Accession Number: 23
J.A. Stucky Papers
Papers: 1903 - 1956
Bulk: 1903 - 1931
.8 Linear Feet
Online Catalog Record (BANC)

Overview and History
Series Description
Series I- Personal/Biographical
Series II- Correspondence
Series III- Writings
Series IV - Hindman Clinic
Series V- Addresses and Lectures
Series VI - John and William S. Stucky, Sons
Series VII - Miscellaneous
Series VIII - Photographs

History

These are letters, photographs, articles, and lectures documenting the work of Joseph A. Stucky, M.D., especially his efforts to limit the incidence of trachoma in eastern Kentucky. Dr. Stucky was a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Louisville College of Medicine. He set up practice in Lexington, Kentucky, where he eventually specialized in ophthalmology and otolaryngology. In 1911, he traveled to Hindman in Knott County, Kentucky, where he conducted a clinic for trachoma victims at the W.C.T.U. (later Hindman) Settlement School. The high incidence of trachoma he documented in eastern Kentucky led to the establishment in 1913 of a U. S. Public Health Service hospital at Hindman.. This hospital operated until 1916, when it was moved to Pikeville in Pike County, trachoma having been effectively eliminated in Knott County.

Material in the collection includes miscellaneous Stucky correspondence with the following individuals: Dr. John McMullen, of the U. S. Public Health Service; Harriet Butler, staff nurse at Hindman Settlement School; and May Stone, director of Hindman. Letters detail Stucky's initial interest in conducting trachoma clinics in Knott county, his visits and treatment of patients there, and his role in the Public Health Service Survey of trachoma incidence in eastern Kentucky (1912). Photographs document Stucky's work in the mountains and include images of clinics at Hindman, patient treatment, clinic staff, Pine Mountain Settlement School, and views of the eastern Kentucky area. The photographs include black and white prints as well as negatives of various sizes; the majority of the images are unlabelled. The rest of the collection primarily includes articles and other publications by Stucky relating to trachoma, other topics in ophthalmology and otolaryngology, nursing, and social living.

Related Berea College Archives

Hindman Settlement School Collection, SAA 9
Hindman Settlement School Records, SAA 41
Mary Wheeler Ballad Collection, SAA 76

Series Description
2 Manuscript Boxes

These are clippings, articles, certificates, and a journal associated with Stucky. Clippings and articles record Stucky's work in eastern Kentucky, and an auto accident in 1931.

This is Stucky's general correspondence on a variety of topics, including visits to Pine Moutain and Hindman Settlement Schools, Berea College, his work with trachoma victims, and letters of support from friends and associates.

These include Stucky's general and medical writings as they appeared in newsapers and various journals as well as unpublished manuscripts.

This series includes articles by Stucky based on his experience at Hindman; general correspondence concerning the trachoma clinic, as well as correspondence with Harriet Butler and May Stone; and letters from children to Dr. Stucky in appreciation for his help.

Handwritten and typescript notes for addresses and lectures on various topics including "The Needs of the Mountain People . . ." and "Nurses and Nursing."

Closing legal argument by John Stucky at a Jackson County murder trail. Reports and condolences relating to the death of William S. Stucky.

Articles on trachoma by John McMullen; Dr. Stucky's "Chart of Character;" notes on Hindman patients; and an article on Stucky by Berea historian Elisabeth Peck and Peck's related research notes.

Prints and negatives of trachoma clinics, patients, and staff as well as environs around Pine Mountain and Hindman.

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