Interview with Clifford Amos, December 5, 1991

Interview Summary

Clifford Amos begins was born in Logan, West Virginia. His family moved to Hayman (Letcher County), Kentucky where his father was a meat cutter and his mother worked in the commissary of the Micco Coal Company. They later lived in Wheelwright in Floyd County, and Pikeville in Pike County. Amos describes taking his eighth grade examination and graduating from Pikeville High School. He then attended Pikeville Junior College and enrolled at the University of Kentucky in September of 1938. He remembers that his parents wanted him to work rather than go to UK. He talks about his work experiences, as well as his undergraduate experiences, saying he considered himself an average student. He majored in sociology and minored in social work. Amos became extremely ill once as a student and Frances Jewell McVey, wife of the university president, suggested he stay in the apartment above the garage at Maxwell Place with free lodging for "chores" that rarely materialized. Amos recalls experiences of campus life and his friendships with roommates at Maxwell Place, in particular Bob Pemberton and Bob Allen, as well as his friendship with Dottie Flynn. Amos graduated from UK in 1941. Amos gives credit to Frances Jewell McVey for president Dr. Frank McVey's success. He reminisces at great length throughout this interview about Frances Jewell McVey. Amos recalls her gift for working with people, her "tremendous influence and impact' on his life. Amos later worked in sales for a telegraph company, and he relates his experience with setting up an office at Camp Breckenridge. He also recalls putting in Western Union clocks as a side job, and working in Nashville, Tennessee, where met his future wife, Fay. Amos also served in the navy and is a Life Member of the UK Alumni Association.

Interview Keyword

Frances Jewell McVey Dr. Frank McVey Bob Pemberton Bob Allen Dottie Flynn Maxwell Place Western Union Telegraph Company World War II

Interview LC Subject

Amos, Clifford Amos, Clifford--Interviews McVey, Frances Jewell, 1889-1945 University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History Universities and colleges--Alumni and alumnae University of Kentucky Alumni Association College students--Employment College students--Social networks College presidents' spouses Student housing College campuses College students--Social conditions Housing College presidents College presidents--Dwellings Universities and colleges

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.