Interview with Rodes V. Clark, April 6, 1976

Interview Summary

Rhodes Clark graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1925. Clark grew up in Lexington. His father was a graduate of Transylvania University and taught school in Richmond, Kentucky and in Fayette County, Kentucky. Clark's father later worked for the Burley Tobacco Company. Clark attended Lexington High School, and lived in Lexington with his mother while he was going to UK.

Clark recalls the experience of registration, and states that there were no electives at that time. He describes the "welcoming committee" that clipped his hair so badly that he had to get it shaved. Clark majored in engineering and was a member of the Triangle Fraternity, although he did not join the fraternity until his senior year. He discusses some of the professors he had while at UK including Dean Paul Anderson of the College of Engineering, Professor Freeman, who was Acting Dean, and Pat O'Bannon.

Clark also discusses social activities on campus. He remembers the Freshman-Sophomore tug of war, and he describes The Strollers, a theatre group, and literary societies. He talks about his classes and remembers that he did have trouble in some courses, but states that he was a good listener. He recalls when a member of the football team died after injuries he sustained in a game against the University of Cincinnati. Clark states that he remembers very little drinking on campus, but does recall a bootlegger, who lived on Euclid Avenue. He discusses regulations toward women on campus, and recalls some of the dormitory and sorority rules. Clark talks about dances mentioning the ROTC Ball and the Engineering Ball. He also describes his experiences at class reunions and talks about some of his friends namely Tom Benson, Ralph [Borne], Jim Willis, and Sam Cassidy.

Interview LC Subject

Clark, Rodes V. Clark, Rodes V.--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.