Nelson Hoover interviewed by Chris Bolgiano

Creator:

Hoover, Nelson Beidler, 1927-2008, Bolgiano, Chris, and Vaughan, Sarah

Scope and content:

Records the reminiscences of Nelson Hoover, who worked in Food Services at Madison College from 1942 until 1987. Mr. Hoover's wife, Evelyn Hoover, identified in the transcript only as Mrs. Hoover, was also present at the interview and provides additional details and comments. Describes his employment at Madison College at the age of 15, as a dishwasher in the kitchen at Harrison Hall. Mentions his subsequent move to Gibbons Hall and his promotion to Head Baker in the early 1960s upon the retirement of his predecessor, Jess Edwards. Recalls the working conditions at that time, such as a seven day work week, and the reforms implemented by Food Services administrator Robert Griffith. Includes details of the variety and quantity of baked goods produced on a daily basis. Mentions the work of student assistants as servers and of the kitchen's role in the training of dietician students, identified as "Institution Girls." Recalls college Presidents Samuel P. Duke, G. Tyler Miller, and Ronald E. Carrier. Compares working conditions in Harrison and Gibbons Halls, including mechanical equipment, pest control, and health inspections.

Other descriptive data:

Recorded at Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Hoover's residence in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Names:

Hoover, Nelson Beidler, 1927-2008
Bolgiano, Chris
Vaughan, Sarah

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