Interview with Ora Reynolds, October 14, 1988

Interview Summary

Ora Reynolds was born in Auxier, Kentucky in 1913. She states that her mother was an excellent homemaker who wrote verse. Mrs. Reynolds recounts the story of the murder of Luly Viers, a young woman killed by her fiance. Mrs. Reynolds describes a devoted married life where her husband made breakfast, waited on her, and took over much of the child care of their two young daughters. Reynolds reflects on her husband's involvement with the United Mine Workers of America, and she recalls the long hours that her husband had to work. She remembers going to the store and upon hearing that one of the clerks was on vacation, she thought "Now, wouldn't that be something if a poor old coal miner could have a vacation!"

Interview Keyword

Appalachian people Appalachian social issues Auxier (Ky.) Ballad of Luly Viers Coal company stores Coal mining Gender roles Great Depression Sex education in coal camps Thealca (Ky.) United Mine Workers of America Women's role in coal camps Labor unions Coal miners

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Reynolds, Ora, 1913- Reynolds, Ora, 1913- --Interviews

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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.