Interview with William C. Bibbs, August 11, 1986

Interview Summary

According to Mr. Bibbs, waiters classify patrons in four classes. The wealthy received extra service, and sometimes cheap whiskey was substituted for more expensive brands. Lafayette Hall was known for the excellence of its prime beef, and Lexington had a reputation as a good gambling town. He refers to the 1930s as the "Dirty Thirties" and recounts tales of off-track gambling operations with their "board boys", "servicemen", and "hand books." Mixing with the wealthy at the restaurants at which he worked, Mr. Bibb learned how to eat good food, drink fine liquor, and wear well-made clothes. He recalls his employment at Watermelon John and African American restaurateur, Holloway Fields.
He discusses the difference between white and African American schools and his educational background, the role of the African ministers and churches within the society, his reaction to the civil rights movement, and his dislike for and involvement with politics. Mr. Bibbs also remembers buying his first house, and his employment as a janitor at the University of Kentucky.

Interview Keyword

African Americans African Americans in Lexington Lexington, Kentucky Race relations

Interview LC Subject

African American families African Americans--Civil rights--Kentucky African Americans--Education--Kentucky--Lexington African Americans--Kentucky--Lexington--Economic conditions African Americans--Race identity. African Americans--Religion African Americans. Bibbs, William C. Bibbs, William C.--Interviews

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.