Interview with Adolph M. Edwards, March 31, 1976

Interview Summary

Adolph M. "Moco" Edwards, Jr. recalls he came to the University of Kentucky in February of 1924, after he graduated from Walton High School in Walton, Kentucky. He remembers that UK's Dean of Education William S. Taylor spoke at his high school graduation ceremony. He mentions his sister attended the Kentucky College for Women (KCW), once the women's school at Centre College. Edwards describes the memorial service for President Woodrow Wilson, held in the chapel on the second floor of the administration building. Every Wednesday, the entire student body was required to attend chapel, where a lecture series featured speakers of national prominence. Edwards also mentions former governor William Jason Fields.

Edwards entered law school in 1926, and states that UK was considered the best law school in the state. He describes the curriculum requirements, his first semester schedule, and several of his teachers, especially Dr. William Funkhouser. Edwards received his J.D. in 1929. He talks extensively about campus life, and states that college life is great training for a young person. He discusses his participation on the football team, and remembers that A.D. "Ab" Kirwan was captain of the team his freshman year. He mentions several other team members, including Jimmy Pence and Jack Werk. He recalls a Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity brother who was later governor, Earl Clements.

Edwards talks about Dr. Frank McVey, and states that he was an ideal president for that period. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong state university. Edwards mentions the Men's Student Council, the Discipline Committee, and the University Senate. He remembers several campus "scandal sheets", including the Polecat Bugle and the Injun's Ear. He states that there was no class distinction among the students. He describes the political activity on campus during this time as very little. He remembers Warren Wright, owner of Calumet Farm, who was refused membership the Lexington Country Club. Edwards talks about his Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) experiences, including training at Camp Knox (now Fort Knox). He talks about having cancer and credits Dr. Fred Rankin for saving his life. Edwards compliments the UK Oral History Program.

Interview Keyword

A.M. Edwards

Interview LC Subject

Edwards, Adolph M. Edwards, Adolph M.--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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Interview Usage

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