Interview with Helen E. Browne, March 27, 1979

Interview Summary

Continuing from the previous interview, Helen Browne discusses Mary Breckinridge's political views and the background of some of her policy decisions. Browne also continues her comment about Breckinridge's racial attitudes and gives Breckinridge's perspective on the Vietnam War. Some information is given in regard to Breckinridge's second husband, Richard Thompson, the father of Breckie. Browne provides details of Breckinridge's last days and goes into the personal interest of Breckinridge and some of her staff in spiritualism. In addition to observations concerning government funding and the Appalachian Regional Commission, Browne tells of raising money for the new hospital and of obtaining $25,000 from the local community. Browne comments upon family life in the area, distribution of labor, and attitudes toward work. She also mentions Mary Breckinridge's original opposition to family planning. Discussion of food prepared in the hospital and cultural orientation in regard to food leads to discussion of food in the home locally. Browne contrasts academic and clinical backgrounds of nurses who came to the FNS. Besides indicating some general mistakes made by persons who came into the area with the idea of helping the mountain people, Browne comments occasionally upon administrative difficulties.

Interview Keyword

Integration Leslie County (Ky.) Medicaid. Medical centers--Finance Medicare. Political views Religion Spiritualism Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)

Interview LC Subject

African Americans--Social conditions Appalachian Region--Social life and customs Breckinridge, Mary, 1881-1965 Country life Farm life--Appalachian Region Food habits--Appalachian Region, Southern Frontier Nursing Service, Inc. Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing Hospitals--Administration Medical care--Appalachian Region Medical centers--Administration Medical education Nursing--Study and teaching Rural conditions Rural health services Southern States--Race relations Vietnam War, 1961-1975

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.