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| 2/5/75 | |
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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01:30 | BACKGROUND OF ARTHUR F. WILEDEN : Born in 1896 on farm in town of Lisbon, northwest of Sussex in Waukesha County, Wis., homesteaded by Wileden's grandfather.
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02:45 | BACKGROUND OF WILEDEN'S GRANDFATHER : Stone mason.
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04:25 | BEGINNING OF WILEDEN'S FORMAL EDUCATION : Started attending one-room country school at age four.
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05:35 | BACKGROUND OF WILEDEN'S GRANDMOTHER : Grandmother (nee Brown) native of area, and a very active Christian Scientist leader. Mary Baker Eddy once visited the farm for a week. Although two daughters remained Christian Scientists, the remaining children became members of the Episcopal or Methodist churches.
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06:40 | CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION OF WILEDEN'S ELEMENTARY EDUCATION : Always a one-room school, although the family moved around from farm to farm as Wileden's father moved up the “agricultural ladder,” Henry G. Brock, who taught Wileden in grades six through nine at the North Lisbon school, had “tremendous influence” on him.
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12:05 | COMMENTS ON HENRY G. BROCK, TEACHER AT THE NORTH LISBON SCHOOL : Brock “took a special liking” to Wileden, invited him back in the fall, and taught him ninth grade level courses: English, Algebra, Physical Geography and German. “He taught me more about teaching than I've ever learned.”
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13:10 | ANECDOTE ABOUT POOR GRADE ON COUNTY EXAM : Students required to pass a county diploma examination in eleven subjects to graduate from the eighth grade. Wileden received four “100's,” but earned a “60” in spelling, because he learned to spell phonetically.
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14:00 | WILEDEN'S SECONDARY EDUCATION : In good weather rode bicycle to attend high school at Menomonee Falls, seven miles away. In winter walked two miles to the Milwaukee-St. Paul train depot at Templeton. Rode “the old bug line,” to Menomonee Falls and walked two more miles to Menomonee Falls high school. Returned home about six in evening; schedule prevented him from participating in extracurricular activities. Graduated in 1914.
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18:15 | ANECDOTE ABOUT CLASSMATES TRYING TO FORCE WILEDEN TO SMOKE TOBACCO : Strict Methodist background forbade Wileden from smoking tobacco, although classmates tried to force him.
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18:45 | ANECDOTE HOW RAUCOUS NOON RECESSES LED WILEDEN INTO BOXING | |
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20:45 | INFLUENCE OF WILEDEN'S PARENTS ON HIS EDUCATION : Never any question that the Wileden children would be educated.
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21:25 | NEIGHBORS SCOFF AT WILEDEN FAMILY'S FAITH IN EDUCATION | |
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23:25 | WILEDEN'S FIRST TEACHING POSITION : After graduating from Menomonee Falls High School, County Superintendent of Schools, George B. Rhoads, offered Wileden a teaching position at Ottawa School District #1, south of Dousman.
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24:35 | WILEDEN'S TEACHER CERTIFICATION : Attended Milwaukee Normal College in the summer of 1914 for six weeks training; wrote a diploma examination to receive teacher certificate.
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25:15 | FIRST TEACHING ASSIGNMENT: OTTAWA #1 (WAUKESHA COUNTY) : At age eighteen began teaching grades one through nine at Ottawa ##1. Area residents of heavy English and Welsh ancestry. Age groups usually combined into five grade levels.
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27:50 | OBSERVATIONS ON ENGLISH AND WELSH COMMUNITY AROUND OTTAWA #1 : “A rather homogenous group,” centered around the Presbyterian church and Ottawa #1. New families quickly assimilated. English and Welsh families valued education more than Germans.
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29:20 | WILEDEN'S TEACHING METHODS : “A very unconventional teacher.” Wileden basically applied Brock's teaching methods.
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30:05 | RECREATION AT OTTAWA #1 : Playground about two acres, partially heavily wooded. Wileden played basketball and baseball with students “with no discrimination by age or sex.” Recreation time frequently ran into class time.
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00:25 | INTRODUCTION | |
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01:25 | CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION OF RECREATION AT OTTAWA #1 : On Friday afternoons, Wileden and students often hiked to a farm or to the woods. Projects included a school forest and calf club, supervised by county agent.
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03:30 | SCHOOL BOARD'S CONCERN ABOUT WILEDEN'S UNCONVENTIONAL TEACHING : School board met secretly to discuss Wileden's unconventional teaching methods. County superintendent of schools Rhoads advised board to take no action until end of school year. Wileden's salary raised from $45.00 to $65.00 per month after all five senior students passed county diploma examination, two with highest grades in the county.
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05:30 | WILEDEN'S VIEWS ON THE PURPOSE OF EDUCATION : “It's not a matter of communicating subject matter; basically education is a matter of motivating young people to want to get subject matter and to know where they go get it when they want it.”
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06:15 | FEW DISCIPLINARY PROBLEMS AMONG STUDENTS | |
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07:05 | HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS WHILE TEACHING AT OTTAWA #1 : First two years lived with Irvey family two miles from school; later, two years with Probert family.
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07:50 | INFLUENCE OF PROBERT FAMILY ON WILEDEN : Ed Probert the same age as Wileden; interested him in basketball and hunting. Probert also encouraged Wileden to take voice lessons and study violin.
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09:10 | WILEDEN'S PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES : Very active. Member of Christian Endeavor Society, Presbyterian Church. Wileden and United Church of Christ minister started Boy Scout troop. On weekends Wileden and friends hunted on Pabst farms.
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10:40 | PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AIDS TEACHING : Participation in community affairs helped things go smoothly in the classroom.
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11:40 | WILEDEN'S STUDENTS AT OTTAWA #1 : Enrollment never exceeded twenty pupils. In typical class of eighth grade graduates, at least half went to high school, and probably half of those to college. Welsh and English-Americans in district placed high value on education.
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12:35 | INFLUENCE OF WAR IN EUROPE ON COMMUNITY LIFE NEAR DOUSMAN : War in Europe seemed unreal because of little communication with the “outside world” until 1916, when Wileden's predecessor at Ottawa #1 left for Camp Sheridan for officer training; later sent overseas and wounded. Brought greater awareness of war.
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15:15 | WILEDEN ENLISTS IN ARMY INSTEAD OF RENEWING HIS CONTRACT AT OTTAWA #1 : In July 1917, when contract expired, Wileden enlisted in the army, answering President Wilson's call to “make the world safe for democracy.” Applied for cavalry duty but assigned to field artillery.
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17:05 | WILEDEN'S ARMY DUTIES : Entered service in July 1917; served until April 1918 as teacher, drill sergeant, and finally signer of discharge certificates.
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17:55 | WILEDEN ACCEPTS TEACHING POSITION AT BROOKFIELD : After army discharge Wileden taught school at Brookfield. Asked to return the next term, but decided to attend the University of Wisconsin.
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18:40 | WHY WILEDEN DECIDED TO ATTEND UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN : Had attended summer session while teaching at Ottawa #1. Originally planned to start law school, but army experiences proved to Wileden that city life wasn't for him. Then decided to teach vocational agriculture.
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20:00 | HOW WILEDEN FINANCED HIS EDUCATION : Received $30.00 per month state veterans' bonus, which complemented small savings and job as part-time secretary of Madison YMCA. Began full-time study in 1919; after two years ran out of funds. Accepted principalship of Racine County School of Agriculture after Dean James recommended him for the position.
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22:45 | REVIEW OF STAFF AND COURSES AT RACINE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL : Wileden taught general agriculture, algebra, geometry, chemistry, agronomy, and poultry, which amounted to six hours of teaching in an eight hour day.
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23:50 | WILEDEN'S LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS AT RACINE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL : Lived in dormitory with students while there for two years.
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24:15 | WILEDEN EMPLOYED BY U.W. EXTENSION : Worked particularly with rural organizations establishing County Council of Rural Clubs, the development of which was written up later in Rural America.
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25:00 | ANECDOTE ABOUT HELPING WAUKESHA COUNTY AGENT SET UP STATE FAIR EXHIBIT | |
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26:10 | WILEDEN MEETS FUTURE WIFE : Net at state fair. The future Mrs. Wileden (Harriet Acklam) lived on farm on Green Bay Road, outside Racine.
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27:30 | CONTINUATION OF EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON : Rejected offer to remain on staff of Racine County agricultural school; completed his undergraduate education at U.W.-Madison in 1924. Active in campus activities, but a “barb” (he did not join a fraternity).
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:40 | ASSISTANTSHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON : After completing undergraduate education, accepted $500 assistantship in rural sociology. Taught old Kolb-Galpin course in Rural Life. Wrote bulletin entitled Rural Community Organization Handbook.
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02:35 | MASTERS DEGREE IN RURAL SOCIOLOGY : In 1925 received Masters Degree in Rural Sociology under B. H. Hibbard.
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03:00 | WILEDEN CONTINUES EDUCATION AT U.W. : Declined offer of staff position in applied sociology at Ohio State University. Decided to continue graduate studies at U.W. on part-time basis; accepted appointment supported by Purnell research funds.
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04:40 | SOME “MORALISTIC” RURAL SOCIOLOGISTS RESENT TERM “SPECIAL INTEREST” GROUPS : While doing research at the U.W. on rural organizations, Wileden used the term “special interest” groups, first used by Dr. Robert E. Park of the University of Chicago. Many “moralistic” rural sociologists objected to the term; believed it contradicted the concept of cooperation among rural organizations.
