Interview with Agnes Lewis, July 15, 1970

Interview Summary

Agnes Lewis talks about coming to work for the Frontier Nursing Service in 1931 as the head of the records department. She stayed in that position for one year but stayed with the FNS for 38 years off and on. She describes life in Leslie County, Kentucky during the Great Depression and Mary Breckinridge's role in acquiring more government assistance for the people. Lewis describes Mary Breckinridge's personality and expectations of the FNS employees. She gives examples of how Mrs. Breckinridge helped others. She talks about Mrs. Breckinridge's travels, the FNS budget, and describes in detail how Mrs. Breckinridge broke her back while riding a horse. Lewis talks about why people come to live and work for the FNS and why so many return to the FNS after leaving. She talks about being unhappy at the FNS initially, and talks about how she eventually came to love being part of the FNS. Lewis says that one of the most exciting times at the FNS was when Mary Breckinridge decided to open the midwifery school. She talks about Mrs. Breckinridge's ability to influence others, her role as an agent of social change, and her ability to always secure funds for the FNS. She talks about visitors to the FNS and their discussions with Mrs. Breckinridge. She talks about religious services and social activities held at Wendover. She talks about changes to the FNS over the years.

Interview Keyword

Rural conditions Depressions--1929--Kentucky Country life Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Leslie County (Ky.) Frontier Nursing Service, Inc. Medical centers--Administration Medical centers--Cost of operation Medical centers--Finance Breckinridge, Mary, 1881-1965

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 only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.