Interview with Raymond H. Abbott, November 8, 1992

Interview Summary

Abbott's family history, educational background, and childhood are discussed. Then, Abbott's time at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and volunteer service within the AmeriCorps VISTA program are both explored. The interviewee's South Dakota experiences are shared, as well as a discussion of his novel called "That Day in Gordon." Influential writers upon Abbott, coupled with experiences on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, and Paha Saba (The Black Hills) are deliberated. Abbot's work history is revealed including his work with the Teacher Corps in Appalachia during the 1960s and a social work position at the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare. Subsequently, the interviewee's spouse Mary Dillon, unpublished work, writing habits, and future projects are detailed. Additionally, Abbott's experiences with writers colonies, the nature of creativity, and writing as an occupation are highlighted. To conclude the interview, Abbott talks of self-identity, both personally, and as a writer.

Interview Keyword

Massachusetts AmeriCorps University of Massachusetts Amherst Social work Louisville (Ky.) Family Native American reservations

Interview LC Subject

Authors, American--Kentucky Intellectual life Literature AmeriCorps*VISTA New England Native Americans Culture Indian reservations

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.