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08:50 | WILEDENS MARRY, : Wiledens married in 1926 and honeymooned in New York, where Wileden attended summer session at Columbia University.
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09:35 | U.W. COLLEAGUES WHO PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED WILEDEN : While teaching at U.W. part-time much impressed by E. A. Ross, John Gillen in sociology; John Commons and Bill Kieckover in economics.
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10:35 | GRADUATE STUDY AT CORNELL AS SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL FELLOW : In 1928, with help from Kolb, received Social Science Research Council fellowship for graduate study at Cornell University.
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11:20 | EVALUATION OF DWIGHT SANDERSON, PROFESSOR OF RURAL SOCIOLOGY, CORNELL UNIVERSITY : Sanderson had studied the physical sciences, later switched to sociology. “A very remarkable person, but not a very strong teacher.”
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13:00 | DESCRIPTION OF WILEDENS' HOUSING AT CORNELL : Lived in poorly furnished apartment for $40 per month.
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13:45 | DECLINES OFFER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT TO RETURN TO WISCONSIN : “I guess our roots were pretty deep in Wisconsin.” Declined faculty position at University of Connecticut in 1929.
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15:10 | WILEDEN ATTENDS THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO : Attended the University of Chicago during summer of 1929; studied with A. W. Small and Robert Park.
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15:40 | ANECDOTE ABOUT BEDBUG INFESTED DORMITORY AT UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | |
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16:35 | BEGINS TEACHING AT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN IN FALL : In September 1929 began as assistant professor at U.W. to establish rural sociology program in extension. Succeeded David Lindstrom, who in one year at U.W. had started extension program in dramatics.
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17:35 | ORGANIZATION OF RURAL SOCIOLOGY PROGRAM IN EXTENSION : Kolb wanted program built on “four wheels and a steering wheel;” steering wheel the organization emphasis, four wheels were drama, music, recreation and discussion.
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18:20 | AMBIGUOUS ROLE OF APPLIED RURAL SOCIOLOGY IN LATE : Rural sociology not sure of its role in the applied field. [Explained in detail in Wileden's Community Development: The Dynamics of Planned Change.]
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18:50 | COMMENTS ON J. H. KOLB, PROFESSOR OF RURAL SOCIOLOGY : “Very dramatic” individual; speeches filled with emotion and drama.
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19:30 | U.W. FACULTY MEMBERS WHO HELPED DEVELOP EXTENSION PROGRAM IN RURAL SOCIOLOGY | |
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21:20 | LEADERSHIP TRAINING EMPHASIZED IN RURAL SOCIOLOGY EXTENSION : Leader training conferences held on county basis for group leaders in the various fields. Other programs held during the Farm and Home Week in Madison; little theater and recreation center operated at state fair park in West Allis.
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23:10 | PUBLICATIONS RESULTING FROM WILEDEN'S EXTENSION WORK : Making Rural Organizations Effective resulted from Wileden's work with special interest groups. Because many groups had difficulty in holding a business meeting, he wrote a bulletin on Conducting the Business Meeting. With Gladys Borchers and Ethel Rockwell, wrote Dramatics for Amateur Groups and with H. L. Ewbank, How to Conduct a Group Discussion.
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25:00 | WORK WITH UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN WASHINGTON : In spring of 1935 Wileden served on staff of U.S. Department of Agriculture, exploring and discussing various issues pertaining to agriculture. Traveled throughout Indiana, where people very critical of national government policy.
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26:25 | ANECDOTE ABOUT CONSERVATIVE COLLEGE DEAN AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY : Conservative dean resented USDA policies and Wisconsin's liberal reputation; his son, however, an avid admirer of La Follette.
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29:05 | COMMENTS ON THE STATE OF IOWA : Although most of Iowa very conservative, four or five counties in the Southwest comprised “Henry Wallace county.”
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29:50 | WILEDEN ASSUMES NEW DUTIES AT WISCONSIN : Rejected position with USDA staff in 1935; returned to Wisconsin. Full-time extension appointment until 1938, when appointment split between extension and teaching. Also advised students interested in rural social or community organization, which led to course in community organization.
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32:00 | OBSERVATION ABOUT BUDGETS IN ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS : “Rather than budgets following staff member's activities, budgets follow the available funds.”
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| 2/12/75 | |
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:55 | CONTINUATION OF CHRONOLOGY : Full time research appointment on Purnell grant, 1926-28; Social Science Research Council fellowship for a year's study at Cornell, 1928-1929; University of Wisconsin assistant professor until 1938, then appointment split between teaching faculty and extension.
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02:50 | DEVELOPS COURSE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT : In response to student requests, Wileden developed applied sociology course, Community Organization (later renamed Community Development). Large number of students from urban or foreign backgrounds. Course enabled students to observe various rural communities at first-hand.
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05:40 | WILEDEN DECLINES OPPORTUNITY FOR APPOINTMENT IN ATHENS, GREECE : “The complications of the period” such as an FBI investigation resulted in delay which prevented Wileden from getting Fulbright grant in Greece.
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07:20 | RURAL CIVILIAN DEFENSE DIRECTOR IN WISCONSIN DURING WORLD WAR II : “A very frustrating experience.”
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08:25 | DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIZATION LEADERS' CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS : Begun as Rural Organization Leaders Conferences in 1930's to bring rural organizations together to discuss informally common problems. After World War II became Annual Workshop for Professional Community Leaders, which also included representatives of public agencies. “”One of the most significant things that I was involved in.”
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12:45 | WILEDEN'S APPOINTMENT SPLIT THREE WAYS IN : As one of few remaining senior staff members, Wileden's appointment split three ways in 1962 into teaching, extension, and research. “A practical impossibility” to be completely dedicated to each function.
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15:00 | TOWN AND COUNTRY CHURCH LEADERS CONFERENCES : “One of the most significant things in which I was involved in over the years.” Wisconsin the first state to hold annual church leaders conferences; Wileden involved almost from the start, first as student caretaker for the campgrounds, then as a teacher, and finally as director of the program.
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17:10 | RETIREMENT FROM UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN FACULTY, | |
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17:40 | WILEDEN CONTINUES ACTIVITY TN RURAL SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENT AFTER RETIREMENT : After retirement kept an office in his former department.
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18:40 | LOCATION OF WILEDEN'S OFFICES OVER THE YEARS : As an “orphan” (extension professor) of the rural sociology department, Wileden had offices in many different locations.
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22:25 | RECOLLECTIONS OF CHILDHOOD FARMS, : Wileden's father wanted to climb “agricultural ladder”; left family farm in 1903 to become hired manager on 160-acre Brown farm, “probably one of the best farms in the whole area.” Moved to Connell farm to be hired manager from 1905-1907, then returned to Brown farm. Operated Brown farm on share-rent basis; corn a major crop, at first flint corn, later dent corn. Other crops included wheat, oats, barley and potatoes. Increasingly planted only seed certified for use by college of agriculture. Essentially a dairy farm with 12-15 milking cows in a mixed herd. One of Wileden's chores as a boy was to pump cold water around the eight gallon milk cans to keep them cool until picked up by neighbor who operated milk route.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:55 | ANECDOTE ABOUT SELLING HOGS IN MILWAUKEE : Wileden's father very proud of his Poland China hogs. “Real high event” of year was loading hogs in spring and hauling them sixteen miles to Cudahy packing company at Milwaukee. After dinner at Plankinton house Wiledens bought supplies in Steinmeyer's wholesale grocery.
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03:05 | ANECDOTE ABOUT PAY CLERK OVERPAYING WILEDEN'S FATHER : Pay clerk more interested in watching hogs than his work once overpayed Wileden's father by $40.00. Money returned to Cudahy packing company, which sent a large ham in appreciation.
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04:35 | TRANSPORTATION : Traveled to Milwaukee by team on the Lisbon Plank Road which, although bumpy, was better than other roads.
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05:45 | MORE ON BROWN FARM : All kinds of chickens cared for by Wileden's mother. Large vegetable and flower garden, as well as apple trees.
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07:35 | ANECDOTE ABOUT NEIGHBORS HELPING FAMILY WHEN WILEDEN'S FATHER INJURED : Team frightened by an automobile threw Wileden's father from wagon. While incapacitated, neighbors took turns helping with farm work.
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09:00 | ANNUAL THRESHING : Custom thresher with steam engine and threshing machine. Neighbors worked together; women fed threshers. Host farmer built his own straw stack--the most disagreeable job.
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11:55 | ANECDOTE ABOUT NEIGHBOR WHO OWNED ONE OF FIRST FORD AUTOMOBILES : Difficult to drive up sandy hill and usually took two or three attempts; once drove through end of garage yelling “Whoa.”
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13:25 | MOTOR POWER ON BROWN FARM : Wileden's father never owned or drove a car. No motor power on Brown farm.
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14:25 | DESCRIPTION OF MAKING MAPLE SYRUP ON THE BROWN FARM | |
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15:30 | ANECDOTE ABOUT FIRST HOME COMFORT RANGE : Farm house modernized and home comfort range replaced large fireplace.
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17:00 | HEAT AND ILLUMINATION : Home comfort range and wood burning stove for heat; kerosene lamps for lighting.
