Interview with James Fleming Gordon, November 16, 1976
Project: A. B. "Happy" Chandler: The Dr. Charles P. Roland Interviews
Interview Summary
James Fleming Gordon discusses his family's connection to politics and how he first learned of Happy Chandler during his time in law school. Gordon discusses why he and others switched their support from the opposing side of the Kentucky Democratic Party. He talks about his role in Chandler's 1955 gubernatorial campaign. He discusses appointments made by Chandler in his second term as governor. Gordon discusses how he did not see corruption in Kentucky politics like many would expect and talks about how he knows of no wrong doing between Chandler and liquor companies despite allegations. Gordon explains why he left the Public Service over a disagreement with Chandler on his proposed merit system. He talks about how Chandler came to the decision to desegregate public schools. He mentions unions, disagreements with Chandler, Chandler's legacy and his personality.Interview Accession
Interviewee Name
Interviewer Name
Interview Date
Interview LC Subject
Chandler, Happy, 1898-1991 Gordon, James Gordon, James--Interviews Kentucky--Politics and government Kentucky. Governor (1935-1939 : Chandler) Kentucky. Governor (1955-1959 : Chandler) Politicians--United States United States--Politics and government Wetherby, Lawrence W. (Lawrence Winchester), 1908-1994 Laffoon, Ruby, 1869-1941 Governors--Kentucky Governors--Election Chandler, Happy, 1898-1991 Democratic Party (Ky.) Politicians--Kentucky Taxation--Law and legislation--Kentucky State governments Political campaigns--Kentucky Press and politics. Waterfield, Harry Lee, 1911-1988 Political corruption--Kentucky Combs, Bert T., 1911-1991 Clements, Earle C. (Earle Chester), 1896-1985 Elections--Corrupt practicesInterview 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.Restriction
Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.
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.
Add this interview to your cart in order to begin the process of requesting access to a copy of and/or permission to reproduce interview(s).
Gordon, James Fleming Interview by Charles P. Roland. 16 Nov. 1976. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
Gordon, J.F. (1976, November 16). Interview by C. P. Roland. A. B. "Happy" Chandler: The Dr. Charles P. Roland Interviews. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.
Gordon, James Fleming, interview by Charles P. Roland. November 16, 1976, A. B. "Happy" Chandler: The Dr. Charles P. Roland Interviews, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
Persistent Link for this Record: https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt7p8c9r4x9w