Oral history interview with Edwin "Ed" Finch and Francis "Frank" McDermott, Class of 1970, 2020

Creator:

McDermott, Francis, "Frank" and Finch, Edwin, "Ed"

Abstract:

In this interview, Finch and McDermott exchange memories and laughs as they remember nights spent together writing papers and then—when student demonstrations hit UVA—surveying Grounds from the roof of the Downtowner Motor Inn as legal marshals. Finch recalls attending a handful of May Days events and his political shift from a relative conservative to a moderate as a result. McDermott specifically remembers the police presence during those days and the permanent effect the Vietnam War had on his generation.

Scope and content:

Due to the novel COVID-19 virus, Randall Flaherty, Addison Patrick, and Meggan Cashwell connected with Edwin "Ed" Finch and Francis "Frank" McDermott via Zoom. Finch and McDermott preferred to be interviewed together because they were good friends during Law School and could jog each other's memories. Through documentary research, MacFarlane was identified as a legal marshal during May 1970. Interview questions were prepared ahead of time, although interviewers posed follow-up questions where appropriate.

Language:

English.

Material specific details:

Type of recording: Audio/Video Device: Zoom screen recording. Flaherty and Patrick are visible. Finch and McDermott joined the call via telephones. Number of parts: 1 Play time: [1:04:15]

Names:

McDermott, Francis, "Frank"
Finch, Edwin, "Ed"

Access and use