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19:00 | FIRST HUNTING EXPERIENCES : First used a 22-caliber Stevens rifle at about age 12. Later used a sixteen gauge, pinfire, double-barreled shotgun and twelve gauge rolling block, single-barreled shotgun. Ammunition difficult to obtain.
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21:45 | SEX ROLES IN DOING THE FARM CHORES : Such chores as pumping and carrying water and filling woodbox started “as soon as you could walk,” Enjoyed gardening which was considered women's and children's work. Boys later responsible for milking four cows every morning and evening; sister expected to help in the house, cooking and gardening.
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24:30 | MACHINERY ON BROWN FARM : None except thresher and stationary gasoline engine for sawing wood, both of which were borrowed. All field work done by horse power.
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25:25 | CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION OF CHORES : Summer work included pulling mustard and splitting thistles. Children not permitted to go fishing until all chores completed. Plow on which farmer could ride, rather than follow, “a great advance.”
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27:40 | FARMERS DO ROAD WORK TO PAY TAXES : Taxes partially paid by road work, supervised by a pathmaster.
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29:00 | PLOW USED FOR CLEARING PATHS IN WINTER : When snow was very deep, plow tied to side of sled to clear paths in the road.
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30:20 | RURAL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES : Social life centered around church. People of different religious affiliations attended each other's social activities. Fourth of July always a big occasion, as was the annual church picnic, when people went to the lake, School-related social affairs, such as spelling bees and arithmetic matches, also very important.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:50 | DESCRIPTION OF ARITHMETIC BEES : Arithmetic bees “a rather violent occasion.”
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03:40 | FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION : Usually a picnic at Spring Grounds near Sussex. Neighborhood musicians provided band music. Lavish amount of food. Feature of the celebration was a baseball game in which both young and old men participated. Game couldn't start until speakers finished. Will Edwards, a Sussex state assemblyman, a perennial speaker.
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10:25 | ORGANIZATIONS WHICH WILEDEN'S PARENTS BELONGED TO : Church members only. Few organizations or clubs in the area.
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12:15 | MARKETING PRODUCE : Wiledens marketed own produce from highly self-sufficient farm. Potatoes purchased by traveling potato buyer; barley hauled to mill and probably went to Schlitz or Pabst brewing companies eventually; wheat taken to mill in Menomonee Falls and ground for flour.
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15:35 | CLOTHING : Nearly all clothing purchased through Montgomery-Ward or Sears and Roebuck mail order houses. While attending high school at Menomonee Falls, Wileden got first store-bought suit.
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18:00 | NO TELEPHONE AT BROWN FARM | |
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18:55 | MEDICAL CARE INFLUENCED BY HOMEOPATH AND CHRISTIAN SCIENCE : Wileden's mother a homeopathic who used a hermetical book as guide for treatment. On very rare occasions, the family used Dr. Coates, a homeopathic physician in Menomonee Falls. Wileden family health care also influenced by paternal grandmother, a Christian Scientist.
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24:45 | REMEMBRANCES OF CLIMATE : Terrific snowstorms, more extreme temperatures, and violent rain storms.
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28:20 | ANECDOTE ABOUT MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER TELLING SCARY STORIES | |
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30:05 | READING MATERIAL : Always the Bible and family record book. Wiledens always subscribed to the Youth Companion. Arthur Wileden often received gift books, mostly classics.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:50 | BARBERSHOP AN IMPORTANT MEETING PLACE AND SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR MEN : Barbershop the “greatest source of information in our family.” On Saturday nights men frequently waited hours for their turn, discussed current events and farming with others.
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02:25 | FLINT CORN VERSUS DENT CORN : Flint corn allegedly so hard it would break pig's teeth. Dent corn of better quality, and greater yield.
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05:00 | WILEDENS ORDER GARDEN SEEDS FROM BURPEES | |
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05:20 | FARMERS EXCEL IN DIFFERENT SPECIALTIES : Rather than one “showplace” farm, each farmer excelled in a particular area, such as pure-bred cattle.
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07:40 | FARMERS INSTITUTES IMPORTANT SOCIAL AS WELL AS EDUCATIONAL FUNCTION : Farmers Institutes had as speakers such farmers as George McKerrow, who had done unusually well in a certain type of farming.
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09:35 | WILEDEN FARM BECOMES DEMONSTRATION POULTRY FARM : Wileden at University of Wisconsin learned of various improvements which his parents adopted, such as a brooder house. Although neighbors scoffed at the “college kid's” ideas, soon other area farms had brooder houses. In this sense Wileden farm served as demonstration farm.
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12:15 | COMMENTS ON DEMONSTRATION FARMS : In early days, farmers excelled in different areas and no farm served as a single, model demonstration farm. More general demonstration farm with “everything in one place” not popular until after World War I, then became rather important as research and experimental center, although far removed from reality of a typical farm.
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| 2/27/75 | |
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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01:30 | WILEDEN'S READING MATERIAL : Home library had complete works of Shakespeare, Cooper, Longfellow, and Whittier. Such paperbacks as the Buffalo Bill series and The Boys of '76 were “forbidden literature,” but circulated secretly among boys. Fascinated by Zane Grey series. Holdings probably unusual for a farm household. An avid reader in his youth, characters from these novels in later years often used by Wileden to illustrate a point or ease tension in a group discussion.
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09:50 | DESCRIPTION OF WILEDEN HOMESTEAD FARM : Small farm in Waukesha County, located near “Sixteen school” and a small United Presbyterian Church. Raised corn, wheat, barley, and oats, Orchards of apples, sour cherries, damson plums, and bushes of gooseberries and all kinds of currants. Large garden, bee colonies, and all types of chickens. No power machinery. Utensils for making soap from water and lye. Seed probably shared among farmers.
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17:45 | DESCRIPTION OF BROWN FARM | |
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18:00 | DESCRIPTION OF CONNELL FARM : Located north of Menomonee Falls, about 300 acres but very stony soil. Wileden's father managed the farm for $25.00 per month and large shares of produce and meat. Neighborhood heavily German; Wileden's parents never felt they “fit in.”
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20:55 | ANECDOTE ABOUT NEIGHBORING GERMAN FAMILY MAKING SAUERKRAUT : Thrifty German family made sauerkraut with bare feet.
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22:40 | CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION OF CONNELL FARM : Very productive crop of gophers. Children skated on fields frozen over from flooded Menomonee river.
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23:40 | DESCRIPTION OF LAST WILEDEN FARM : South of Sussex next to Walter Hardiman's farm. Known locally as Grant farm. Small farm with some fertile bottomlands, but many limestone outcroppings. About 1918 or 1919, Wileden's father purchased a Case tractor in Sussex.
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27:25 | WILEDEN'S FATHER : Hard working person, a very good farmer, but not a good farm manager. Disappointed that neither son interested in farming.
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28:10 | HOW POULTRY IMPROVEMENT INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED : Arthur Wileden made some suggestions for poultry improvements, learned at the University of Wisconsin. Adopted by parents; later by neighbors. Description of Wileden poultry operation.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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01:30 | DISCUSSION OF FARM INNOVATION PRACTICES IN AREA | |
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05:00 | INCREASING POULTRY SPECIALIZATION ON WILEDEN FARM : Wileden's father concentrated more and more on poultry business; in 1939 sold the farm and moved to Sussex.
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05:45 | WILEDEN'S PARENTS EAGER TO TRY FARM INNOVATIONS : Wileden's parents proud of college-educated son; welcomed his ideas.
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07:45 | MCKERROWS OUTSTANDING INNOVATORS IN SHEEP FARMING : McKerrows internationally known for raising sheep, imported from England. While vacationing in Wyoming recently, Wileden met a sheep farmer who had traveled to England with McKerrow to buy sheep.
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10:40 | INFLUENCE OF MCKERROWS IN GOLDEN GUERNSEY COOPERATIVE : McKerrows very active in Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders Association and Gavin McKerrow long-time president Golden Guernsey Cooperative. Wileden recalls Golden Guernsey retail outlet, the Milk Jug.
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11:55 | COMMENTS ON DISILLUSIONING MILITARY EXPERIENCE : “My military experience was my great disillusionment as to what life was all about, and how low humanity could become in terms of human behavior.” An idealist, Wileden responded to President Wilson's call to “make the world safe for democracy” and was accepted into field artillery. At first, taught recruits to write, later was a drill sergeant, and also a battalion boxing champion, finally signed discharge papers. “Shocked” by hundreds of soldiers in the “pen” awaiting medical treatment.
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18:40 | HOW MILITARY REDIRECTED WILEDEN'S LIFE : Army contact with people from urban areas, “the dredge of humanity,” led him to appreciate his rural background, and decided on lifelong association with agriculture instead of law.
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20:50 | WILEDEN'S RESPONSE TO “MAKING THE WORLD SAFE FOR DEMOCRACY” : “A nice catch phrase.” Slogans motivate people, and Wileden caught in it. Felt Wilson knew what he was doing.
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21:55 | POSTWAR DISILLUSIONMENT : Regretted he wasn't overseas; disillusioned with military experiences so contrary to his upbringing.
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24:00 | OBSERVATION ON HOW ONE MAKES DECISIONS : “I think life is a matter of repeated forks in the road and repeated decisions that we make, until you reach the later years when the road is straighter but not so well paved, but there are not so many forks when you have to make the decision.”
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25:30 | WILEDEN'S COURSE OF STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN : More interested in life sciences and social sciences than physical sciences which he was “compelled” to take. Wileden's first formal course taught by Kolb who used Galpin's text.
