Title
William C. Baird
Subject
Member of the University of Buffalo Council, 1939-1978
chairman of the Council, 1969-1978.
University Council
Baird, Cameron, 1906-1960
Baird, Frank, 1852-1939
Amherst Campus
Baird Point
University of Buffalo--Endowment Campaign, 1920
Description
Interview with Baird, conducted by Brenda Shelton, October 16, 1978, concerning membership in University of Buffalo Council, his background, Baird Point, Chancellor McConnell, Amherst Campus, Seymour Knox, Chancellor Ketter.
Interviewer's observations: William C. Baird, October 16, 1978
At Mr. Baird's request, the interview took place in his office at the Gruber Supply Corporation. Unfortunately the room faces on Elmwood Avenue and is far from sound proof. As a result, traffic noises serve as background to much of the tape. Mr. Baird is a quiet, reserved, shy person, uncomfortable talking about himself. He was clearly nervous and uneasy about being taped. He suggested that he write the answers to questions, and when I stopped to change the tape, he said he really didn't think he had any more to say. Something happened with the first side of the tape, and the last five or ten minutes did not record. During that time Mr. Baird spoke briefly about becoming a member of the University of Buffalo Council in 1939 to replace his father after the latter's death. He said the Council was made up of influential citizens who supported the University financially, and who had a friendly relationship with faculty and administration, in a few cases mixing with them socially. Mr. Baird spoke warmly of Chancellor Capen, whom he obviously liked and admired.
At Mr. Baird's request, the interview took place in his office at the Gruber Supply Corporation. Unfortunately the room faces on Elmwood Avenue and is far from sound proof. As a result, traffic noises serve as background to much of the tape. Mr. Baird is a quiet, reserved, shy person, uncomfortable talking about himself. He was clearly nervous and uneasy about being taped. He suggested that he write the answers to questions, and when I stopped to change the tape, he said he really didn't think he had any more to say. Something happened with the first side of the tape, and the last five or ten minutes did not record. During that time Mr. Baird spoke briefly about becoming a member of the University of Buffalo Council in 1939 to replace his father after the latter's death. He said the Council was made up of influential citizens who supported the University financially, and who had a friendly relationship with faculty and administration, in a few cases mixing with them socially. Mr. Baird spoke warmly of Chancellor Capen, whom he obviously liked and admired.
Date
1978-10-16
Type
Sound recording
Interviews
Sound
Identifier
OH-3
Date Created
5/16/2013
Video Filename
UA014-baird-william.mp3
Original Format
1 Sound cassette
Duration
ca. 30 min.
Interviewer
Shelton, Brenda K.
Interviewee
Baird, William C., 1910-
Collection
Citation
“William C. Baird,” Digital Collections - University at Buffalo Libraries, accessed April 19, 2024, https://digital.lib.buffalo.edu/items/show/4326.