Interview with Cloyd D. McDowell, April 22, 1989

Interview Summary

In these two interviews (App 225 and App 226), Cloyd McDowell describes his family's involvement in coal mining over three generations. He emphasizes his experiences in Harlan County where he spent many years as the head of the county's coal operators association. McDowell discusses the many other jobs he had with the coal operators association and of national meetings where he met federal officials including President Jimmy Carter. McDowell explains the problems of mining in Harlan and looks ahead to the future of coal in eastern Kentucky. He talks about the leaders in the coal industry in Harlan, Kentucky and provides accounts of his first-hand experiences and impressions of the late John L. Lewis of the United Mine Workers. He describes the quality of state and federal programs, laws, and regulations relating to coal mining. He discusses the impact of foreign competition on eastern Kentucky coal.

Interview Keyword

Coal Operators

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Coal miners Coal mines and mining--Appalachian Region McDowell, Cloyd D., 1914- McDowell, Cloyd D., 1914- --Interviews

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.