Interview with Lena Brannon, May 5, 1988

Partial Transcript: I'm 77.

Segment Synopsis: Lena Brannon talks about her family's immigration to Kentucky after her father found work in the coal mine. She talks about her first impressions of Lynch, Ky. comparing it to Scotland.

Keywords: Advanced student; Bathrooms; Housing; Impressions; Miners and their families; Mining company; No discrimination; Speaking English; Treatment

Subjects: Coal miners--Labor unions--Kentucky; Education; Immigrant children; Lynch (Ky.); United States Steel Corporation

Partial Transcript: It was a beautiful, beautiful, building, when I went in there.

Segment Synopsis: Brannon talks about the company-owned businesses and the churches, and the support of injured workers and widows.

Keywords: Coal camps; Community support; Hospitals; Segregated churches; Widow's compensation

Subjects: African Americans; Appalachian Region--Religion; Churches; Company stores; United States Steel Corporation; Voting; Wages

Partial Transcript: Well, you know, it's, it's a different country and you look for the--I must say that the
Scots and English think they are little better than most people.

Segment Synopsis: Lena Brannon talks about the low level of education in Lynch, KY. she also talks about the discrimination against African Americans, and immigrants.

Keywords: Appreciating Black people; Better teachers; Black schools; Country club; Discrimination toward immigrants; Level of education; Swimming pool

Subjects: African Americans--Segregation; Education; English language; Job discrimination; Promotions; United States Steel Corporation

Partial Transcript: I think, that, uh, maybe the influx of miners out of Pennsylvania and Indiana and places like that...

Segment Synopsis: Brannon talks about the unionization of the coal mines in Lynch, Ky. She also talks about the lack of political activity among Lynch's immigrant population. She also mentions the gardening techniques of immigrants.

Keywords: Citizenship; Coal companies; Foreigners; Gardening; Generosity; Lack; Political participation; Union violence; Victory gardens; Voting

Subjects: Coal miners--Labor unions--Kentucky; United Mine Workers of America; United States Steel Corporation

Partial Transcript: Well, as I say that, Lynch had one of the best educational systems in Kentucky.

Segment Synopsis: Brannon talks about the schools and education in Lynch, KY. She talks about various sports activities and community dances. The also talks about entertainment provided by churches.

Keywords: Baseball teams; Church activities; Coal company; Cultural activities; English as a second language; Immigrant workers; Interpreter; J. H. Johnson; Superintendent; Teachers' education; Teaching techniques

Subjects: Education--Appalachian Region; Immigrant children-Education; Lynch (Ky.); Minor league baseball; Rural schools--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: I don't think that there was any difference, uh, because usually the girls, uh, that were immigrants, or of immigrant families...

Segment Synopsis: Brannon talks about the limited employment opportunities and other activities for immigrant girls and women in Lynch, Ky. She also talks about immigrant women's out-migration.

Keywords: Marriage; Political participation; Voting

Subjects: Education; Employment opportunities; Lynch (Ky.)