Libraries : University Archives & Records Center



The following oral history interviews are available at the University of Louisville Oral History Center, in the University of Louisville Archives and Records Center (UARC). They may all be accessed on-site in the Archives. For information on visiting UARC, see our Planning a Visit page. If you would like to order a copy (CD, audiocassette tape, or, when available, a transcript), please contact Carrie Daniels, co-director of the Oral History Center by email, or by telephone (502-852-6674). For information on pricing, see our Obtaining Copies page. A few transcripts are available online; you may access those transcripts directly via a link in the entry for the interview.

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Interviews: W


IntervieweeDateInterview Number(s)Summary informationTranscript?InterviewerLength
Wadell, James W.5/20/19851986-125, 1986-126Wadell, the Brown-Forman Director of Statistics and Marketing talks about the distilling industry in general and operations at Brown-Forman. Also talks about DISCUS and its research effort.NoSyvertsen, Thomas H.120 min.
Wagner, Fran6/23/19901990-88-26Discusses her personal gain and training in the League of Women Voters, her level of involvement and her participation in the strong committee system which she considered the backbone of the organization.NoTheriot, Janice50 min.
Wagner, Bertha8/22/19841986-16The narrator was born and live in Butchertown all her life, from 1909 to present (1984).NoMandlebaum, Helen30 min.
Wainwright, Sandra3/16/20002002-1-128, 2002-1-129Civil Rights movement in LouisvilleYesK'Meyer, Tracy120 min.
Walker, Mary Rush Lynch11/30/19881989-26-18, 1989-26-19Narrator talks about her autobiography.NoWhite, Ethel120 min.
Walker, Thomas, III5/28/19851986-131Walker discusses his personal history in conjunction with his long career in the distillery business. The focus of the interview is on the Old Yellowstone Distillery, cooperage and union issues.NoSyversten, Thomas H.60 min.
Wallace, David4/24/19891990-122-59, 1990-122-60Theatregoer and member of Actors Associates in 1980s. Wallace's interview covers the Actors Associates' volunteer responsibilities.NoWard, Teka100 min.
Wallace, Henry7/30/1978594, 595Henry Wallace was born to Augusta Graham French Wallace and Tom Wallace, a former editor of the Louisville Courier-Journal, in 1915. He attended the University of Louisville, but graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1938 with an AB in history and political science. After college Wallace worked for the Lexington Leader. He later worked for papers in Ohio and Puerto Rico. Wallace served in military intelligence early in World War II, but in 1943 he began a hitch in the Merchant Marine which lasted until the end of the war. In 1948 Wallace went to Cuba, where he worked for the Havana Daily Post and the Havana Herald, English-language newspapers. While in Cuba, Wallace also did free-lance photographic work for Life magazine. He later worked for Time as a full-time reporter, covering Paris, Tangiers, and the Middle East. Wallace returned to Louisville in 1956 to manage his family's farm near Prospect. After the death of his parents, Wallace became active in civil rights, working for passage of public accommodations and open housing ordinances in Louisville.YesChumbley, Kenneth90 min.
Wallen, Betty7/29/19891989-130-22Past president of Kentucky Federation of Women's Clubs.NoOlympia, Lynn60 min.
Waller, Herbert S. (Dr.)4/28/19921992-102-15Jewish Community Center/Temple Adath IsraelNoBronner, Betty60 min.
Waller, Madison Rex6/5/1980845, 846Came to position at L&N by acquaintance with Mr. Kendall at the Pennsylvania RR. At L&N, organized advanced program maintenance and capital expenditure; reorganized accounting dept.; started public relations. Discussion of the Osborn Yard in Louisville. Osborn Yard and South Louisville Shops. Mergers: their positive and negative aspects. A more detailed summary of this interview is available on the L&N Oral History page.YesBobo, Mary120 min.
