Collections : [Center for Documentary Research and Practice]

This project is a compilation of interviews of subjects with strong ties to and memories of Indiana University, primarily at the Bloomington campus. The interviewees include former students, faculty, and staff, among others. The information contained in the interviews generally spans a little more than the first half of the twentieth century and often deals with the administrations under presidents William Lowe Bryan and Herman B Wells. The project is a survey of Indiana University's history as a whole including information about various academic departments, athletics, student organizations, campus growth, university development, living conditions, segregation and the treatment of African-Americans, the administration, and the importance of jazz at Indiana University. In addition, the impact of specific events, such as the Great Depression, World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and water shortages, is detailed in many of the interviews in this project.

This project is comprised of interviews regarding Homer E. Capehart and in particular, his political career as a Republican United States senator from the state of Indiana from 1944 to 1962. Often emphasized in the interviews is Capehart's organization of the Cornfield Conference in 1938 which served to rejuvenate the Republican Party in Indiana. Also much discussed is Capehart's legendary business acumen and status as a wealthy self-made man, proud of his humble origins. Many of the interviews also deal with national politics, Capehart's friends and political opponents, his impact and influence in Congress (through the Senate Banking and Currency Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee), his personal characteristics, communism, and the reasons for his unexpected defeat in 1962 at the hands of Birch E. Bayh, Jr.

This collection of interviews focuses on the political career of John E. Hurt. The bulk of the collection consists of Mr. Hurt's interviews where he speaks about his role as a leading Democratic fundraiser and political advisor to several gubernatorial candidates and governors in Indiana from the late nineteen forties through the early nineteen sixties. The other interviews offer background and specifics about Hurt's political career and actions.

This project depicts Jewish life in Indiana in the twentieth century through descriptions by Jewish people of various backgrounds. The interviewees discuss their faith, community involvement, anti-Semitism, and Jewish-owned businesses.

This collection primarily covers Roush's time spent as United States Representative (D) from the 5th District of Indiana between 1959 and 1969, though his education and history prior to national politics are mentioned. Major topics of discussion include his campaigns, work on the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the flood control reservoirs in northern Indiana, as well as his position on the Committee on Science and Astronautics.

Malcolm A. Hoffman discusses his relationship with Morris L. Ernst, best known for his defense in the censorship case against Ulysses by James Joyce.

This collection of interviews offers some insight into Dr. Martin Luther King's character and strength as a leader. It also provides some information about the role of adult education in the Civil Rights Movement and how that facilitated social change.

Charles Taft discusses politics in Cincinnati during the late 1920s. He talks about his brother, Robert A. Taft, and his political career.

The interviews contained in this project revolve around the life of Melvyn Douglas and include information about his biographical history, his family, his theatrical, motion picture, and television acting career, and his efforts during World War II. The interviewees include fellow actors and actresses, the man himself, former employees, and others who came into contact with Melvyn Douglas throughout his life.

The central focus of this project is the life of William Fortune, who lived from 1863 to 1942. Interviewees are the daughters of Indiana businessman William Fortune, a friend and father-in-law of Eli Lilly. They tell about their life in Indianapolis at the turn of the century and offer recollections of associations with famous people like the Lillys and James Whitcomb Riley.

This project is comprised of interviews centered around the transformation of Castleton, Indiana from a small farm town to a suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Bruce A. Rosenberg talks about his writings, folklore theories, and folk legends. This project also includes discussion of his book Custer and the Epic Defeat.

This project is about the history of Pike County, Indiana. The interviewee discusses migrations, customs in a coal town, community rivalry between the poor and rich, racism, the Ku Klux Klan, and family history.

In this project, the interviewee speaks about blacksmithing, welding, and the production of bells.

Edward O. Craft, former senior legislative counsel to the House of Representatives, recounts his early life, education, work in Washington, DC, and his retirement into private practice as a partner in the law firm of Wickham, Craft & Cihlar.

Raymond Seifert, born January 1, 1920 and died September 17, 1996, discusses his experiences in World War II. He also touches upon his opinions of war in general.

John M. Cooper, a professor of physical education at Indiana University, discusses his life-long love of basketball, its history, its development over the years, and his time as a player and coach of the sport. He also talks about his current interests in kinesiology and biomechanics.

This project consists of one interview with Robert C. Wiles, who discusses his life and experiences, especially with regard to the community in Bloomington, Indiana. He shares his memories of his military experiences prior to World War I, his educational experiences at Indiana University, and his work experiences at his family's drug store. In addition, he speaks of the character and quality of life in the first third of the twentieth century.

In this project, the life and political career of Helen Gahagan Douglas are detailed in the context of her Hollywood connections and California home. Although Douglas briefly enjoyed opera and acting careers, the majority of the interviews focus on her political activities. A Democrat, she served as a representative from California in the United States House of Representatives from 1944 to 1950, before being defeated by Richard Nixon in her bid for congressional senator. In addition, Douglas' personal life and characteristics are important topics in many of the interviews.

William Lynwood Montell answers questions about the oral history methods he used in writing The Saga of Coe Ridge.