Interview with Wilson W. Wyatt, January 22, 1987

Interview Summary

Wilson Wyatt tells of his term as Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky (1959-1963) under Governor Bert Combs, discussing preliminary matters such as cabinet appointments (particularly that of Earle Clements as Highway Commissioner) and his use of the Old Governor's Mansion, before moving on to explain his role in achieving the administration's goals, including economic development and improved education through increased funding. Along the way, Wyatt discusses the role of universities in towns and cities in Kentucky, the Spindletop Research Center, the relation of politics to university administration, his wife Anne's activities during these years, the scandal over the "truck deal", the political rehabilitation of Edward Prichard, and relations of this administration with the media and the supporters of Happy Chandler.

Interview Keyword

Bert T. Combs Earle C. Clements Edward F. Prichard Governors--Kentucky Highways Research Roads Taxes Universities and colleges University of Kentucky

Interview LC Subject

Economic development Education Kentucky--Politics and government Lieutenant governors Louisville (Ky.) Politicians--Kentucky Wyatt, Wilson W. (Wilson Watkins), 1905-1996

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.