Oral History Interview with Susan Wilburn

Segment Synopsis: The interviewer, Kathy Kremer introduces Susan Wilburn, who describes her own childhood and education, her children's education, and her employment at the University of Louisville.

Keywords: Auburndale Elementary School; Beechmont Elementary School; Birth; Bob Wilburn; career; education; family; Jewish Hosptial; Kentucky Home School for Girls; Kenwood Hill; Marriage; Robert K. Wilburn; Streetcar; The Highlands; University of Louisville

Subjects: First Unitarian Church (Louisville, Ky.)

Partial Transcript: "You are a third generation member of First Unitarian Church?"

Segment Synopsis: Wilburn tells of her family's history in the First Unitarian Church and the many weddings there. She describes the architecture, layout and decor of the church.

Keywords: Cradle Roll; Marriage; Sanctuary

Partial Transcript: "...I thought his sermons were excellent."

Segment Synopsis: WIlburn tells an anecdote in which Weston dealt with rowdy neighbors.

Keywords: Bob Weston; Church members; Neighbors; Parties

Segment Synopsis: Wilburn describes church members' volunteer efforts in maintenance, furniture construction and office work.

Keywords: Harry Tobe; John Isom; Mr. Van Overbeek; volunteer

Segment Synopsis: Wilburn describes the development of the new church and how its location was determined. She also speaks about her involvement in various church committees.

Keywords: Board of trustees; Expansion; Growth; Jefferson County, Ky.; Search committee

Subjects: Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church (Louisville, Ky.)

Segment Synopsis: Wilburn describes how member George Kimbrough persuaded minister Bob Reed to come to First Unitarian and Kimbrough's efforts to purchase Heywood House, a rooming house near Churchill Downs.

Keywords: Activism; Hiring; Politics

Subjects: Civil rights movement

Partial Transcript: "...would care to share any of any recollections that you may have about any of the ministers, Philip Smith, David Brown, Bob Reed or Richard, Richard Beal."

Segment Synopsis: Wilburn describes David Brown's upbringing in an orphanage and how popular he was. She tells about Bob Reed's kindness to her mother.

Keywords: ministers

Partial Transcript: "...he retired from the church in 1985 and not too long after that was the fire."

Segment Synopsis: Wilburn tells about different locations that First Unitarian used to hold services after the fire and members' fears about renting a space in the West End due to perceived high crime rates. She describes preparations for opening the new church building.

Keywords: Claudia Runge; Dr. John A. Dillon, Jr.; John Grossman; Police reports; Richard Beal; Sister Eileen M. Egan; Spalding College

Partial Transcript: "Would you like to say anything, any memories that you have of things that have happened that we haven't covered?"

Segment Synopsis: Wilburn describes her admiration for Richard Beal, especially how he supported her through grief.

Keywords: Joan Beal; Sermons