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.
Florence Hood Miner (1909-2009) graduated in 1929. She joined the Delta Zeta sorority and studied Journalism. In addition, Florence studied dress design in Paris for a year. Florence said her family did not experience hardship during the Depression.
Frank Kuntz (1909-2012) graduated in 1933. Frank majored in Athletic Education; and he joined a fraternity, but left due to the expense. In fact, Frank worked as a dishwasher and a janitor to make ends meet during the Depression.
Franklin Allen (1914-2005) was a member of the Class of 1937. He joined the Farmhouse fraternity and was the Senior Editor of the <em>Illinois Agriculturalist</em>. Franklin felt the strain of the Great Depression during college, and he took time off from college and held jobs to cover expenses. However, he thought he had good luck in life.
Geraldine North Marrs (1913-2012) graduated in 1935. She received a scholarship and majored in Education. Geraldine was active in the Women's League and she joined the Phi Epsilon Omicron honorary society. Geraldine said that the Great Depression meant having less pocket money and a harder time on the job market.
Grace Green Clifford (1909-2006) graduated in 1931, and she studied English and Philosophy. While in college, Grace joined a sorority and participated in events at the YWCA and the Women’s League. Grace said that her family sometimes had financial difficulties during the Depression.
Frederick Jack Foersterling (1916-2002) graduated in 1937 with a degree in Political Science. While a student, Jack joined ROTC and the Theta Xi fraternity. Later, he earned a JD from Valparaiso University. Jack did not experience financial hardship during the Depression.
James Vaky (1911-2012) was a member of the Class of 1933. He initially studied music, but graduated with a degree in Education. James played in the band, and he was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity. Also, he won the Poetry Prize.
Jean Lattan (1909-2002) was a member of the Class of 1932. He received a scholarship to the U of I and majored in Engineering and Mathematics. Jean said that he did not especially notice the effects of the Great Depression, but he worked as a waiter during college. Also, Jean was a member of the Glee Club and he was the Student Colonel.
