Interview with Milton Ogle, April 5, 1991

Interview Summary

Milton Ogle, a former member of the Council on the Southern Mountains (CSM), ran the Appalachian Volunteer (AV) project after their split from the CSM. He served as executive director of the AVs until 1968 when he left to work for the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund. Ogle explains that he grew up in Floyd County, Virginia and attended Berea College. After graduating, he became a teacher. He then worked as a supervisor in a broom factory and he did volunteer work for CSM. He eventually secured a job as an Economic/Community Developer for CSM. In this position, he visited governors in Appalachian states with John Whisman, the first director of the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Ogle discusses the decision within the Council of the Southern Mountains to start rehabilitating schoolhouses. He recalls the process of recruiting college students to work for the AVs. Ogle believes that the volunteers were accepted, and he states that by organizing meetings, the AVs helped people realize they could make changes in their own communities. Ogle also discusses the ultimate split between the Council of the Southern Mountains and the Appalachian Volunteers, and describes the struggle to get the AVs established on their own.

Ogle describes the Books for Appalachia program that he played a large part in creating. Books were gathered throughout the country and sent to Appalachian schools in Kentucky and West Virginia. He also explains the difference between the Community Action Programs (CAP) and the Appalachian Volunteers. He discusses the sedition arrest of Joe Mulloy, his own involvement in the Black Lung Association, and the impact of the Green Amendment on the War on Poverty. Ogle describes his work with "Apple Red," the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund. He also states his fear that Appalachia is being forgotten again.

Interview Keyword

anti-poverty organizations

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Economic assistance Ogle, Milton Ogle, Milton--Interviews

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