E.B. Lemon Oral History Interview (2 of 4)

In his second interview, Lemon talks about what classes he enjoyed taking at Oregon Agricultural College. He explains that at the time he was attending, the school had to be able to pace itself in education as many students came from rural backgrounds. According to Lemon, then President Kerr explained that the job was not to get ahead of the people. Rather it was to cultivate the best programs to aid in developing education in Oregon. On the lighter side, Lemon recalls what he and his fellow students would do for fun. Much of that included literary societies and activities centered on those groups.

Other activities that Lemon was involved with included the school newspaper, the Barometer, and the formation of a student council in his senior year. He also talks about his time in ROTC and his relationship with U.G. Alexander, his commanding officer. While he enjoyed his time in ROTC, Lemon never regretted not pursuing a military career after university. He instead jumped at the chance to teach introductory courses in Accounting. Many factors gave way to his decision, including that he was engaged to a fellow student and wished to remain in Corvallis.