Oral History

Gene Tate Interview

Themes:
Subjects:
Kavanaugh Family, EPA T-Ball Pitching Machine, Finley Realty, Cecil Johnson, Roy Clay, Ravenswood High School, Gene Tate, Willie Mays
Date of Creation or Publication:
12/5/2025
Creator
Meda Okelo
Donor
Gene Tate
Language
English
Copyright Statement:
Interview of Gene Tate by Meda Okelo. Topics include: family migration from Kenlock, MO in 1957; positive experience at Ravenswood High School; why he developed a love for baseball; playing sports including Babe Ruth baseball and baseball and basketball at Ravenswood; starting to coach little league when a senior in high school; being drafted, serving in Vietnam and receiving a purple heart; returning to EPA in 1968 and an apprenticeship program in floor covering, setting up his own business which he ran for 30 years; businesses in Whiskey Gulch and Nairobi Village Shopping Center; changing demographics and Finley Realty recruiting Blacks to move to EPA; long-time residents and then migration of Latinos to EPA; the Nairobi movement especially in education; why he started EPA T-Ball Pitching Machine League and the individuals and organizations that helped including Roy Clay; 1957 incorporation attempt; the extension of University Avenue in the early 60s; restoration of Jack Farrell Park; the future of Little League and T-Ball; and other topics.

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