Walls, John H.7/18/1977396-397Dr. Walls discusses practicing medicine in the black community in Louisville from 1918 until his retirement. He recounts his work with the Falls City Medical Society, Red Cross Hospital, and the integration of the Jefferson County Medical Society in 1953.NoCox, Dwayne120 min.
Walls, Murray7/27/1977398-399Mrs. Walls discusses her efforts to integrate the Louisville Free Public Library during the early 1930s, her work with civil rights organization in the city, and her general impressions of race relations and civil rights developments in Louisville from the 1940s to the time of the interview.YesCox, Dwayne120 min.
Walters, Arthur11/17/19992002-1-130, 2002-1-131Civil Rights movement in LouisvilleYesK'Meyer, Tracy90 min.
Walters, Arthur6/14/1977344, 345Mr. Walters was an Executive Director of the Urban League of Louisville. He discusses his early life and education; his twenty-year career in the Army; his experiences and views on integration; and his work with the Urban League.YesStaiger, Charles70 min.
Walters, Katie19931993-106-6Mrs. Katie Walters was born in Highland Park in 1907 and lived there until the airport expansion bought up the land. She and her husband raised their only child there, and they all attended the same school, James Russell Lowell School. Their grandchildren also attended the school. Grandparents, aunts and uncles also lived close by. Alvin Walters came to Highland Park from elsewhere in Kentucky when he was 11 years old. He eventually worked for the L&N Railroad, as did his father and many other men in the neighborhood. This interview is about the Walters' life in Highland Park, and touches on the 1937 Flood.Gossett, Diane25 min.
Walton, Harold W.3/17/1977305Louisville during the Depression. Walton, who was a stock broker and then a banker, discusses his recollections of the Depression.YesShirrel, Mitchel J.no tape
Ward, Alexander Allen1/1/19881990-122-61Public relations intern Actors Theatre of Louisville, 1983-1984 season. Work as intern included helping compile an ATL production history (1964-1985). At the time of the interview, lived and worked in New York City for Joseph Papp's New YorkNoWard, Teka50 min.
Ward, Bill10/12/19891991-74-10, 1991-74-11Local minor league baseballNoButler, Bill?60 min.
Warheim, Hal8/6/19992002-1-132, 2002-1-133, 2002-1-134Civil Rights movement in LouisvilleYesK'Meyer, Tracy180 min.
Warns, Carl, Jr.7/1/19801981-93This interview was conducted by Mr. Yater for an article that appeared September, 1980 in Louisville Magazine.NoYater, George60 min.
Warns, Carl11/26/19841986-55, 1986-56Warns was a lawyer with Seagrams Distillery from 1939 to 1941; he talks about his work in personnel and industrial relations; labor law was it applies to the distilling industry; and gives his view of the Wilkie family and Fred Wilkie in particular; Warns was a professor of law at the University of Louisville at the time of the interview.NoSyvertsen, Thomas H.120 min.
Warren, Hazel H.2/7/19891989-69-22, 1989-69-23, 1989-69-24Past President Buechel Women's Club.NoOlympia, Lynn150 min.
Warren, Hazel H.5/23/19891989-130-23Buechel Woman's Club history.NoOlympia, Lynn60 min.
Waters, Ann6/14/19851986-29The narrator was born on the Point, she had "Mom and Pop" store on Story Avenue for 20 years. Now 84 years old and a member of Wesley Community House.NoMandlebaum, Helen30 min.
Wathen, J.B., III.3/1/19851986-108, 1986-109A taped concerning the distilling industry, including information regarding the American Medicinal Spirits Company and National Distillers; also discusses the distillers role during World War II and Kentucky's whisky production tax.NoSyvertsen, Thomas H.60 min.
Watkins, Ada7/11/1977369Mrs. Watkins is a longtime resident of the Parkland area. Her life, family, education and remembrances of the Parkland area are discussed.NoBruggman, Marsha21 min.
Watkins, John11/19/19811982-36A glossary of racetrack terms and a time index are included. Mr. Watkins is a trainer and he relates what life is like on the backstretch. Superstitions, remedies, and his views and memories are discussed.NoStarr, Claudia60 min.