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| 3/5/75 | |
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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01:50 | PEOPLE WHO MOST INFLUENCED WILEDEN : His mother; teachers Henry G. Brock and William circa Hanson; University of Wisconsin professors J. H. Kolb, E. A. Ross, (“a towering person, both physically and emotionally”), and John Gillen. Also Dwight Sanderson, Cornell University, and Madison Bentley, University of Michigan.
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13:45 | COMMENT ON STRUCTURAL SOCIOLOGY : Madison Bentley, an originator of structural sociology, maintained that when a “free seating” arrangement was available, people sat according to where they felt they fit into the group structure.
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17:15 | INFLUENCE OF HARRIET WILEDEN ON HER HUSBAND : Harriet Wileden helped to maintain “a quiet and peaceful atmosphere within the family circle” as Wileden was involved in diverse duties.
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19:30 | EXPERIENCES WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS INFLUENCE DECISION TO BECOME A RURAL SOCIOLOGIST : Through experiences with strong community groups near Dousman and with community clubs near Racine, Wileden gravitated towards rural sociology.
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23:40 | DISAGREEMENT OVER TERM “SOCIOLOGY” : First sociologists “misfits” from other disciplines and much disagreement over what comprised the discipline. Wileden never considered the term rural sociology to be “sacred.”
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27:00 | INFLUENCE OF BENJAMIN HIBBARD ON WILEDEN : Hibbard thought of farms as strictly economic organizations, whereas Wileden thought of them as social as well as economic organizations.
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29:25 | ANECDOTE ABOUT HIBBARD AS WILEDEN'S ADVISOR | |
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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01:25 | FOUNDING OF THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL SOCIOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON : J. H. Kolb frustrated by indifference to the rural sociology section of the Agricultural Economics department; led to the founding of independent Rural Sociology department in 1930-31.
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05:00 | COMMENTS ON J. H. KOLB : Ambitious; very dramatic and effective speaker.
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06:00 | GRADUATE STUDENTS IN RURAL SOCIOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON : Graduate students in rural sociology throughout the United States studied either with Kolb at U.W., or Sanderson at Cornell.
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07:05 | CONTINUATION OF COMMENTS ON J. H. KOLB : “Kolb was a strange mixture between minister and scientist; and you never knew which he was at any one moment.' Research studies became classics; were as objective as possible at the time.
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09:20 | APPLIED SOCIOLOGY : In 1929, David Lindstrom at University of Wisconsin-Madison, held drama contests as part of the rural sociology program. After Wileden returned to U.W. in 1929, he continued Lindstrom's work with help from Gladys Borchers of the Speech Department and Ethel Rockwell of extension.
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11:00 | COLONIZATION OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN : Recalls statewide controversy over colonization but doesn't think sociologists involved in studies of settlers.
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13:40 | RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAND GRANT COLLEGES, PRODUCTION AND MARKETING : Land grant colleges founded to acquire knowledge about farming which would increase production, to guarantee an adequate food supply for the United States. It followed that land grant colleges would be concerned with colonization. However, early land grant colleges not concerned with marketing or distributing the product, or living conditions of farmers. Emphasis changed with report of American Country Life commission during Theodore Roosevelt's administration,
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17:45 | HENRY C. TAYLOR AND FOUNDING OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN : About 1909-10 Henry Taylor of U.W. Department of Economics arranged to teach economics in the School of Agriculture. Man of great foresight; responsible for bringing Galpin to the U.W.
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19:05 | COMPARISON OF TAYLOR AND HIBBARD : Taylor “was basically a farm management man,” and had a broad orientation towards economics; Hibbard more interested in philosophy of agricultural economics.
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20:00 | POLICY DECISION-MAKING : Informal meetings held in corridors, faculty offices, or over the luncheon table often led to policy decisions; policy-making later formalized in departmental meetings.
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23:40 | COMMENTS ON DEAN CHRIS L. CHRISTIANSEN : Increasing criticism against Russell, especially for involvement in northern Wisconsin colonization program, led to replacement by Chris Christiansen, “a very different sort of person” who had worked with Danish folk schools and cooperatives in Denmark. Changed emphasis of the College of Agriculture from production orientation to more general approach, despite criticism. Particularly concerned with keeping in touch with people at the “grass roots level.”
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27:00 | ANECDOTE ABOUT CHRISTIANSEN ATTENDING A FARMERS UNION MEETING IN CLARK COUNTY : Christiansen, learning of Wileden's work with Wisconsin farmers' organizations went along to Farmers Union meeting in Clark County; spent several hours talking with small groups after the meeting.
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28:35 | FARMERS UNION CRITICISM OF CHRISTIANSEN : Farmers Union in years past critical of Russell, unfairly criticized Christiansen. Failed to realize Christiansen's responsibility for shifting emphasis. “One of the best administrators I ever worked under” during very difficult transition period. Farmers Union criticism continued because of political implications of such leaders as Kenneth Hones changing position.
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31:25 | TRANSITION IN COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE FROM PRODUCTION ORIENTATION TO MORE GENERAL APPROACH : Although Hibbard had begun the transition, little direction in the applied field of extension. Theodore Macklin, very personable, most responsible for the transition in the applied field.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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01:20 | COMMENTS ON THEODORE MACKLIN : Macklin, Henry Bakken, and Marvin Schaars under Hibbard's leadership worked in product marketing. Whereas Bakken and Schaars researched and taught, Macklin worked in applied aspects of marketing. Macklin a “personable individual, who enjoyed stirring up a fight”; as a consequence faced opposition within and outside the U.W.
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04:10 | CONTRAST BETWEEN MACKLIN AND AARON SAPIRO : Both dynamic and effective speakers, but with entirely different viewpoints about cooperative marketing.
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05:55 | FARM AND HOME WEEK : While issues discussed throughout the year at the local level, Farm and Home Week the most important forum. Hibbard the key individual as an effective speaker.
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07:00 | HIBBARD'S SPEAKING ABILITY : Hibbard spoke with a “subtle sarcasm”; speaking engagements often ended in a “showdown.” Appeared aloof of audience, but an easy individual to know.
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09:30 | DEAN CHRISTIANSEN AS AN OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR : “Christiansen was the man who turned the tide” in the College of Agriculture. Strengthened farm short course by bringing in John Barton from Denmark to direct it; introduced new marketing and cooperatives courses.
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11:10 | SOCIOLOGY ASSOCIATED WITH RADICALISM : Many associated the term “sociology” with radicalism. Joseph McCarthy suspected sociologists of being Communists. When Wileden worked in Washington, felt term “sociologist” a detriment.
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14:35 | WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE : Wileden aware of formation of Wisconsin Council of Agriculture in 1928 through his acquaintanceship with Milo Swanton. Theoretically a good idea for farmers organizations to have combined voice at the state level; in practice an “off and on deal.” Some groups could not reconcile their differences to join the Council.
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16:55 | WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE SHIFTS EMPHASIS FROM GENERAL FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS TO COOPERATIVES : Over the years Wisconsin Council of Agriculture became more representative of business cooperatives than farmers organizations. Overall trend for farmers organizations to be less influential than cooperatives in formulating agricultural policy.
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18:45 | MAKING RURAL ORGANIZATIONS EFFECTIVE : Interest in rural organizations started with Galpin. Void when he left until study on special interest groups and the bulletin, Making Rural Organizations Effective, which became basic text for county-level leadership training. Culminated in Rural Organization Leaders Conferences, where state representatives of Farmers Union, Grange, community clubs and PTAs participated in institutes similar to those held at county level.
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24:15 | EXTENSION SERVICE TO FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS : Wileden wrote bulletin, Rural Community Organizations Handbook as a compilation of ideas for organizations to use. Wileden met with county agents to interest them in county extension leadership training programs.
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27:50 | WISCONSIN DECLINES TO SET UP EXTENSION PROGRAM SIMILAR TO IOWA : Much pressure by some Wisconsin county agents for extension to begin monthly program service as in Iowa. Extension in Wisconsin refused to sanction a standardized philosophy and program for the entire state; instead sent quarterly bulletin to farmers organizations with suggestions and sources they might use for assistance. Impossible to work directly with farmers organizations; must work instead through existing extension structure.
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| 3/19/75 | |
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00:10 | INTRODUCTION | |
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01:00 | COMMENTS ON EXTENSION DIRECTOR K. L. HATCH : Former director of a county school of agriculture with strong background in technical aspects of agricultural production. Interesting and likable, he gave staff members maximum freedom to develop.
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06:15 | COMMENTS ON WARREN W. CLARK, SUCCESSOR TO HATCH AS EXTENSION DIRECTOR : A successful county agent. J. H. Kolb, Wileden, and Nat Frame, developer of extension recreation and cultural arts programs in West Virginia, persuaded Hatch to include these programs in Wisconsin. Violent disagreements between Clark and Kolb over extension recreational and cultural arts programs. Politically conservative, Clark opposed the consumer cooperative approach.
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16:30 | COMMENTS ON J. H. KOLB : Kolb “a difficult person to understand,” who originally supported expansion of extension recreational and cultural arts programs, but later withdrew support.
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19:15 | MORE ON DEAN CHRISTIANSEN, KOLB AND CLARK : Christiansen supported cultural arts program; caught in crossfire between Kolb and Clark. Clark built some administrative structure and strengthened county agent system.
