Interview with Albert B. "Happy" Chandler, December 6, 1976

Interview Summary

Former Kentucky governor Albert B. Chandler is interviewed by Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) graduate student, Barry Peel, about former president of EKU Robert R. Martin. Chandler recalls Martin's time on his administration's cabinet as the head of public education and their various agreements and disagreements about public education financing. Chandler recalls how he supported public school integration in Kentucky and used military power to force opposing Kentucky counties into complying. Chandler talks about how Martin fused his political ambitions with his career and education and the issues which arose with that fusion. He discusses the various public universities in Kentucky who attempted to have a graduate school to rival the University of Kentucky. He compares Robert Martin to various other Kentucky college presidents and evaluates the merits and demerits of Martin, based on his experiences with him. Chandler discusses their overall positive personal relationship, despite their political differences.

Interview Keyword

Albert Benjamin "Happy" Chandler Bob Martin Politics and government United States Politicians Martin, Robert R. Education budgets Political reputations Education funding Public education Kentucky integration Democrats State debts Politics in education College protests Personal contributions Kentucky universities Kentucky lobbyists Political relationships Prichard, Edward F. University of Kentucky graduate studies University politics

Interview LC Subject

Chandler, Happy, 1898-1991 Kentucky--Politics and government Kentucky. Governor (1935-1939 : Chandler) Kentucky. Governor (1955-1959 : Chandler) Martin, Robert R. Martin, Robert R.--Interviews Politicians--United States United States--Politics and government Eastern Kentucky University College presidents Chandler, Happy, 1898-1991--Interviews School integration Education and state Education--Finance--Kentucky Education--Kentucky Politicians--Kentucky Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Combs, Bert T., 1911-1991 University of Kentucky. Medical Center Sales tax--Law and legislation--Kentucky Nunn, Louie Broady, 1924-2004 Clements, Earle C. (Earle Chester), 1896-1985 Elections--Corrupt practices Educational law and legislation--Kentucky Education, Higher Education--Political aspects

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.