Interview with Mary Marvin Breckinridge Patterson, May 13, 1978

Interview Summary

Mary Marvin Breckinridge Patterson (known most widely as Marvin Breckinridge or Marvin Breckinridge Patterson), a second cousin of Mary Breckinridge, was the first Frontier Nursing Service courier. She recounts her journey to Appalachia and her duties at Wendover. Patterson filmed "The Forgotten Frontier," an aid in FNS recruiting and fundraising, and has held national posts in the organization. She discusses Mary Breckinridge's daily routine, hobbies, friendships and family, and also her back injury. Patterson comments upon FNS personnel and patrons over the years, including the visit of Sir Leslie MacKenzie. Since her FNS days, Patterson has become a renowned photographer. The interview discusses her travels and career as the first female radio broadcaster during World War II.

Interview Keyword

Medical care--Appalachian Region Midwifery--Appalachian Region Midwives--Appalachian Region Motion picture authorship. Motion picture plays--Technique. Motion picture producers and directors. Radio broadcasters Radio broadcasting Rural children Rural health services The Forgotten Frontier Wendover (Ky.)

Interview LC Subject

Breckinridge, Mary, 1881-1965 Frontier Nursing Service, Inc. Horses--Transportation Rural conditions World War, 1939-1945--Women

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 and Digital Programs, University of Kentucky Libraries.