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22:10 | ANECDOTE ABOUT CLARK FORBIDDING DISCUSSION OF CONSUMER COOPERATIVES : Wileden arranged county-wide workshops to discuss controversial issues; one arranged in Ashland to discuss consumer and producer cooperatives. Ashland editor John Chapple considered consumer cooperatives “akin to communism”; notified Clark, who directed district supervisor Walter Rowlands to order Wileden to cancel the workshop.
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26:25 | MORE COMMENTS ON WARREN CLARK : Controversy between Clark and Kolb remained until Clark's retirement. Wileden and Clark disagreed over annual reports sent to Washington because Wileden insisted on reporting failures as well as successes, whereas Clark wanted only successes reported.
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28:40 | COMMENTS ON HENRY AHLGREN, CLARK'S SUCCESSOR : “A breath of fresh air” when Ahlgren became director. “Probably one of the two or three best administrators under whom I have ever served.” Background in agronomy and research; an outstanding teacher. Staff members free to discuss anything with Ahlgren.
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00:20 | CHANGES IN RURAL WISCONSIN IN A CHANGING AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY : Rural population began decline, especially in northern Wisconsin; agriculture grew more technical, “big business-like.” Farms more difficult to finance and the “agricultural ladder” began to disappear. Ten-cow farms replaced by those with 50 or 60 cows.
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02:40 | MERGER OF UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICES : Wileden had worked as much with various general extension services as with cooperative extension services before the merger of the two.
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04:30 | CONTINUATION OF COMMENTS ON AHLGREN : Ahlgren appointed assistant chancellor, then chancellor of the newly merged university extension services. Ahlgren a skillful leader, with an ability to bring together people of opposite viewpoints.
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05:40 | ANECDOTE ABOUT DISPUTE OVER CHURCH LEADERS CONFERENCES : Support of annual conferences for church leaders an example of courageous decision made by Ahlgren. President Harrington and Lorentz H. Adolfson, Director of General Extension, refused to take stand on the controversial issue.
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11:40 | ANECDOTE ABOUT INSURING STUDENTS DOING COMMUNITY STUDIES FIELDWORK : Wileden told he must assume all responsibility for any accidents while students were doing community studies fieldwork. No accidents in twenty years.
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14:10 | AHLGREN SUPPORTS COMMUNITY STUDIES : Very much in favor of community studies, especially studies of French Island, Washington Island, and Rock Island.
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15:30 | MORE ON AHLGREN : Ahlgren forward-looking, non-authoritative, helpful in getting problems worked out, and very personable.
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19:00 | WILEDEN'S INITIAL CONTACT WITH FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS : Began with Rural Organization Leaders Conferences, which arose out of study of Special Interest Groups in Rural Society. Later began to work full-time for extension, and felt the University should assist rural organization leaders.
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22:10 | FORMAT OF LEADER TRAINING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS : Leaders met together as well as in subgroups according to their particular job as officers, leaders in drama, music, social recreation, public affairs and public discussion. From eight to twelve workshops held annually in counties throughout the state.
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23:40 | FARMERS' ORGANIZATIONS WHICH USE EXTENSION SERVICES : Training workshops helped get farmers organizations involved with Extension. Wisconsin Farmers Union, particularly Jean Long, receptive. Also Grange, parent-teacher associations, community clubs, women's clubs and farmers' clubs, heavily involved. Farm Bureau did not respond; wanted services provided only for its leaders. County meetings ultimately led to annual state organization leaders conferences. Extension's dissemination of information to state organizations encouraged free discussion of issues.
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27:55 | WHY THE FARM BUREAU REJECTED EXTENSION'S SERVICES : Farm Bureau originated as agency of extension, and in other states remained integrated. Different in Wisconsin where K. L. Hatch refused to permit that kind of Farm Bureau-extension relationship.
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28:50 | WHY THE GRANGE AND FARMERS UNION REACTED FAVORABLY TO EXTENSION SERVICES : Grange always interested in educational program; extension services “like a breath of fresh air” to Wisconsin Farmers Union, surprised that the university interested in their organization.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:20 | PUBLIC AFFAIRS DISCUSSIONS FOCUS ON CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES : Extension insisted that controversial issues be thoroughly discussed and decisions made by the group. Included such issues as dairy marketing, doctor's fees, and so on. Farm Bureau did not respond to the program, whereas the Farmers Union did.
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03:00 | ANECDOTE ABOUT MEETING ON DAIRY PRODUCTS MARKETING : Wileden and Ewbank prepared an attitude scale on dairy marketing which was distributed to representatives of various farmers organizations. Results showed that people had listened attentively during a public affairs discussion on dairy marketing and changed their opinions as a result.
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05:25 | NATIONAL FARMERS ORGANIZATION (NFO) : Growing in state just as Wileden retiring.
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05:50 | DEAN CHRISTIANSEN SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS DISCUSSIONS : Dean Christiansen strongly supported public affairs discussions; helped bring Martin Anderson to extension staff.
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06:20 | DEPARTMENT OF RURAL SOCIOLOGY DISCONTINUES PUBLIC AFFAIRS DISCUSSIONS : One summer while Wileden teaching at Cornell, rural sociology department encouraged Martin Anderson to leave; program of public affairs discussions dropped.
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07:20 | BULLETIN ON CONDUCTING THE BUSINESS MEETING DESIGNED TO AID FARMERS : Such bulletins as Conducting the Business Meeting designed to give farmers more confidence in expressing their opinions. Reprinted twelve times since 1928.
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| 3/27/75 | |
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:55 | EVOLUTION OF WILEDEN'S INTEREST IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT : Drift of Wileden into community development stemmed from experiences in rural communities where organizational structure centered around family, church and school. His father had also belonged to fraternal organization called the Modern Woodmen.
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04:45 | INFLUENCE OF LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND TRAINING IN ARMY : Wileden observed leadership structure in the army, especially noting qualities of good leaders and leadership potential.
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08:50 | ORGANIZATIONAL INTERESTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN : Very involved in such organizations as the YMCA, debating society, and campus politics, although he was a “mugwump.” Helped organize association for returning veterans, “the Agricultural Triangle.”
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12:10 | INVOLVEMENT WITH RURAL ORGANIZATIONS IN RACINE COUNTY : Interested in rural clubs and in 1925 formed countywide Council of Rural Clubs.
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14:55 | KOLB'S ASSISTANCE TO WILEDEN : J. H. Kolb in 1924 offered Wileden $500 assistantship to join Rural Sociology section, teach, and write bulletin Rural Community Organizations Handbook while working on masters' thesis.
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17:10 | ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDS PERMIT FURTHER RESEARCH ON RURAL LIFE : Additional federal funds made available to land grant colleges for research in social sciences enabled Wileden to research special interest groups in rural society, and publish bulletin on the subject.
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19:00 | IMPACT OF DWIGHT SANDERSON ON WILEDEN'S IDEAS ABOUT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT : Social Science Research Council fellowship gave Wileden opportunity to study at Cornell under Sanderson, whose interest in communities had a great impact on Wileden's thinking.
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20:40 | WILEDEN'S INVOLVEMENT WITH RURAL ORGANIZATIONS WHILE IN RURAL SOCIOLOGY EXTENSION : Assigned to develop Rural Sociology extension; led to much involvement with rural Wisconsin organizations.
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26:25 | HOW PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERS WORKSHOPS AID COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT : Professional Community Leaders Workshops provided opportunity for organizational representatives to get together and discuss community development. Dean Ahlgren strongly supported workshops.
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29:30 | WHY COMMUNITY LEADERS WORKSHOPS ESTABLISHED IN : Shift in population from rural to urban areas partly responsible for development of Community Leaders Workshops.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:35 | WHY PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERS WORKSHOPS ESTABLISHED : As the population shifted, rural areas received less attention. Growing concern over social and economic problems of rural areas, such as those involving schools and hospitals.
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04:05 | COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION : Competition between communities to be center of services, since many without services would not survive.
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10:40 | COMMENTS ON GREENDALE, A GOVERNMENTAL PLANNED COMMUNITY NEAR MILWAUKEE | |
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12:00 | COMMENTS ON KOHLER VILLAGE, AN INDUSTRIAL PLANNED COMMUNITY | |
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13:10 | CONCERN FOR COMMUNITIES LEADS TO EMPHASIS ON LONG-RANGE PLANNING AND ZONING : Increasing concern for land use led to zoning, later expanded and called planning, then rural development. As political parties change, names of development programs also change but not the content.
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15:10 | WILEDEN BEGINS GRADUATE LEVEL COURSE IN APPLIED SOCIOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN : Graduate students wanted course in applied rural sociology; source material available too organization oriented and too structural in content, so Wileden compiled materials from own experiences with rural communities in mimeographed publication, “Rural Community Development.” Fellow staff members criticized course title of Community Organization; changed to Rural Community Development.
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20:15 | COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COURSE RESULTS IN COMMUNITY STUDIES : About one-third of students in course from foreign countries and/or urban areas with no exposure to rural communities. Because Madison had many rural communities in immediate vicinity, in-depth community studies conducted.
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23:30 | COMMENTS ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT : At recent gathering, Henry Ahlgren expressed to Wileden great satisfaction in emphasis on rural development. Every Wisconsin county today has at least part-time resource agent for rural development.