Watson, James A.8/11/19871987-61 through 1987-64The narrator was raised and has resided in the Camp Taylor area. He remembers the area prior to, during, and after the abandonment of Camp Zachary Taylor.NoHolmberg, James J.210 min.
Watson, Sylvia12/8/19811984-27A District Commissioner on her views as of the date of the interview.NoGrube, Joanne60 min.
Watson, Sylvia1/18/1979939County Commissioner Watson discusses women in politics.NoWilliams, Cassandra60 min.
Wayne, Lewis10/17/1974241, 242A personal history from 1906 - 1930. Wayne, who was raised on an Indiana farm, discusses education, farm life and his general recollections.YesKrawzky, Douglas120 min.
Weatherholt, Mr & Mrs.11/10/1979940, 941The narrators discuss their personal and family history, including experiences during the Great Depression.NoWeatherholt, Mark120 min.
Weaver, Frank3/21/20052005-30-1Veterans History ProjectNoVan Daalen, Cherylvideotape; unknown
Webb, J. Edward [Edwin?]10/01/20042005-87-25Former executive director of the Frazier International History Museum.NoFoley, Susan18 min.
Webb, Justine1/18/19891989-69-25, 1989-69-26President St. Matthews Woman's Club.NoOlympia, Lynn90 min.
Weiker, Clemens J.10/20/19771987-73, 1987-74Reverend Weiker was born and raised in Schnitzelburg. He grew up near Camp Zachary Taylor and visited it. He returned in the late 1940's to the Camp Taylor area to found St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church.NoHolmberg, James J.90 min.
Weisberg, Frank12/10/19901991-129-33Born, 1942; parents both born in Louisville. Earliest recollections: Barret Avenue, early life in the Center, Resnick AZA, YMHA, schools: Fern Creek High (8 Jewish people); Hebrew School; JCC - integral part in life of his time.NoPressma, Naomi60 min.
Weisberg, Millie4/25/1977474The narrator discusses the Anshei Sfard congregation, the Jewish neighborhood around Seventh Street, the Kosher Home, and Hadassah.NoKoby, Laura60 min.
Weiss, Evelyn2/28/1979730Weiss discusses her family and life in Louisville, Kentucky, and Mobile, Alabama. Recollections include growing up in Mobile; marrying and moving to Louisville; Jewish refugees during the 1930s and Russian Jewish refugees during the 1970s; changing Jewish neighborhoods in Louisville; her husband's involvement in the Kentucky Heart Association; and the donation of his rare book collection to the Kornhauser Health Sciences Library at the University of Louisville.NoBobo, Mary60 min.
Welch, Charlesno date949The narrator discusses his career in real estate; his early position on the Chamber of Commerce; his position as Executive Director of the Louisville Board of Realtors; and the changes in the Board of Realtors over the years.NoHess, Pam60 min.
Weller, Dick and Cynthia1/23/20082008-28-11Former owners and descendeants of the original owners of Burwinkle-Hendershot Co. describe the history of the company and of the buildings that they have occupied at 125-127 W. Main Street for 65 years.NoFoley, Susan57:06
Weller, Nellie B.4/13/1979942The narrator discusses the nursing profession in Kentucky.NoThomas, Edna60 min.
Wells, Raymond12/1/1979943History of Wells and Gideon Families.NoHart, Will60 min.
Welsh, Mrs. Arthur6/2/19891989-130-24, 1989-130-25Crescent Hill Woman's Club history.NoOlympia, Lynn120 min.
Werst, John J., III1/14/20082008-28-12Current owner of Plumbers Supply at E. Main and Wenzel Streets discussses his family's ownership of that business at that location from the 1920s until the present.NoFoley, Susan29:04 min.
