Interview with Rufus Fugate, March 20, 1985

Interview Summary

Rufus Fugate has been a county agent in Leslie County, Kentucky since 1957. He was born in Kryton in Perry County, Kentucky in 1932, and attended the University of Kentucky where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He served in the Navy before Paul King, a Perry County extension agent, helped him to apply for a job with the UK Extension Service. In August of 1957, he became Assistant County Agent in Leslie County, Kentucky. Fugate discusses the unique role of an extension agent in a mountainous county. He explains the effect of poor roads on the isolation of the communities. He also describes Judge Wooten, who he sees an influential in the development of Leslie County. In 1958, Fugate was appointed as County Agent in Leslie County.

Fugate discusses some of the projects with which he has been involved including 4-H, the county fair, demonstration gardens, and farm visits. He describes his use of the news media to promote the extension service. He talks about his involvement with the ACIP (Appalachian Community Impact Project), the major goal of which is to use local leaders to get people to become more personally involved. He also describes community development programs through which improvements in the waste and water systems in Leslie County were completed.

Fugate discusses his involvement in state extension council, the Farm Bureau, the UK's College of Agriculture. He provides his opinions of the reclamation of land damaged by strip mining. Fugate discusses his and his daughter's involvement in 4-H, his participation in professional groups such as the State Association of County Agricultural Agents, and dissatisfying and satisfying experiences throughout his career. He talks about his family, his hobbies, and his involvement with the Frontier Nursing Service. He remembers Mary Breckinridge and her interest in conservation. His many awards are also mentioned.

Interview Keyword

Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service University of Kentucky

Interview LC Subject

Agriculture. Fugate, Rufus, 1932- Fugate, Rufus, 1932- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History University of Kentucky. Cooperative Extension Service

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Interview Usage

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