campus, how sports have changed over the years, and deaths and injuries that resulted during sporting events.

Interview LC Subject

Sanders, R.L. Sanders, R.L.--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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