Wesley, Alice C. (Koch)5/23/20042004-106-16Veterans History ProjectNoVermeesch, Stephanievideotape; unknown
Wesley, E. Harris and Carolyn10/02/20042005-87-18Owners of properties at 213 W. Market and 445 W. Market talk about the histories of their businesses.NoWilson, Jennifer19 min.
Wesley, Steve3/17/20042004-49-25Veterans History ProjectNoKim Kaysvideotape; unknown
Westerman, Ed6/28/20042004-106-17Veterans History ProjectNoWard, Josephvideotape; unknown
Weston, Gerry D.12/6/19881989-29-24Narrator, general manager radio stations, talks about Louisville public libraries.NoMiller, Barbara60 min.
Wethington, George8/20/19891990-122-62Staff member, Actors Theatre of Louisville. Wethington's interview covers his work for ATL in the 1980s.NoWard, Teka50 min.
Whitaker, William T.2/5/20042004-88-20Veterans History ProjectNoEiden, Robinvideotape; unknown
White, Gerald8/29/20002002-1-137, 2002-1-138Civil Rights movement in Louisville. Interviewee restricts use to educational purposes.YesK'Meyer, Tracy120 min.
White, Larry F., Sr.5/24/1977, 6/24/1977357, 358Mr. White discusses his family history as well as the history of the family business, White Printing Co. He also describes the black business district on Walnut Street in the 1950s. He gives his opinions on the problems and the future of black owned business district before Urban Renewal.NoStaiger, Charles69 min.
White, Owen1/22/1980814, 815White was an L&N track man from 1926 until 1928. He rejoined the L&N in 1948. He talked with President Truman about problems of segregation during his presidential campaign. Discusses experiences pre-integration and events on the day Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Examples of interesting opportunities, including taking players to Master's Tournament in Augusta, GA. Discusses his son's experiences with integration at Male High School in Louisville, as well as his broader sense of the possiblities of black power in relations with whites. A more detailed summary of this interview is available on the L&N Oral History page.YesBobo, Mary120 min.
White, Robert Calvin2/14/1980816, 817White discusses the circumstances surrounding his employment at L&N, where he started working on the L&N diners. Discusses nuts and bolts of cooking and working on the diners. Describes special runs such as trips to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and Chamber of Commerce trips to eastern and western Kentucky. Later attached to executive office, worked as porter by night to be free for private cars in the daytime. White also worked at the Murphy House and describes his experiences working there. A more detailed summary of this interview is available on the L&N Oral History page.YesBobo, Mary120 min.
White, Robert F.6/27/1977362, 363Mr. White is the originator of the White Printing Company and is the father of Larry F. White, Sr. He discusses his education and Graphic Art and his dreams of being an Architect never being fulfilled. Family history, his career and the black business diNoStaiger, Charles90 min.
White, Theo8/21/1979774Theo White discusses the founding of a furrier business in Louisville by his grandfather and great uncles in 1837; the running of the business by his father; his experiences as a grader of pelts; his service as a first lieutenant in World War I; workYesFrederick, Olivia60 min.
Whitehead, Neil with Whitehead, Eleanor2/10/19871987-11Mr. Whitehead was a student in high school at the time of the flood and recalls not being able to finish his paper route because of the flood. He remembers refugees in the warehouses around U of L, unloading bags of grain at the Reynolds Building, and the New Jersey State Police directing traffic.NoOlympia, Lynn60 min.
Whitfield, Margaret P.7/26/19891989-130-26Shively Woman's Club history.NoOlympia, Lynn60 min.
Whitney, Grace with Van Hoose, Richard1/1/1970614Side II: "In Retrospect: Program IV", a former conductor of the Louisville Orchestra and Dean of the School of Music at the University of Louisville interviews Grace Whitney and Richard Van Hoose regarding the history of the Louisville Orchestra. A WUOL radio program.NoWhitney, Robert30 min.
Whitney, Robert S.1/28/1970, 2/19/1970, 7/1/197125, 29, 30, 31, 32The former conductor of the Louisville Orchestra discusses music and its history in Louisville.YesBerry, Charles300 min.
