Description: William O’Dell (1909-2009) graduated in 1931. He joined the Delta Upsilon fraternity and studied Commerce and Business. William said his choice of major made him aware of the stock market crash and the Great Depression. He said he felt a pinch during the Depression, but he was not seriously impoverished. Date of Interview: 3/18/2001 Interviewer: Ellen Swain Transcript: William O’Dell Oral … Read More
Merle Boren
Description: Merle Boren (1912-2004) grew up in Champaign in the boarding house that his family operated and lived in. He studied Business, graduated in 1937, and pursued graduate studies at the University. Merle said that he did not especially feel the pains of the Great Depression. Date of Interview: 5/21/2001 Interviewer: Ellen Swain Transcript: Merle Boren Oral History Transcript Related Resources: Archives Alumni Oral … Read More
Mary Anne Barnfield
Description: Mary Anne Reifsteck Barnfield (1912-2006) studied Business and graduated in 1934. She lived on her family’s farm during college and found rides to campus. Mary Anne did not notice the Great Depression because her family always had enough to eat. Date of Interview: 3/18/2001 Interviewer: Ellen Swain Transcript: Mary Anne Barnfield Oral History Transcript Related Resources: Archives Alumni Oral History Project Files