Interview with Joseph C. Graves, July 12, 1980

Partial Transcript: The following is an unrehearsed interview with Joseph C. Graves for the Blue Grass Trust Oral History Project.

Segment Synopsis: Graves introduces himself and talks about his background in politics, family, and interest in preservation. He talks about the goals of the Trust during his presidency, including paying off the mortgage of the Hunt-Morgan House and other preservation efforts.

Keywords: Education; Goals; Mary Todd Lincoln House; Parents; Personal history; Politics

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic buildings--Conservation and restoration--Kentucky—Lexington; Historic preservation—Kentucky; Restoration and conservation

Partial Transcript: What major problems, if there were any, in fact, faced you in your leadership of the Trust?

Segment Synopsis: Graves talks about conflicts within the Trust while he was president. He describes his mother intervening with the demolition of downtown houses. Graves discusses the means of income for the Trust, and talks about problems with fundraising parties.

Keywords: Conflicts; Controversy; Finances; Funds; Henry Clay Law Office; Lexington (Ky.); West High Street

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic buildings--Conservation and restoration--Kentucky—Lexington; Historic preservation—Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Um, what role did the government, um, of Lexington, or, more specifically, I guess it was the Fayette County government then, um, play in preservation?

Segment Synopsis: Graves talks about local government being a stimulus to preservation and the Trust's role of lobbying. He discusses the Trust's involvement in preserving historic structures downtown and his disappointment in preserving the Mary Todd Lincoln House.

Keywords: Advocates; Downtown; Government; Mary Todd Lincoln House; Politics; Preservation organizations

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic preservation—Kentucky; Restoration and conservation

Partial Transcript: Would you say, then, that there can be parallels between preservation and growth here in Lexington?

Segment Synopsis: Graves talks about the ability of growth and preservation to coexist. He discusses the effectiveness of the revolving fund of the Trust. Graves talks about the success of Trust outreach programs and how they might be improved.

Keywords: Growth Management Task Force; Newsletters; Programs

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic preservation—Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Um, along similar lines, what do you see as the role of the Trust in the future?

Segment Synopsis: Grave talks about the future of the Trust, including obtaining federal funds, continuing to identify neighborhoods with historical significance, and being an advocate for historic preservation. He discusses current challenges of the Trust and its leaders, especially financial challenges.

Keywords: Advocate; Awareness; Challenges; Changes; Finances; Funds; Goals; Preservation organization

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic preservation—Kentucky; Restoration and conservation

Partial Transcript: I--would there be anything that you'd like to add here that I haven't asked you? Or any words of wisdom for the future of preservation?

Segment Synopsis: Graves talks about the significance of the work of the Trust despite sometimes disagreeing with its advocacy. He mentions other people that should be interviewed for the oral history project. The interview is concluded.

Keywords: Achievements; Advocates; Goals; Importance; Preservation organizations

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic buildings--Conservation and restoration--Kentucky—Lexington; Historic preservation—Kentucky; Restoration and conservation