INTERVIEWEE NAME: John McKeithen COLLECTION: 4700.0334

IDENTIFICATION: [1918 – 1999] Former Governor (1964-1972), State of Louisiana, D.

INTERVIEWER: Mark Carleton

PROJECT: LSU History

DATES: 16 August 1993 FOCUS DATES: 1940's-1990's

T 473

McKeithen begins discussion with mention of his birthplace, parents, family religion and high school, childhood visits to LSU; moves on to college years, law school and makes mention of his notable contemporaries; describes his run for office and first experiences in state government, the drawing of the state budget, appointments to committees and judgeships; continues with discussion of associates at LSU, working on the Board of Supervisors; the development of the Dental School and other branch facilities, dorm stadium; appointment of Dean Howe to run the Mineral Board; discusses university tuition and funding and leads into the subject of state funding and conjecture on changing the Louisiana constitution; McKeithen suggests "vow of poverty" for state politicians, discusses implications of corruption; speaks on the political views of his son Fox, his wife and daughters; considers segregation, race relations and how these have changed; contrasts his views on race with those who ran against him for Governor; speaks on forced bussing; describes and denies accusation of mafia involvement; lists greatest achievements over career, to include the development of industry, the pursuit of corporate relocation to Louisiana, the improvement of race relations, Council for a Better Louisiana reforms, the Superdome, resolution of labor dispute in Boise-Cascade plant; considers the political future of his son, Fox and contemporary political figures, including David Duke; describes his resignation from a Caldwell Parish country club in protest of their refusal to allow a black golfer access

TAPES: 1 TOTAL PLAYING TIME: 2 hours 7 minutes

# PAGES TRANSCRIPT: 69