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25:40 | PILOT PROGRAM IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN PRICE COUNTY : Price County focus of pilot program in rural development because it was particularly disadvantaged.
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27:45 | MORE ON RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT : Much published on community development since Wileden's retirement.
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28:30 | LITTLE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAND TENURE CENTER AND TRADITION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN | |
| 4/16/75 | |
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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01:00 | IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING THE HISTORY OF FARMER ORGANIZATIONS IN WISCONSIN : Necessary to understand the background of the various farmer organizations in Wisconsin in order to understand relationships between organizations and University of Wisconsin.
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02:30 | BACKGROUND OF NATIONAL GRANGE : Pioneered in producers and consumers cooperatives, most of which failed; today mainly a fraternal organization.
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06:35 | BACKGROUND OF THE NATIONAL FARMERS UNION : Begun in Wisconsin in 1920's; able to absorb or cooperate with other organizations such as the Farmers Alliance, Non-Partisan League and the Society of Equity. Social and educational organization, with township units, not all of which survived. Unique in being “champion of the small farmer,” which both hindered and helped the organization.
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09:40 | BACKGROUND OF THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION : In many states county agents designated also as county Farm Bureau agents; helped Farm Bureau dominate other farmers organizations.
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11:40 | EXTENSION DIRECTOR IN WISCONSIN REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE FARM BUREAU AS OFFICIAL EXTENSION ORGANIZATION : K. L. Hatch refused to support the county Extension agents in Wisconsin serving as County Farm Bureau agents because he felt Extension Service should be free of alignment with special interest farmers organizations. Wisconsin Farm Bureau in response attempted to persuade some county extension agents to favor the Farm Bureau.
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15:15 | SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES OF FARMERS UNION AND FARM BUREAU : Many similarities in educational, economic and political programs; both encouraged township level educational organizations, producer cooperatives, and political activity. Farm Bureau, however, tended to support the Republican party, while the Farmers Union supported the Democratic party. Another major difference was that the Farm Bureau tended to support big, commercial farmer; Farmers Union the small farmer.
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17:25 | BACKGROUND OF COOPERATIVES : Began as offshoots of major farmers organizations, independent of each other, as commodity groups. Today cooperatives as a unit stronger than any single farmers organization.
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21:35 | CONFLICT BETWEEN FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS IN WISCONSIN : While Grange became a rural social and fraternal organization, Farmers Union and Farm Bureau competed for territory, Similar educational underpinnings and support of producers cooperatives, but conflict over political alignments, farm legislation, and a basic ideological difference over support of the small farmer and the commercial farm.
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26:00 | FARM BUREAU CALLS FARMERS UNION A “RADICAL” ORGANIZATION : Farm Bureau called the Farmers Union a “radical” organization, probably because of such leaders as Kenneth Hones.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:30 | LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM : Designed to make rural organizations function more effectively by bringing various organizations together.
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03:40 | ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY LEADERSHIP TRAINING SCHOOLS : Organized through county extension office on county-wide basis; open to officers and leaders of all rural organizations. Emphasized organizational approach and such programs as drama, music, public discussion, and recreation. Material written for each area of emphasis, including How to Conduct Group Discussion by Wileden and Ewbank; The Wisconsin Folksinger, by Dan Vornholt who collected songs of various Wisconsin ethnic groups. Farm Bureau usually “conspicuous by its absence” from the training conferences.
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12:55 | COMMENTS ON MILO SWANTON, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE : Swanton tried to involve all farmers organizations in public affairs discussions; must have been very disappointed when Farmers Union and some cooperative groups left the Council of Agriculture and formed another organization, the Wisconsin Association of Cooperatives. Swanton's strong feelings on issues often blocked effective discussion and cooperation.
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17:10 | EFFECTS OF DEPRESSION ON DRAMA AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES : During Depression, people responded enthusiastically to such programs. National Youth Administration (NYA) students assigned to Wileden and other staff.
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19:40 | SOME FARMERS GROUPS ORGANIZE OWN LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMS : Farm Bureau insisted on own training programs and the Farmers Union followed suit. Discouraging to Wileden because it defeated objective of getting organizations together.
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20:35 | ANNUAL STATEWIDE LEADERSHIP MEETINGS : Format similar to leadership training conferences conducted at county level.
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21:20 | “SOCIOLOGICAL PURIFICATION” HELPS BRING COLLAPSE OF LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM IN RURAL SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENT : Program fell apart after World War II. Many new staff members in department objected that leadership training conferences not “sociological.” What Wileden termed the “sociological purification process” resulted in the Kolb-Clark controversy and continued for years. Program staff slowly absorbed into other university departments; public affairs discussion program dropped completely.
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26:55 | WILEDEN'S RESPONSE TO “SOCIOLOGICAL PURIFICATION PROCESS” : “I suspect we had accomplished our goal, by and large” at the end of twenty-five years. Wileden never committed to sociology as a sociologist per se, but saw it as an opportunity to do what he wanted to do. Forced to redefine role. As a full professor Wileden began resident teaching part-time; ultimately changed course title to community development.
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29:10 | BEGINNING OF DISCUSSION ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT APPROACH | |
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:30 | CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT APPROACH : Wileden's special interest became a community approach to society. Community school and hospital systems emerging; felt time was ripe to emphasize community development in sociology at a time when sociologists becoming more specialized.
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03:30 | COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY : Selected pilot situations to do extensive research and analysis. Wileden became consultant to many groups and organizations both within and outside of Wisconsin. Believed he caught the sense of what was beginning to take place in community development across the country.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:50 | COMMENTS ON KENNETH HONES FORMER PRESIDENT OF WISCONSIN FARMERS UNION : Kenneth Hones focused on issue of farm policy in Washington; approach similar to that of Milo Swanton in his heavy emotional involvement. Bombastic speaker who sometimes smothered opposition within Farmers Union, and thus hurt the organization. Cites Anderson family as example of victims from within Farmers Union. Hones survived for twenty-five years by beating down opposition. Contrasts Hones with successor Gilbert Rohde.
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07:55 | RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KENNETH HONES AND U.W. COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE : Although Hones personally respectful towards Wileden, he used strong rhetoric against College of Agriculture without realizing extent of support from men like Hatch and Clark. Other UW regents neutralized influence of Hones on board during 1930's. Suggests Hones never got over the aggressiveness which is necessary in early days of organization, but becomes detrimental later.
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11:10 | EXPLAINS HOW DIFFERENT TYPES OF LEADERS NEEDED AT VARIOUS STAGES OF ORGANIZATION | |
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14:25 | PREDICTS FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS WILL COOPERATE : After anecdote about Southern Baptist minister on an airplane, Wileden forecasts farmers organizations will work together more closely in solving mutual problems.
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15:15 | COMMENTS ON JEAN LONG, LONGTIME EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR OF WISCONSIN FARMERS UNION : Able, enterprising, and reasonable woman who responded faithfully to U.W. College of Agriculture programs for farmers organizations.
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17:50 | ASIDE ON LOYALTY TO AN EMPLOYING ORGANIZATION | |
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20:40 | COMMENTS ON WALTER SINGLER, WISCONSIN COOPERATIVE MILK POOL : Remembers him as an advocate of violence; as a speaker he resembled Billy Sunday.
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24:05 | ANECDOTE ABOUT ATTITUDE SCALE TAKEN AT MEETING ON DAIRY PROBLEMS : Attitude scale taken among organizational spokesmen before and after meeting showed opinion changes.
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26:20 | COMMENTS ON HERMAN IHDE, MASTER OF WISCONSIN STATE GRANGE : “An entirely different sort of person” from Hones and Singler. Supportive of the College of Agriculture programs. Ihde, like Hones, interested in farm policy in Washington, but Ihde tried to be objective. Physically and otherwise, a “rock of Gibralter.”
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29:35 | GRANGE PARTICIPATION IN DRAMA PROGRAM : Recalls many members of Grange who wrote plays as part of College of Agriculture's drama program.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:30 | WILEDEN CHAGRIN OVER MATERIALS IN FORMER OFFICE | |
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01:25 | GRANGE MASTER NEAL PECK WORKS WITH WILEDEN ON COUNTY COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY CLUBS : Neal Peck, Peshtigo, worked closely with Wileden and Bruce Cartter on pilot project to create a county council of community clubs.
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02:45 | COMMENTS ON MILO SWANTON, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE : Milo Swanton became exceptionally effective agricultural spokesman. Council of Agriculture had become a prestigious organization; Swanton an able, experienced leader who “knew where the power was.”
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07:05 | COMMENTS ON LOU FRENCH, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL REPORTER : Prided himself on being “a friend of Wisconsin agriculturalists” but was not an objective reporter.
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09:05 | SPECULATES ON BACKGROUND OF CAMP DOUGLAS INCIDENT AT LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMP WRITTEN BY MILWAUKEE JOURNAL REPORTER FRENCH : Explanation of sequence of events. Wileden decries journalists in general for blowing minor events out of proportion.
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15:25 | COMMENT ON FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS COMPETING FOR PUBLIC FUNDS : Farmers groups and other private organizations competed for public funds; of broader consideration is relationship between public employee and private groups.
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18:55 | COMMENTS ON HONES AND SWANTON RIVALRY : Believes both enjoyed the verbal Combat.
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19:30 | COMMENT ON PHIL LA FOLLETTE : “Got off base” when began to use Hitler technique, symbolized by U.W. Stock Pavilion meeting in April 1938. Tactics not consistent with progressive tradition of Old Bob.
