Interview with Mallie Witt, Bob Witt, April 4, 1979

Interview Summary

Bob and Mallie Witt talk about their experiences with rural health services and in general before the Frontier Nursing Service arrived in Hyden, Kentucky. Mallie Witt was born in 1911 in Polls Creek (Ky.). She talks about the residents of Polls Creek and their jobs. She also notes her own work experience in Hyden (Ky.). She reflects on the struggles of the Great Depression and World War II and what healthcare was like in the area before the FNS. Bob Witt he tells of his time working for an illegal moonshine operation and in the dangerous coal mines. He notes the struggles of the Great Depression, and his draft deferment during World War II.

Interview Keyword

Moonshine Coal mines Ancestry Coal miners Drafts Draft deferment Rural health services Traditional medicine Herbs Appalachia Wild pigs Herb doctors Granny women Logging Lumber trade. Speakings Polls Creek (Ky.) Cutshin Creek (Ky.) Great Depression

Interview LC Subject

World War II Medical care Frontier Nursing Service, Inc. Hyden (Ky.) Kentucky Farmers Medical care

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.