Title: Interview with Louis Gaylord, J. B. Spilman, Dave Whichard, and Dr. Jim Bearden, Part 2

Identifier: UA09.01.05.01.002   (https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/60393)

Description: First half of raw footage of Professor of History and University Historian Dr. John A. Tucker's interview with Mr. Louis Gaylord, J. B. Spillman, Mr. Dave Whichard, and Dr. Jim Bearden about their recollections of Senator John F. Kennedy's September 17, 1960 visit to East Carolina College on the presidential campaign trail. Kennedy's visit was the first time a presidential nominee had visited Greenville, NC. The interviewees speak about Hurricane Donna, which had hit North Carolina approximately a week prior to Kennedy's visit, how Kennedy's appearance may have influenced his election results in Eastern NC, the community's reception of Kennedy's visit, comparisons of Kennedy's visit to visits by other political figures before and since Kennedy's election, the political climate in Greenville in decades following Kennedy's presidency, and political activities of Leo Jenkins. Secondary to these discussions the participants also reflect on their personal experiences of the day's events and the character of the Greenville environment at the time. Interview date June 6, 2008.