Interview with Harry M. Caudill, April 1, 1981

Interview Summary

Professor Caudill of the University of Kentucky recalls his relationship and observations of former governor of Kentucky, A. B. "Happy" Chandler, beginning with Chandler's first gubernatorial campaign. He discusses Chandler winning the 1935 gubernatorial campaign but losing the 1938 Senatorial election. He discusses some of the controversies surrounding Chandler's terms in office, as well as his political opponents and enemies. He talks about the building of the Albert B. Chandler Hospital at the University of Kentucky, the desegregation of Kentucky public schools, and the Harlan County War, which happened during Chandler's first administration. Caudill speaks highly of Chandler's accomplishments and attributes and compares him to other politicians.

Interview Keyword

Albert Benjamin "Happy" Chandler Politics and government United States politicians Politics Accusations Oppositions Civil service Controversy Baseball commissioners Albert B. Chandler Hospital Harlan County (Ky.) Environmental protection--Kentucky Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956 Rhea, Thomas Stockdale, 1871-1946 Clements, Earle C. (Earle Chester), 1896-1985

Interview LC Subject

Caudill, Harry M., 1922-1990 Caudill, Harry M., 1922-1990--Interviews Chandler, Happy, 1898-1991 Kentucky--Politics and government Kentucky. Governor (1935-1939 : Chandler) Kentucky. Governor (1955-1959 : Chandler) Politicians--United States United States--Politics and government Governors--Kentucky Governors--Election Democratic Party (Ky.) Political campaigns--Kentucky Coal mines and mining--Kentucky--Letcher County Letcher County (Ky.) Appalachians (People)--Kentucky--Social conditions Coal mines and mining--Government policy Poverty--Appalachian Region United States. Congress. Senate. Kentucky--Elections United States. Congress--Elections African Americans--Race identity. Medical education--Kentucky--Lexington--History Academic medical centers--Kentucky--Lexington Health facilities--Kentucky--Lexington Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka School integration African Americans--Segregation African Americans--Social conditions.

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.