Collection Title: Jackson Purchase Oral History Project – Kentucky Dam Project
Series Number: OH195
Interviewee: Derington, William “Bill”
Interviewer: Rousy, Eric
Date interviewed: October 21, 1994
Processed by: Processed by Benjamin J. Drake in December 2012.
Date processed: December 10, 2012
Description: 2 sound discs (1 hour, 29 minutes)
Abstract: William “Bill” Derington of Marshall County, Kentucky discusses his experiences as a laborer during the construction of Kentucky Dam and working in Detroit, Michigan during the Second World War. He describes working conditions and the impact of labor unions in both Kentucky and Michigan. He recalled the many changes brought to Marshall County, Kentucky when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) began construction of the dam and after its completion. He recounts safety issues, race relations, hiring practices, alcohol consumption in the camps and work related injuries.
Biographical / Historical note: William “Bill” Derington was born in northern Marshall County, Kentucky. Beginning in 1937, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the State of Oregon. In 1941 he was employed for six months by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as a laborer during the construction of the Kentucky Dam. He relocated to Detroit, Michigan to work for Briggs and Stratton when the Second World War began. From the summer of 1945 until the fall of 1946, he traveled between Detroit and Marshall County working at both Briggs and Stratton and the Kentucky Dam. After October of 1946, he remained permanently in Marshall County.
General information: No user access to original recordings. Use audio user copies, digital derivatives, transcripts, and/or tape indexes. This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code). Permission for reproduction must be requested from Murray State University.
Subject Headings / Descriptors:
Derington, William
Kentucky Dam (Ky.)
Tennessee Valley Authority.
Briggs & Stratton Corporation.
Dams – Kentucky.
Land Between the Lakes (Ky. And Tenn.) – History.
Marshall County (Ky.)
Detroit (Mich.)
