Oral history interview with Clifton Pleasant

Clifton Pleasant, an African American man born in 1907, describes what Anacostia was like growing up, with no indoor plumbing and only a wagon for transportation. Children usually went to high school, but few graduated because the high schools were across the river. He discusses the differences he notices with children being raised in the neighborhood today. Additionally, he talks about crime as a bigger problem today than when he was growing up, when no one locked their doors at night. He recalls important landmarks in Anacostia, such as St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Anacostia Bank, and Eureka Park. Pleasant speaks about the German family (Haas) he knew of in the neighborhood as well as other prominent families nearby, such as the Dales, Sayles, and Williams; about the police station and police officers; and about school and the classes he took as a child. He ends the interview recommending other community members to interview. Clifton Pleasant was interview by Wanda Dickens on August 19, 1975. Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for most parts.