Interview with Hattie Marie Morton

1940 Graduate of LMC

Did you have siblings?

Yes. Thelma Morton Hammond, 1937 graduate of LMC, who is 15 years older than Hattie. Thelma just celebrated her 100 th birthday in May 2004.

How did you fund your education to LMC?

Thelma Morton Hammond paid for her education. She was a teacher at Madison Junior High School . Sister felt she needed to be able to care for herself and needed an education.

Did you attend other colleges in addition to LMC?

Atlanta University School of Social Work . Received her Masters in Social Work in 1942. School provided housing with families for the young women in the community. She grew up a lot there...

There were 3 LMC classmates of which 2 were sorority sisters who attended Atlanta University School of Social Work:

Mona Hancock Stone
Mary Frances Foley
Harriett Redman

When did you attend LMC?

1936-1940.

Why did you decide to attend LMC as oppose to another college?

When she attended LMC was very nice and she was young and her family thought she was not mature enough to go away to school like Kentucky State. She graduated from Central High School at 16 years old and her family thought was not mature enough to go away to school. Her sister had attended LMC.

What are your fondest memories of LMC?

The relationships she developed with the people there.

Extra curricular activities:

Greek organizations Delta Sigma Theta Sorority -- still active in the organization today.

Remained friends with her pledge line:

Mona Hancock Stone
Mary Frances Foley
Wilma Street

Wears her sorority insignia in a lavaliere.

What were the goals you set for yourself at Louisville Municipal College? Did you reach your goals?

“To be able to take care of herself”

What words of wisdom would you like to share with present day college students?

Know what you want in life.

Hattie moved to Richmond, Virginia after working in Louisville for a better position/opportunities. She worked for the Department of Public Welfare as an Intake Senior Social Work supervisor. Retired in 1985/87 from that position. Received numerous award for outstanding performance while with the department. She was active in community efforts and social work organizations including leadership roles while in Richmond.

She attended Quinn Chapel A.M.E. church but converted to the Episcopalian church when she moved to Virginia for a position.

Relocated to Louisville 3-4 years ago to be with her sister. She currently shares an apartment with her sister Thelma in Treyton Oaks Tower.

She is currently a member of Our Merciful Savior Episcipalian church in Louisville.

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