Interview with Louis Lee Haggin III, October 17, 1988

Interview Summary

Louis L. Haggin III, the owner of Sycamore Farm in Woodford County, Kentucky, was born in California in 1935. He states that his family moved back to Kentucky around 1939, but since his father was in the service, his early schooling was interrupted. He attended kindergarten at the University of Kentucky Training School in Lexington, Kentucky, and recalls his teacher, Miss Stella Gibb. His family then moved to Lawton, Oklahoma, and finally back to Kentucky. In 1944, Haggin began his studies at Sayre School in Lexington, Kentucky, where he attended through the seventh grade.

Haggin talks briefly about the history of Sayre School, which was established by David Sayre, a silversmith, with the help of the Presbyterian Church. He talks about past headmasters, and remembers his parent's decision to send him to Sayre School. Haggin discusses at length Sayre's curriculum, small classes, sports, and daily school activities. He recalls that most of the students were from Lexington or surrounding areas. He explains the importance of the honor system at the school, and describes the dress code. Haggin remembers that the teachers were older, but attentive and interested in the children's education. He talks about his teacher Ms. Yancy Withrow Adams in particular. He also describes the women's college which was a part of the Sayre School until women began to be accepted into Transylvania College and the University of Kentucky. After the seventh grade, Haggin attended prep school at St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire, from which he graduated in 1954. Haggin also talks about his children, whom he sent to elite schools, and his family's history of dyslexia.

Interview LC Subject

Haggin, Louis Lee, III, 1935-2024 Haggin, Louis Lee, III, 1935-2024--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History Sayre School (Lexington, Ky.)

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