Interview with Curtis Wallace and Lola Wallace, June 11, 1987

Interview Summary

Curtis and Lola Wallace, a couple who participated in the Pikeville Methodist Hospital strike, begin the interview by discussing their jobs at the hospital. The change in the dynamics of the healthcare unions at the new hospital is also considered. Lola Wallace then lists the reasons for the strike. The couple chronicle the events leading up to the strike. Crossing the picket line is then described. The initial stages of the strike are examined. Additionally, the role of mine unions in the strike is explored. The couple also speculate upon what would have made the strike more successful. Curtis and Lola Wallace share their memories of the picket line. Reactions to the strike are then articulated. The interviewees talk of returning to work after the strike ended. How the strike impacted the work of Lola Wallace is then discussed. The role that the couple played in the strike is illustrated. The history of the Wallaces with unions is examined. Subsequently, the Wallace household during the strike is considered. The couple also detail their family backgrounds. Lola Wallace lists her favorite place she has lived in. This is followed by a consideration by the couple of their original expectations of their future due to their participation in the strike. Curtis Wallace concludes the interview with an overview of his job history after the strike.

Interview Keyword

Pikeville Methodist Hospital Strikes and lockouts Healthcare

Interview LC Subject

Women in the labor movement Pikeville (Ky.) Nurse's aides Janitors Picketing

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.