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23:10 | COMMENT ON FRANK ZEIDLER, FORMER SOCIALIST MAYOR OF MILWAUKEE : Got to know Zeidler personally while he worked for state Division of Resource Development. Trusted for his honesty and sincerity. A “folksy sort of person” who provided leadership during administration in Milwaukee. Wileden speculates on role of government in providing social services, and projects increasing difficulties for U.S. social security system.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:25 | FRANK ZEIDLER ASSISTS WILEDEN AND H. CLIFTON HUTCHINS IN ESTABLISHING ROCK ISLAND AS A STATE PARK : In studying Washington Island, Wileden and Hutchins “discovered” Rock Island as great potential state park. Owner agreed; Frank Zeidler persuaded Governor Nelson to support making Rock Island a state park.
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04:20 | STATE CONFERENCE FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS AT THE CLEARING : Conference for state-level leaders with theme; invited nationally known speakers. Zeidler one of resource persons; Wileden lauds his principles and character.
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| 4/23/75 | |
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:30 | DIFFICULTY IN UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS/DEPARTMENTS USING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDS : Policy decisions and freedom of speech can be affected by receiving either public or private funds. Safety depends on relative freedom of pursuit.
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03:50 | PUBLIC AFFAIRS DISCUSSION PROGRAM PROMOTES FREEDOM OF SPEECH : Public affairs discussion programs began so state groups would have basis to discuss alternative solutions to a problem. Resource materials for public affairs problems included the bulletin How to Conduct Group Discussion, and such subject matter guides as How Can the Buyer Get the Money's Worth?; Is Dairying Doomed in Wisconsin?; Who Should Pay the Doctor Bills?
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11:00 | CONTROVERSY OVER WHO SHOULD PAY THE DOCTOR BILLS? : Became controversial because one alternative solution involved organization around consumer cooperatives. Other proposed alternatives included socialized medicine and individual responsibility through personal funds or insurance plans.
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12:25 | SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS DISCUSSIONS : Statewide support for public affairs discussions.
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13:10 | OPPOSITION TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS DISCUSSION PROGRAMS : American Medical Association through State Medical Society opposed public affairs discussions on Who Should Pay the Doctor Bills? President Frank and U.W. Regents vindicated Wileden on the issue.
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15:30 | DEPARTMENT OF RURAL SOCIOLOGY DISCONTINUES PUBLIC AFFAIRS DISCUSSIONS : Public affairs discussions dropped; not considered logical part of sociology. General support outside but not within department.
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18:45 | REPRIMAND FOR REPORTING FAILURES AS WELL AS SUCCESSES : Required to submit annual reports to federal government, and monthly reports to state. Warned repeatedly that reporting failures as well as accomplishments would jeopardize continuation of funding.
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24:45 | COMMENTS ON FEDERAL EXTENSION ANNUAL REPORTS : Challenges worthwhileness of information.
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29:30 | BACKGROUND OF FARM SHORT COURSE : Begun in 1880's by Professor Moore in agronomy, coincidentally with Farmers Institutes to disseminate information to state farmers. Winter short courses held at the College of Agriculture for farm boys and girls.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:25 | CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION OF FARM SHORT COURSE : Three five-week terms. In early years, enrollees usually not high school graduates; later most had high school diplomas. Usually took two years to complete course. Many of Wisconsin's best farmers graduates of farm short course, which Wileden taught between years 1926-1940; 1945-1951; 1954-1956.
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04:50 | DIFFERENCES IN TEACHING SHORT COURSE AND RESIDENT INSTRUCTION : Short Course students “fresh off the farm, full of energy and enthusiasm, and they were anything but a captive audience.” Short course considered “low-level teaching” by some professors; difficult for farm short course directors to recruit good teachers.
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07:50 | DECLINE IN INTEREST IN FARM SHORT COURSE : Introduction of Smith-Hughes agricultural teaching in high schools led to decline in interest in farm short course. Dean Christiansen attempted to revive course by hiring John Barton, experienced with Danish folk schools, but failed in attempt to apply Danish folk school philosophy to short course.
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14:00 | FARM SHORT COURSE RETURNS TO AGRICULTURAL FORMAT : Smith-Hughes teacher Frank Wilkinson became director; short course became a more concentrated form of what taught in high school. In 1950's the Department of Rural Sociology withdrew completely from farm short course.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:45 | WHY FARM SHORT COURSE TEACHING CONSIDERED “LOW-LEVEL” : Teachers in farm short course among the best in college of agriculture; Wileden believes many critics probably not effective enough individuals to teach a course where students walk out if disinterested.
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03:05 | WILEDEN'S TECHNIQUE IN TEACHING FARM SHORT COURSE : Found out real concerns of students. Relevant discussions included such topics as marriage, type of farm they wanted to operate, role of child in farm family. Discussion format for classes; instructor presided rather than engage in professorial “speechmaking.”
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06:50 | ACADEMIC TEACHING VS. SHORT COURSE INSTRUCTION : Academic instructor has captive audience, students need grade to help get degree; students in farm short course must be stimulated or they walk out.
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07:35 | WORLD WAR II RURAL CIVILIAN DEFENSE PROGRAM IN WISCONSIN : Soon after Pearl Harbor, U.S. government set up rural and urban civilian defense programs. Focused on neighborhood leadership system plan. For Wisconsin rural areas, Extension Director Warren Clark asked county extension agents to submit names of two individuals from each “neighborhood” (e.g. one-room school district).
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13:30 | JULIUS P. HEIL SETS UP VOLUNTEER WAR SERVICE COMMITTEE : Set up five-member volunteer war service committee for every Wisconsin community. Outdid federal government; issued to volunteers red, white, and blue badges which read, “I am a War Service Committee Member.”
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15:45 | “GRAND CONFUSION” IN RURAL CIVILIAN DEFENSE PROGRAM : Dual programs created great confusion; “tons of instructions” issued for such duties as rationing meat, collecting scrap iron, selling government bonds, teaching nutrition. Several months of confusion led Warren Clark to ask Wileden to become state director of Rural Civilian Defense Program. County extension agents disgusted with the confusion over two “unreconcilable systems.” Wileden tried to reconcile regional and state meetings with local volunteers; also devised a guide. Confusion worsened when county agents selected representatives instead of setting up election mechanism; resulted in inexperienced representatives.
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24:15 | EVALUATION OF RURAL CIVILIAN DEFENSE PROGRAM : “The redeeming factor was that the fighting went so well on the military front that we never needed really to mobilize our volunteer resources.” Milkweed pod collecting among the projects. Wileden remained until war ended; job pre-empted other duties.
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29:30 | ANECDOTE ABOUT MARTIN ANDERSON TRANSPORTING HAMS TO THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS : Commander of liberty ships that took hams to the Philippines.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:30 | BACKGROUND OF COMMUNITY STUDIES : Community studies provided “classroom laboratory” for urban and foreign students to experience rural life at first hand. Students studied different aspects of a selected, close-by community and “really felt that they were a part of America; the real Midwest America.” [The State Historical Society of Wisconsin has in its collections seventeen of the eighteen community studies; the exception is New Glarus.]
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07:50 | SYNCHRONIZED SLIDES AND RECORDINGS : Developed synchronized colored slides and voice recordings [also at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin] to loan to organizations throughout state. Five programs developed; distributed by rural sociology office. Several copied by USDA, AID, and the UN. Bought own equipment and supplies to prepare pilot and demonstrate effectiveness in order to get additional resources. Project discontinued when Wileden retired.
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19:15 | BACKGROUND OF FRENCH ISLAND PROJECT : Wileden looking for community development pilot project; saw French Island as unique opportunity because it was a rural suburb, near La Crosse.
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22:45 | DESCRIPTION OF FRENCH ISLAND ABOUT : Very old settlement where many residents had “squatter's rights.” La Crosse residents disinterested; a “red light” district and the city dump. Low land flooded in each spring; packs of dogs and plentiful rats; ramshackle school. La Crosse population growing; French Island needed for expansion. [1] | |
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30:05 | JACK JENNINGS REQUESTS HELP TO IMPROVE FRENCH ISLAND : Jennings retired from Army Corps of Engineers, owned marina, and envisioned better future for French Island. Requested help from University of Wisconsin. French island school principal shared Jennings vision.
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33:15 | MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS RESIST CHANGE : Town chairman led French Island residents who opposed any changes.
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| 5/7/75 | |
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:45 | WHY FRENCH ISLAND A UNIQUE EXPERIMENT : Most of La Crosse and French Island residents alike willing to leave situation as it was. Wileden first acquainted with island in 1927; clear that changes would take outside leadership.
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05:30 | FAILURE OF TRADITIONAL APPROACH : Attempted to establish community organization through which to work for change. Jack Jennings and school principal supportive; most others surprised that any outsider would be interested in French Island. 4-H clubs and churches had failed in the past. After two meetings, community club formed, but eventually “old timers” who resisted change gained control of club. Jennings meanwhile formed the West La Crosse Civic League and worked diligently to get “the right people” in leadership positions.
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18:35 | SUCCESS OF SPECIAL INTEREST ORGANIZATIONAL APPROACH : Select groups willing to work together on special issues.
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19:40 | EDUCATION THE KEY TO SPECIAL INTEREST APPROACH : Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction ordered annexation of French Island to La Crosse for educational purposes; new school built on island.
