Interview with James W. Martin, February 18, 1981

Interview Summary

In this interview with James W. Martin, former director of the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Kentucky, Martin discusses the effects of World War II on many aspects of society. He talks about how the war affected Kentucky's economy, as well as the economy of all of the Southern states. He discusses how the war affected the Bureau of Business Research, and talks about the University of Kentucky's lack of preparation for the influx of students returning after the end of the war.

Martin discusses at length the issues he found with tax administration in Kentucky, focusing primarily on property tax. He talks about property tax discrimination and the number of properties in Kentucky illegally listed as being tax exempt. He talks about conducting financial studies for the city of Louisville, as well as other cities throughout Kentucky, and discusses his findings. He talks about being a consultant for various politicians, including Mayor Charles Farnsley and Governor Earle Clements.

Interview Keyword

Clements, Earle C. (Earle Chester), 1896-1985 College teachers--Rating of. Farnsley, Charles P. (Charles Rowland Peaslee), 1907-1990 National Tax Association Property tax. Tax Institute of America Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972 United States--Economic conditions--1945- United States--Economic policy Universities and colleges--Administration. Universities and colleges--Faculty. Universities and colleges--Research University of Kentucky Bureau of Business Research Wetherby, Lawrence W. (Lawrence Winchester), 1908- World War, 1939-1945--Veterans.

Interview LC Subject

Louisville (Ky.) Martin, James Walter, 1893-1990 Martin, James Walter, 1893-1990--Interviews Politicians Politics and government Taxation--Law and legislation--Kentucky University of Kentucky--History World War, 1939-1945.

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.