Interview with Ruth G. Kiser, July 21, 1988

Interview Summary

Ruth Kiser was born in the town of Quicksand in Breathitt County, Kentucky in 1922. In 1930, her family moved to Millstone, Kentucky at the Southeast Coal Company coal camp. She remembers a very strict mining community led by the superintendent of Millstone. She describes the superintendent's family, and a strict class division as the superintendent's children did not play with the other children in town. She states that life became much better when Henry LaViers took over the mine.

Kiser discusses the Great Depression and recalls that her father worked for $3 a day but only one or two days a week. She recalls what the children did for fun at Millstone, and describes the school she attended. Her mother worked in the school lunchroom that was funded by the government. Kiser also remembers visits by the state health department.

Kiser recalls when a church was began in Millstone and the many changes that the town underwent throughout the years. She also describes the company doctor and the unionization of the mines. Ruth Kiser and her husband left Millstone in 1981 to be closer to their children.

Interview Keyword

Appalachian People Appalachian social issues authoritarianism class divisions Coal Mining Dr. B.F. Wright gender roles Great Depression Harry LaViers Sr. homebrew Letcher County Millstone, Kentucky Southeast Coal Company wages in 1930s Women Coal Miners womens' role in coal camps

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Kiser, Ruth G., 1922- Kiser, Ruth G., 1922- --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.