StoryCorps in Kansas

In 2007, the national oral history project StoryCorps Door-to-Door traveled to Medicine Lodge, Wichita, Newton, Topeka, Baldwin City, and Shawnee as part of the Kansas Humanities Council’s Kansans Tell Their Stories project. 

StoryCorps is a national oral history project to instruct and inspire people to record each other's stories in sound. The interviews are archived at the American Folklore Center at the Library of Congress, and excerpts are broadcast on NPR's Morning Edition each Friday.  For more information about StoryCorps, visit www.storycorps.org

Bob and Shirley Miller
Bob Miller talks with his wife Shirley about his involvement in the Civil Rights movement.

Robin Dunn and Elaine VanDeventer

Robin Dunn and Elaine VanDeventer talk about Robin’s struggle to be accepted as a female farmer.

Star Novak
Star Novak talks about her love of flying as well as her wedding on a Lockheed Constellation.

Leonard Ortiz talks about growing up as a Latino in California and his road to getting a college education and becoming a teacher.

June Jewett talks with her friend Peggy Baker about life during the Great Depression.  June also discusses the strength and inspiration she drew from her mother.

Marc Carter speaks about his Jesuit education and his decision not to be a Jesuit priest.  He is accompanied by Joanne Tolkoff.

Cathy Dwigans interviews her husband Ray Wilber about his career as a stonemason and historic preservationist.

Mary Swan and Bonnie Butell-Huntoon

Bonnie Butell-Huntoon interviews her grandmother Mary Swan about the proposals
she received during World War II, and about Swan’s sweetheart Tom.

Jan Schroeder and Edrie Swanson

Jan Schroeder and Edrie Swanson share stories about Jan’s life.  They discuss Jan’s marriage, her ties to the University of Kansas, and why Phog Allen was such a terrible driver.

Chris, Glenn, and Gary Underwood

Glenn Underwood is interviewed by his son, Gary, and Gary’s wife, Chris.  We learn about Glenn’s early schooling and some of his business ventures.

Norma and Marvin Jardon

Marvin and Norma Jardon of Baldwin City tell stories about their respective grandparents.  Marvin’s family has a connection with the infamous Quantrill’s raid.  Norma remembers her grandmother as an avid quilter, and how that’s carried over into her own life.

Walter Bailey and Tony Brown

Walter Bailey talks with his friend and colleague, Tony Brown, about growing up in Kansas.  Walt was involved in farming and showed livestock at regional fairs.