Interview with Kathryn B. Overbeck, July 26, 1986

Interview Summary

Mrs. Overbeck, whose uncle was one of the founders of the town of Lynch, talks extensively about life in the coal camp from the 1920s through the 1940s. She arrived in Lynch in 1923 and took a position with the coal company as a school teacher. Her insights into educating immigrant children are invaluable. Her husband was the personnel director for U.S. Steel at its Lynch operation. Their residence was located on hill that was called "Silk Stocking Row" because it overlooked the coal camp and was where the other company officials lived. Mrs. Overbeck states that company did not discriminate against the immigrants, and that the immigrants got along well with everyone.

Interview Keyword

"silk stocking row" Appalachian Immigrant Community Appalachian Region childhood in coal camps coal camp hotel company store discrimination Education Immigrant Coal Miners Immigrants Lynch Kentucky social life in coal camps

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Appalachian Region--Social conditions Coal miners Coal mines and mining--Appalachian Region Immigrants Overbeck, Kathryn B. Overbeck, Kathryn B.--Interviews

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Interview Usage

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