The Great Depression

Item set

Title
The Great Depression
Description
During the 1930s, the state of Illinois suffered the effects of the Great Depression, just like the rest of the country. Students at the University of Illinois felt the effects of the economic downturn in a number of ways.

This collection of 45 oral histories was compiled from a series of interviews conducted by the Student Life and Culture Archival Program in 2000, 2001, and 2007 in an effort to document student life at the University of Illinois from the years 1928 to 1938.

The last living interviewee died in December 2021. This makes these recordings all the more important, as they preserve the experiences, memories, thoughts, and voices of those who are no longer here to share them.
project start date
2000

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  • Albert Spurlock

    Albert Spurlock (1913-2015) graduated in 1938. He joined the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, majored in Industrial Education, and made the track team. Albert experienced discrimination as a black student in the towns and from other students. However, he had a good experience on the campus. Finally, Albert worked in Greek houses for his meals.

  • Kathryn Hansen

    Kathryn Hansen (1912-2006) graduated in 1934.  She attended the U of I on scholarship and studied Journalism, English, and History.  She was inducted into several honor societies, and she joined the Alpha Delta Theta sorority.  Kathryn loved literature; and she earned a Master's of Literature and wrote a book named <em>Grundy Corners</em>.

  • Louise Kenyon Molitor

    Anne Louise Kenyon Molitor (1911-2009) was a member of the Class of 1933. She majored in English and minored in French. Louise joined the Phi Mu sorority. In addition, Louise wanted to study dress design, but the Great Depression interrupted her plans.

  • Clyde Helm

    Clyde Helm (1912-2008) was a member of the Class of 1937. He earned a State Legislative Scholarship and took a degree in General Business. Clyde worked as a janitor at night, and attended to President Willard and his wife. In addition, Clyde was a student during the Great Depression; and he worked for the Computer Science department.

  • Marshall Jewell Scott

    Marshall Scott (1910-2002) graduated in 1932. He earned a scholarship to the University and studied Agricultural Education. Later, he received a Master's from the U of I and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. Marshall joined the Theta Phi fraternity and held odd jobs in college.