Welton Ivan Taylor (Finding Aid)

Welton Ivan Taylor

1919 -

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Food: Gumbo

Favorite Time of Year: Early Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: East Africa

Interview Length: 368 minutes

Interview Date(s): March 27, 2003

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Welton Taylor details his family history. Welton Taylor remembers his cousin, William C. Handy. He describes the challenges his parents faced before his birth, including the 1919 Chicago riots. Taylor then shares some of the childhood lessons he learned from his father. Welton Taylor recalls growing up in Chicago and in Peoria, Illinois. He remembers his early interest in science and nature, and discusses his early education. Welton Taylor details the scientific contributions of his idol, Louis Pasteur. He then recalls his participation in ROTC, and his promotion to military rank. Welton Taylor details his experiences at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, including his many confrontations with racism. He also recalls his introduction to aviation. Welton Taylor reviews some highlights of his time at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, including training a corps of field artillerymen. He also recalls his promotion to First Lieutenant. Welton Taylor shares more stories of discrimination in the Armed Forces, and recalls his aviation training. Welton Taylor details his experiences overseas during World War II. He recounts watching Charles Lindbergh pilot a P-61, and recalls how he challenged the existence of segregated facilities for officers. Welton Taylor recalls his adventures on Papau New Guinea during World War II. He then recounts his return home, and details his success as a graduate student at the University of Illinois. Welton Taylor recalls earning his PhD, over the objections of a racist professor. He then recounts his early career, including his work for Swift & Company. He also remembers his World War II injury. Welton Taylor recalls his career with Swift & Company. He discusses his contributions to their operation, as well as their reluctance to handle widespread salmonella and E. coli contamination. Welton Taylor remembers his transition from Swift & Company to the Pasteur Institute in Lille, France. He recounts his experiences living in Europe, particularly his work for the Pasteur Institute and the World Health Organization. Welton Taylor shares his thoughts on racism in the military, and the contemporary state of race relations. He also reflects back on his life and career.

57 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)