Interview with Cecil C. Carpenter, April 6, 1989

Interview Summary

In this interview with Dr. Cecil Carpenter, he recounts his high school days, and then delves into his college years at the University of Kentucky. He talks about some of the professors that he had in school and recalls observing the way classes were taught at the University of Kentucky. He describes teaching classes at the University of Illinois. Carpenter also discusses his relationship with the State Banker's Association and explains how the Kentucky Bankers Seminars began.

Carpenter remembers many important events that occurred during his life, such as the stock market crash of 1929, the great flood in 1937, the building of Memorial Hall on UK's campus, and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Carpenter then describes some of the changes that came about during World War II. He also lists some of his honors, titles, and boards that he served on. He talks about positions he held such as Administer of the Student Loan Fund. Carpenter then describes some of the presidents at the University of Kentucky from McVey to Cooper and Donovan, as well as some of the faculty with whom he worked.

Dr. Carpenter repeatedly refers to Dean Weast of the business school, and describes the difficulty they faced in recruiting faculty. He talks briefly about his wife and son; she was a high school teacher but then became a homemaker after the birth of their son. Carpenter finishes the interview by telling where he lived in both Lexington and Jessamine County, and he names and describes some of his neighbors.

Interview LC Subject

Carpenter, Cecil Clayton, 1904- Carpenter, Cecil Clayton, 1904- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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.