Whitsett, W. Gavin11/14/1979988Whitsett worked as a Miami City ticket agent in 1928 - Atlantic Coast Line & Seaboard Coast Line. Promoted to city passenger agent in 1929 in New York City. After college, worked with the Peninsula & Occidental Ship Line in Havana, Cuba for 8 years. Mr. Davies, President Atlantic Coast Line, offered job in Wilmington, NC. Became General Passenger Agent to New Orleans in July 1942. Discusses changes to diesel, efforts to save passenger service. Discussion of the Budd car, which Whitsett saw as a possible answer, but which was resisted by labor unions. A more detailed summary of this interview is available on the L&N Oral History page.YesBobo, Mary60 min.
Wickliffe, Frances D.4/8/19931993-51-26Ms. Wickliffe graduated from the University of Kentucky law school in 1946.Bean, Kathleen60 min.
Wieland, Raymond2/9/19911991-74-12Local minor league baseballNoButler, Bill60 min.
Wiggins, C.N.1/18/1980812, 813Wiggins began as an apprentice with L&N and rose through the ranks to Vice-President, Operation. Loyalty to steam and threat to coal interest as the diesels took hold. South Louisville Shops. Discusses modernization and introduction of new technologies. A more detailed summary of this interview is available on the L&N Oral History page.YesBobo, Mary120 min.
Wilder, Brit8/16/19861987-44Tape discusses growing up in Appalachia. For summary, see report in 1987-35's file.NoTodd, M. Loraine60 min.
Wilding, Pat3/8/1989, 3/9/19891989-69-27, 1989-69-28President Meadow Heights Woman's Club.NoOlympia, Lynn90 min.
Wile, Naomi11/18/1977520NoAbrams, Marie60 min.
Willenbrink, Dick04/27/20072007-117-8Grandson and son of the owners of Sutcliffe's and a partner himself until the business was sold, discusses heir presence on 4th Street, 7th Street and Main Street from circa 1910 until 1967.NoFoley, Susan50 min.
Williams, Aubrey5/17/20002002-1-135, 2002-1-136Civil Rights movement in LouisvilleYesK'Meyer, Tracy90 min.
Williams, BillMarch 13, 30082008-28-13Retired vice-president of Hillerich and Bradsby, gives a colorful background history of the company from the late 19th century until the present.NoFoley, Susan71:55 min.
Williams, Harriet11/29/19821984-24Summary available in interview folder.NoMartin, Karen L.60 min.
Williams, Margaret2/27/19891989-69-29Meadow Heights Woman's Club.NoOlympia, Lynn60 min.
Williams, Mary Alice7/30/19821982-110, 1982-111Mary Alice Williams began her career with the Courier-Journal and Louisville Times as a library clerk in the clippings room. Her entire career was spent in the library. She retired as the manager of library reference services in June 1980.NoBobo, Mary90 min.
Williams, Mary Ed2/27/19891989-44-1Williams discusses her youth, and the Army during World War I. Focus is on her dealings with Savoy Theatre in Louisville.NoTom Owen60 min.
Williams, Mary T.11/20/1974234Williams narrates her early memories of growing up in Kentucky.YesNitsche, James 60 min.
Williams, Roberta3/18/19881989-29-11Narrator, director of Louisville Art Gallery, talks about Louisville public libraries.NoOlympia, Lynn60 min.
Willig, Winston Armin2/12/19851985-8W. Armin Willig is a retired Louisville businessman. He joined the Bernheim Foundation Board of Trustees on October 1970. Willig was on the Board at the time of this interview and has served as vice-president (1973-1975) and president (1975-1977). Summary available.NoHolmberg, James J.60 min.
Wilson, William R.Jan-77284Discusses the In-School Security Program under the Jefferson County Board of Education. Wilson was superintendent of the program, which consisted of security guards in the schools as well as investigators.NoAde, Nancy60 min.
