Title
John T. Horton, Interview from March 7, 1978
Subject
Professor of history
University of Buffalo. Department of History--History
Capen, Samuel Paul, 1878-1956
Description
Professor of history at the University of Buffalo and the State University of New York at Buffalo, 1926-1973; Chairman of the department, 1948-1967; alumnus of the University of Buffalo. Concerns his family history, student years, career as historian, faculty members, chair of Department of History, vews on education, people connected with the University, particularly Julius William Pratt.
Interviewer's observations: Dr. John T. Horton, 3-7-78
Dr. Horton and his wife reside in a large, rose-colored stucco house in an old Buffalo neighborhood. Their home is reflective of its surroundings as it stands with a well-preserved aura of dignity. Entering the home the interviewer was greeted by a warm handshake and a small grand piano, alone in an alcove nearby. Dr. Horton's chivalrous reception and Mrs. Horton's hospitality were received in an atmosphere of refined charm. The rectangular living room was spotlessly polished, with furnishings and Elizabethan-style paintings arranged with precision. Upstairs, the study in which the interview took place was decorated in Early American Colonial wall-paper and furnished similarly. Photographs adorned the walls, portraying families in turn-of-the-century garb; obviously ancestors of the Hortons. Dr. Horton's enthusiasm and tremendous enjoyment in participating in the interview is evidenced by the length and fine quality of the recording itself. After each side of the tape was completed, Mrs. Horton joined us as we listened to the recording. She added these comments:
1. In mentioning student activities of the 1920's, Dr. Horton failed to mention the glee club, of which she was a member. 2. That Dr. Horton had many job offers after completion of his Master's and Doctorate degrees.
3. That Dr. Horton used to get standing ovations from his students during his last years of teaching; the years he described as growing "sour" towards the students.
4. That Dr. Horton was a fine swimmer and if UB had had a pool during his undergraduate years, he would have taken advantage of it.
Dr. Horton is of medium stature and wears glasses and a big white moustache. His eyesight is poor and his hearing is somewhat weakened. Mrs. Horton is very attentive to his needs. Both Dr. and Mrs. Horton were dressed in formal attire.
Dr. Horton and his wife reside in a large, rose-colored stucco house in an old Buffalo neighborhood. Their home is reflective of its surroundings as it stands with a well-preserved aura of dignity. Entering the home the interviewer was greeted by a warm handshake and a small grand piano, alone in an alcove nearby. Dr. Horton's chivalrous reception and Mrs. Horton's hospitality were received in an atmosphere of refined charm. The rectangular living room was spotlessly polished, with furnishings and Elizabethan-style paintings arranged with precision. Upstairs, the study in which the interview took place was decorated in Early American Colonial wall-paper and furnished similarly. Photographs adorned the walls, portraying families in turn-of-the-century garb; obviously ancestors of the Hortons. Dr. Horton's enthusiasm and tremendous enjoyment in participating in the interview is evidenced by the length and fine quality of the recording itself. After each side of the tape was completed, Mrs. Horton joined us as we listened to the recording. She added these comments:
1. In mentioning student activities of the 1920's, Dr. Horton failed to mention the glee club, of which she was a member. 2. That Dr. Horton had many job offers after completion of his Master's and Doctorate degrees.
3. That Dr. Horton used to get standing ovations from his students during his last years of teaching; the years he described as growing "sour" towards the students.
4. That Dr. Horton was a fine swimmer and if UB had had a pool during his undergraduate years, he would have taken advantage of it.
Dr. Horton is of medium stature and wears glasses and a big white moustache. His eyesight is poor and his hearing is somewhat weakened. Mrs. Horton is very attentive to his needs. Both Dr. and Mrs. Horton were dressed in formal attire.
Date
1978-03-07
Rights
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Type
Sound recording
Interviews
Sound
Identifier
OH-12
Is Part Of
LIB-UA014
Video Filename
UA014-horton-john-3-7-1978.mp3
Original Format
audio cassette
Interviewer
Peterzell, Jenny
Interviewee
Horton, John T., 1902-
Collection
Citation
“John T. Horton, Interview from March 7, 1978,” Digital Collections - University at Buffalo Libraries, accessed December 17, 2025, https://digital.lib.buffalo.edu/items/show/4292.