Oral history interview with Robert H. Williams

Oral history interview with Robert “Herb” Williams conducted by Tom Carr at Robert H. Williams’ home. Robert Williams was the former Director of WMU Physical Plant. He recalls his early education in Kentucky, enlisting in the ROTC reserve, and coming to Kalamazoo for the 1941 home game on WMU campus against Western Kentucky State Teachers College. He also recalls serving in Europe during World War II, transferring back to Michigan, and being hired in construction by the State Building Division out of Lansing in 1946. He describes his job, role on a construction site, and other building projects in Kalamazoo. In 1948, he was hired by John Goldsworth as a maintenance supervisor. He describes how McCracken Hall was built, how the West Campus (later, Main Campus) was developed through the 60s, the trolley system on East Campus, the presidents he worked for, hiring of Ed Powless to run the first bus route between East and West campuses, building of the University Student Center, and other memorable faculty. He retired after 34 years at WMU in January 1980. He passed away in 2016.
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