Interview with David K. Blythe, April 8, 1989

Interview Summary

David K. Blythe, at the time of this interview, a University of Kentucky professor of Engineering, was born in Georgetown, Kentucky in 1917 where his father worked as a farmer. His father died when he was a small child, and Blythe recalls his mother's struggles to keep the family financially viable. Blythe explains what it was like growing up in Georgetown in the 1920s and 1930s. He talks about his schooling and his early interest in math. He states that in high school one of his teachers would tutor him in geometry after school which helped him to win a state math contest.

Upon graduation from high school, Blythe had planned to enter the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) when he learned that he had won a scholarship to Georgetown College. Blythe enrolled at Georgetown in the pre-engineering program. He did so well that he was urged to go to the University of Kentucky to complete his degree. He states that he was fortunate enough to receive a job through the National Youth Association (NYA) to help him pay his tuition at UK. He describes his job in the janitorial department of the university and his involvement with the Pershing Rifles.

Blythe talks about some of his favorite professors including Professor Daniel Voiers Terrell and Professor Robert E. Shaver. Blythe became a surveying instructor before he graduated from UK. He describes the research that the engineering department did for the Commonwealth of Kentucky which allowed him and other students to make some extra money. Upon graduation, Blythe took a job doing civil engineering working for the Kentucky Forestry Service in Harlan County and he discusses his adjustment to this new atmosphere.

Interview LC Subject

Blythe, David K., 1917- Blythe, David K., 1917- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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