Winlock, Bob3/31/2001?2001-1Civil Rights Movement in LouisvilleYesK'Meyer, Tracy
Wittenbaum, Tobie & Friedman, Mutzie1/25/19911992-102-16, 1992-102-17Jewish Community interviewsNoBronner, Betty60 min.
Wolfe, Walter4/13/1977294Pro-choice movement in Louisville.NoRobinson, Susie60 min.
Wolff, Denise7/12/1978466The narrator discusses her original home in Herganeau, Alsace-Lorraine; her education at the College Les Jeunes Filles; World War I; her husband, a reservist in the French Army; flight through Spain and Portugal to the United States following the rise of Nazi Germany; impressions of America; and her refugee work in Louisville.NoChumbley, Kenneth60 min.
Wolkow, Sarah12/14/1978691Mrs. Leo Wolkow discusses her childhood in New York City; her parents, who were Polish immigrants; her husband's work with F. Wolkow and Sons; recollections of the depression of the 1930s and World War II; the creation of Israel following the War; and changes in the Jewish community in Louisville.NoChumbley, Kenneth30 min.
Womack, Mark1/30/19811981-98, 1981-99Mr. Womack worked for many years for the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway before it was merged with the L&N Railroad. He is an expert on operating rules for the Family Lines and serves as Superintendent: Rules, Safety & Rules Compliance. Tape has interference that hinders the sound quality.YesMcConnell, Sherrill120 min.
Womack, Mark3/11/19811981-100This interview covers Womack's return to full-time work after college on G.I. Bill. From 1949-1953, he was an operator in various locations in Alabama and Tennessee and an official in 1953. Discusses the 1955 Strike and the merger with L&N in 1957.YesMcConnell, Sherrill60 min.
Wood, Agnes8/23/19891989-130-27Southland Woman's Club history.NoOlympia, Lynn60 min.
Woods, Cecil2/2/1978442, 443Woods, owner of a barber shop in the 1200 block of old Walnut Street from the 1940s until the area's destruction in the 1960s, discusses his personal history and experiences as a business man in the Walnut Street area.NoChumbley, Penny85 min.
Wright, Audrey A.4/27/19821989-45-2Describes her life in the Tyler Park and Highlands neighborhoods. Summary availableNoMcElderry, Andrea60 min.
Wurtenberg, Lorraine6/27/19901990-88-27Discusses her activities, League of Women Voters organization, past controversies and the current state of the League membership.NoTheriot, Janice45 min.
Wurtenberg, Oscar6/28/20042004-77-9Veterans History ProjectNoCarter, RBvideotape; 35 min
Wyatt, Wilson W. (Wilson Watkins), (1905- )5/12/19811981-116Wyatt has served as counsel and member of the Board of Directors of the Courier-Journal and Louisville Times Company. Since becoming a member of the law firm of Peter, Heyburn, Marshall, and Wyatt in 1937. The present name of Wyatt's firm is Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs. Due to the confidential nature of much of the legal relationship with the Bingham enterprises this interview deals with background knowledge of the role of this industry on the local, state and national scene.YesBobo, Mary60 min.
Wyatt, Wilson W. (Wilson Watkins), (1905- )9/6/1977375Mr. Wyatt served as Mayor of Louisville and Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky. He discusses his involvement on Louisville World War II Rationing Board, which was the only integrated Rationing Board anywhere in the United States. He discusses how this was worked out for the members of the Board and the community.YesStaiger, Charles11 min.
Wyatt, Wilson W. (Wilson Watkins), (1905- )3/22/19881989-29-19Narrator, former Mayor of Louisville, talks about Louisville public libraries.NoOlympia, Lynn50 min.
Wyatt, Wilson W. (Wilson Watkins), (1905- )7/29/1976172Recollections of the University of Louisville from 1949 to 1951. Wyatt served on the Board of Trustees of the University at that time.NoMorison, William J., Dwayne Cox and Wellyn Collins.60 min.
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