During the 1930s, the state of Illinois suffered the effects of the Great Depression, just like the rest of the country. Students at the University of Illinois felt the effects of the economic downturn in a number of ways.
This collection of 45 oral histories was compiled from a series of interviews conducted by the Student Life and Culture Archival Program in 2000, 2001, and 2007 in an effort to document student life at the University of Illinois from the years 1928 to 1938.
The last living interviewee died in December 2021. This makes these recordings all the more important, as they preserve the experiences, memories, thoughts, and voices of those who are no longer here to share them.
Betty Ann Knight (1916-2014) was a member of the Class of 1938. She studied Home Economics, took a teaching certificate, and later earned a Master's. Betty Ann joined Alpha Xi Delta during college, but baby-sat to earn extra money during the Great Depression.
Carl Milburn (1914-2008) was a member of the Class of 1937. He majored in Economics and earned minors in Philosophy and Sociology. Carl joined the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, and he was active in the Glee Club. Also, he was responsible for some committees at the YMCA.
Charles McNaughton (1905-2009) graduated in 1928. He began his studies in Architecture, but switched to Education after he heard of the coming Depression. Charles lived with his brother and a group of friends during college; and they enjoyed playing intramural basketball. He also joined ROTC.
Clyde Helm (1912-2008) was a member of the Class of 1937. He earned a State Legislative Scholarship and took a degree in General Business. Clyde worked as a janitor at night, and attended to President Willard and his wife. In addition, Clyde was a student during the Great Depression; and he worked for the Computer Science department.
Darius Phebus (1910-2007) graduated in 1933. He studied Liberal Arts as an undergraduate; and he later went to law school. Darius did not have a lot of money during the Great Depression. In fact, he worked for a sorority to help pay for his education and his living expenses.
David Hubbard (1914-2001) was a member of the Class of 1937. He grew up on a farm and earned a BS in Agriculture. He also took a teaching certificate and completed some graduate coursework. David said his family experienced a lot of hardship during the Great Depression.
Dwight Miller (1913-2005) graduated in 1934. He majored Chemical Engineering, and was active in the American Chemical Society and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Dwight said he felt broke during the Depression. In fact, he worked for the University's Information Office in college.
Erma Scott Bridgewater (1913-2013) was a member of the Class of 1937. She joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Erma said she experienced discrimination as an African-American student. Also, Erma said that she did not have a lot of financial difficulty during the Depression.
