Collection Title: Jackson Purchase Oral History Project – Kentucky Dam Project
Series Number: OH218
Interviewee: Schmidt, Draffen
Interviewer: Hosking, Michael
Date interviewed: November 13, 1995
Processed by: Dieter C. Ullrich in November of 2013.
Date processed: November 15, 2013
Description: 1 sound disc (53 minutes)
Abstract: Draffen Schmidt recalls his experiences in rural Marshall County, Kentucky prior to the construction of the Kentucky Dam. He described hourly pay rates, being hired by the Tennessee Valley Authority, job responsibilities, working the nightshift, accidental deaths, employee injuries, safety procedures, apprenticeships and the training of workers. He mentioned relationships between management and laborer, labor unions, segregation, race relations and community activities.
Biographical / Historical note: Draffen Schmidt was born at Marshall County, Kentucky in 1913. He worked as a water boy, laborer and pump and crane operator for the Tennessee Valley Authority from July of 1941 until spring of 1945. He was laid off briefly in 1943. After the completion of the Kentucky Dam, he worked various construction jobs along Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. He retired in 1978.
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:
Schmidt, Draffen, 1913-
Kentucky Dam (Ky.)
Marshall County (Ky.) – History.
Tennessee Valley Authority.
Dams – Kentucky.
Land Between the Lakes (Ky. and Tenn.) – History.
