Interview with Emma Young Case

Files


  • Identifier1986 OH 137
  • Date8/18/1986
  • InterviewerEllis, William E.
  • IntervieweeCase,
  • DescriptionThis is an unrehearsed taped interview with Emma Young Case, a 1926 graduate of Eastern Kentucky State Teacher's College and the Dean of Women there from 1932-1962. Mrs. Case discusses changes during her career and her impressions of former Eastern presidents.
  • LocationMaysville, KY
  • Duration1:29:03
  • Time Summary00:00 - 01:00 Introduction.
    01:00 - 06:30 Emma Young Case born January 30, 1892 in Lawrenceburg, Ky. Parents were Daniel W. Young and Luella Alderson Young. Education at Lawrenceburg High (1909) and Cavenaugh Academy (1910). Took teacher training course and began teaching in a one-room school (Anderson Co.). Early career in Harrodsburg and at Cavenaugh. Married Robert Case and moved to New Mexico due to his failing health. He died in 1919. Return to teaching career in Anderson Co.
    06:30 - 09:30 Beginning education at Eastern in 1924. Comments on president Coates (EKSTC). Service as a principal in Madison County. President Donovan urges her to get her Masters Degree at Peabody College. Teaching career at Eastern and being named Dean of Women (1932).
    09:30 - 12:20 Recollections of faculty and her experiences in student teaching.
    12:20 - 17:00 Her role in electing Dr. Keith (former Dean of Men) as president of the KEA and the parade thrown for him by the students, with mention of the "hound dog" incident.
    17:00 - 22:00 Renting an apartment from Dr. "Bugs" Smith. Impressions of the teacher's training school at Eastern. Evaluating today's system of student teaching. Continued discussion of faculty.
    22:00 - 26:00 Work as a student at Peabody College. Discussion on the publication of her thesis and her project to improve reading in junior high schools.
    26:00 - 31:00 Discussion on former Eastern presidents Donovan, O'Donnell, and Martin. Comments on the changes brought about in the role of the Dean of Women.
    31:00 - 38:00 Continued discussion of changes. Student reaction to the late hours policy (1950s-1960s) and problems with the present policy.
    38:00 - 44:10 Relationships with past students and some stories of experiences with them.
    44:10 - 46:50 Developing student culture and manners through college socials. Organization of upper-class honorary societies.
    46:50 - 51:30 The effects of the Depression on Eastern. Mrs. Case discusses her role in finding part-time jobs for students. Developing programs and charities to give aid to poorer students.
    51:30 - 54:10 The effects and after-effects of WWII on Eastern's student population.
    54:10 - 56:50 Mrs. Case relates Eastern's early history and reasons for the school's growth.
    56:50 - 62:00 Discussion of later faculty members, students, and fellow alumni.
    62:00 - 62:30 Introduction to Side III.
    62:30 - 70:20 Continued discussion of faculty and alumni. Further discussion on president Martin.
    70:20 - 72:20 Comments on Hamilton Tapp, former English instructor and noted historian.
    72:20 - 75:20 Shortages and pay cuts during the Depression and the role of the YWCA at Eastern.
    75:20 - 84:50 Discussion of historic sights around Maysville. Continued discussion on faculty.
    84:50 - 88:40 Mrs. Case relates her accomplishments as Dean of Women and finishes discussion on the changes in the college during her tenure. Discussion of Quenton Keene, former Dean of Men.
  • Restrictionsnone
  • RightsContact Special Collections and Archives, Crabbe Library, Eastern Kentucky University for reproductions, rights and permission to publish.

Citation

“Interview with Emma Young Case,” William H. Berge Oral History Center, accessed December 10, 2023, https://oralhistory.eku.edu/items/show/75.