Collection Title: Jackson Purchase Oral History Project – Kentucky Dam Project
Series Number: OH216
Interviewee: Peek, Kenneth
Interviewer: Rousey, Eric
Date interviewed: January 9, 1995
Processed by: Jessica Davis in October of 2013.
Date processed: November 14, 2013
Description: 2 sound discs (94 minutes)
Abstract: Kenneth Peek discusses his experiences as a security guard for the Tennessee Valley Authority during the construction of the Kentucky Dam and afterwards as a public safety officer at the Kentucky Dam Village. He described his training as a public safety officer and fire prevention agent in the Village from the 1940s to the 1960s. During the Second World War, he recalled being taught to spot, identify and report aircraft flying over the dam. He recounts that the Village was divided by sex and race, the "white village" and the "colored village." He described the dormitories, private residences and recreation and community buildings. Peek also mentioned race relations, the impact of the war on construction and security, minor problems with drunk driving and public drunkenness, the unionization of workers, women guards serving during the war years and other TVA projects related to the dam and the Village.
Biographical / Historical note: Kenneth Peek was born and raised in Milan, Tennessee. Prior to being employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority he resided in McKenzie, Tennessee. He was employed by the TVA and relocated to the Kentucky Dam Village in 1941. He was drafted into the United States Navy in the latter part of the Second World War. He served overseas in the Pacific Theater. Peek returned to his position as security officer in 1946. In 1969, he left the Village to work at the TVA's branch office in Paris, Tennessee. He retired in 1981.
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:
Peek, Kenneth
Kentucky Dam (Ky.)
Marshall County (Ky.) – History.
Tennessee Valley Authority.
Dams – Kentucky.
Land Between the Lakes (Ky. and Tenn.) – History.
Kentucky Dam Village State Park (Ky.) – History.
Peace officers – Kentucky.
Research Notes: Beginning of the interview has audio problems which makes it difficult to hear and understand the conversation.
