Interview with Amelia Ligon Harkey, May 16, 1991

Interview Summary

Amelia Ligon Harkey was born in Owensboro, Kentucky in 1913. Her father was a high school science teacher. Her father succeeded Cotton Noe as Head of the University Training School at the University of Kentucky in 1913, and then the family moved to Henderson, Kentucky in 1919 when her father became Superintendent in Henderson, Kentucky. Her father later became principal of a high school in Ashland, Kentucky. Harkey talks about her family, and a family farm outside of Owensboro where she would spend the summer. She describes her mother as "a most unusual woman" who invested in the stock market successfully, loved to teach, and earned her master's degree from UK. Harkey was among the first graduating class from Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky. She recalls that Jacqueline Bull, the first head of UK's Special Collections, was in her class. Harkey recalls she entered the University of Kentucky when she was sixteen years old, and attended the university while living at home. She pledged Kappa Delta sorority and "socialized a lot" her freshman year. She recalls that although she majored in home economics, she was really interested in journalism, but even "more interested in boys." Harkey talks about several instructors and fellow students. Harkey worked briefly at the UK Agricultural Experiment Station, but states that she did not want to teach. Harkey remembers her father's friendship with Ezra Gillis, UK's first Registrar. Harkey reminisces at length about President Herman L. Donovan, and his wife, Nell, who were her aunt and uncle. She talks about family picnics, teas and receptions at Maxwell Place, as well as a visit by Eleanor Roosevelt. Harkey mentions controversy over Lincoln bedroom furniture used by the Donovans at Maxwell Place because the furniture was not given to UK. Harkey married in 1935, and moved to Tennessee. Harkey was a homemaker for many years, and states that she never wanted to work outside of the home. She talks about her family and her return to Lexington after she divorced.

Interview Keyword

Henry Clay High School Lexington Cemetery Nell Donovan Dr. Herman Donovan Eleanor Roosevelt Mother-daughter relationships Divorces Marriage Greek letter societies

Interview LC Subject

Harkey, Amelia Ligon, 1913- Harkey, Amelia Ligon, 1913- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History College environment College students--Attitudes College students--Conduct of life College students--Social conditions University of Kentucky. College of Home Economics Youth Families Childhood Lexington (Ky.) Family history Gender roles College administrators Universities and colleges--Administration College presidents

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.