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20:45 | CHURCH APPROACH : La Crosse Council of Churches disinterested; student at Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Dubuque, finally did study of La Crosse church attitudes toward French Island. Lutherans then decided to move in aggressively; hired a “perfect” minister to develop church on French Island.
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23:30 | YOUTH AND RECREATION APPROACH : City of La Crosse again uncooperative. Larry Langfeld, former Wileden student and La Crosse State Teachers College faculty member, developed recreation program based on student work projects.
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25:50 | HEALTH PROGRAM : Local residents resisted health program until dog problem got so bad state established a three-month quarantine for rabies. During spring floodings, mass typhoid inoculations given.
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27:05 | HOUSING PROGRAM : Great potential as residential suburb; in 1953 a county zoning ordinance allowed several contractors to build houses.
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28:25 | LOCAL GOVERNMENT : Problems because French Island part of town of Campbell, mostly across the channel. West La Crosse Civic League finally influenced elections enough that a businessman was elected as town chairman.
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00:45 | ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL INTEREST OF TOWN CHAIRMAN IN MAINTAINING STATUS QUO ON FRENCH ISLAND : Operated only farm on French Island; concerned about impact of residential development. Only paved road went from bridge to his farm door.
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03:10 | WHY LA CROSSE INTEREST GROUPS WISH TO KEEP STATUS QUO : Bewildering to Wileden in a city with good medical clinics, recreational programs, and churches. Some suggested to Wileden that many in La Crosse liked French Island as back-door brothel.
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05:25 | MORE ON ACTIVITIES OF WEST LA CROSSE CIVIC LEAGUE : Wileden a trusted party to league's meetings and plans.
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06:30 | MORE ON JACK JENNINGS : Unique individual; rough exterior but genuine concern for people. Created junior marina club.
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08:50 | SACRIFICE OF SCHOOL PRINCIPAL TO IMPROVE FRENCH ISLAND : Payoff was being fired. Again mentions shoddy physical layout of school on island's south end.
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11:25 | FRENCH ISLAND AS A LABORATORY : Often brought students to observe over a five-year period.
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12:00 | WHY U.W. SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN FRENCH ISLAND : Little off-campus activity at that time.
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13:30 | FRENCH ISLAND AS ILLUSTRATION OF INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR CHANGE : Cooperation from local people first; from official county groups; and from state.
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14:30 | INTEREST OF PRIVATE BUILDERS IN FRENCH ISLAND : Two small builders took the risk.
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16:40 | BACKGROUND OF KENOSHA COUNTY CITIZENS SURVEY : Cloistered ideas dormant unless people take action. Wileden involved in Kenosha county in 1929 after J. H. Kolb and D. E. Lindstrom first got underway a citizens self-survey. Set up committee of representative local citizens and professional advisors from different fields. Each survey committee issued report and recommendations; Wileden prepared final report. Idea of cooperative self-survey launched.
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24:10 | SELF-SURVEY IDEA SPREADS TO DOUGLAS COUNTY : Concern that idle older youth might foment a revolt; situation especially critical in Douglas County. Decided to survey with cooperation of county extension agent Walter Duffy who transferred his approach as a state agricultural commissioner to the county level. Mrs. K. H. Abrahamson, president of county congress of parents and teachers also instrumental in getting project launched. Douglas County Youth Survey Committee established; 15-20 older youth (ages 16-25) selected to participate voluntarily in getting survey schedules filled out. Youth got 800 schedules completed and helped hand-tabulate the data.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:05 | COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS PROMOTE CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT : Allowed citizens to get involved and take pride in themselves and their community.
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01:25 | COUNTY YOUTH CLUBS : Development of county youth club gave young people a sense of importance; allowed chance to meet other young people. Youth Club led to youth surveys, which were undercut by WPA and NYA as paid workers took the place of the young people.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:55 | COUNTY FORESTRY SCHOOL IN DOUGLAS COUNTY : Forerunner of CCC camps; developed by Walter Duffy in 1930's as outgrowth of Douglas County Youth Survey. Boys lived in abandoned logging camp near Wascott in winter; worked half-days with forester and attended classes half-days under instructor Osborne W. Ralph. Some forestry students went on to UW farm short course; several took bachelors degrees at UW.
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06:25 | BETTER CITIES SURVEY : Better Cities Survey of Aubrey Williams and Marie Kohler used approach similar to Douglas County survey, included Kenosha county. Prizes awarded for best achievement, an idea which Wileden doesn't agree with.
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09:15 | A. N. YOUNG, FIRST PRESIDENT OF WISCONSIN FARMERS UNION : Visited his farm many times; active in county leader training conferences. Strongest organizations in Douglas county were Farmers Union and Parent-Teachers organizations.
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10:20 | ANECDOTE ABOUT STATE CONGRESS OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS FORBIDDING DOUGLAS COUNTY PTA TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUTH SURVEYS | |
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11:25 | MORE COMMENTS ON A. N. YOUNG : Quiet but effective leader; cooperated with University; worked closely with Walter Duffy.
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12:20 | DUFFY'S IMPORTANCE IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN : Duffy as county extension agent ready to act, perhaps in response to criticism that College of Agriculture ignored northern Wisconsin.
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14:00 | WILEDEN COMMUTES BY AUTO TO NORTHERN WISCONSIN : Drove 350 miles one way to Superior in old Ford, in all kinds of weather, worked six-day week. Never questioned the routine; “we just did it.”
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17:40 | COMMENTS ON EMIL JORGENSON : Former extension agent; ideal experimenter who formed County Council of Rural Clubs and developed county leader training meetings in Waushara county. Effective in getting older youth involved, but didn't always think things through in advance. Warren Clark later hired Jorgenson as state supervisor. Jorgenson also studied with Brunner at Columbia; wrote master's thesis on neighborhood leadership systems.
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25:10 | COMMENTS ON BRUCE CARTTER : Bruce Cartter, 4-H club leader in Marinette county, developed county federation of rural clubs with Grange leader Neal Peck. Cartter later joined UW rural sociology department to conduct the discussion program and work on masters degree. Later became state director of older youth program in Wisconsin.
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27:40 | COMMENTS ON VERN HENDRICKSON : Vern Hendrickson former Buffalo county agent; became resource agent for County Rural Resource Development Program in Price County, one of the lowest income counties. Program funded by federal government.
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00:00 | INTRODUCTION | |
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00:05 | CONTINUATION OF COMMENTS ON VERN HENDRICKSON : Price County experiment “pioneered” the idea of county rural resource development program.
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01:00 | COMMENT ON HENRY AHLGREN'S PRIDE IN COUNTY RURAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM | |
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02:05 | COMMENTS ON REVEREND E. W. MUELLER, LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMERICA : Mueller a student in Wileden's two-week course at U.W. pastors' school; worked with National Lutheran Council; also active in American Country Life Association and National Church Conference. Outstanding promoter of cooperation and understanding between churches and land grant colleges and universities.
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10:40 | DENOMINATIONS INVOLVED IN CHURCH CONFERENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN : Two Lutheran synods, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Baptists, and so on. Sects not involved.
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11:45 | COMMENTS ON MSGR. LIGUITTI : Strong supporter of Catholic Church participation in UW pastors' conferences, and urged cooperation with other University programs. Vigorous speaker; “one of the real liberals within the Catholic Church.” Opposed church land holdings in South American countries.
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14:55 | ANECDOTE ABOUT COLOMBIAN PRIEST CRITICAL OF CHURCH OWNERSHIP OF LAND IN SOUTH AMERICA : Colombian priest in community development course wrote term paper for Wileden critical of Catholic church land policy in South America.
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16:45 | NATIONAL CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE CONFERENCE : Recalls Father Urban Baer and another priest who was very involved.
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18:45 | ANECDOTE ABOUT TRAVELING WITH CATHOLIC PRIEST : Priest asked Wileden to accompany him to an American Country Life Association Conference; Wileden's secretary worried that priest might convert him.
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20:20 | COMMENT ON ACQUAINTANCESHIP WITH CLERGYMEN : Wileden well-acquainted with many clergymen; doesn't consider them “apart from the rest of us.”
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22:35 | COMMENT ON U.S.-EDUCATED PERSONS FROM MIDDLE-EASTERN COUNTRIES : For many years “we've done a remarkably good job” in educating people from the Middle-Eastern countries. Educational levels raised, level of expectations increased, and have learned new power and techniques. Oil bargaining position example of new ability to deal with United States.
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28:45 | COMMENT ON NEED FOR INTERNATIONALISM : Plea for internationalist approach; “we have to recognize that we're operating on an international basis today. It isn't just the United States of America, it's a matter of the United Nations of the World.”
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00:25 | CONTINUATION OF COMMENT ON NEED FOR INTERNATIONALISM | |
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01:10 | COMMENT ON CRITICISM THAT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN NOT FULFILLING ITS COMMITMENT TO RESIDENTS OF WISCONSIN : Rejects the criticism; University of Wisconsin has served state residents remarkably well; hand of University visible all over the state. Contemporary criticism from taxpayers who are “temporarily squeezed.”
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07:15 | COMMENT ON WORKING WITH THE PEOPLE OF WISCONSIN : “I don't think that I was conscious of what I was doing all the time I was doing it. . . . Some of the things that I did become involved in succeeded far and beyond any reasonable expectation.”
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08:30 | END OF INTERVIEW | |