Oral history interview with Raymond McKenzie and Nellie Marshall McKenzie

Raymond McKenzie, an African American man born on May 1, 1898, and his sister-in-law, Nellie Marshall McKenzie, an African American woman, discusses being born and raised in Anacostia, remembering the prominent families (such as the Dale, Sayles, and Butler families) and churches (such as Bethlehem Baptist Church and St. Philip's Chapel). He talks about notable businesses and landmarks in the neighborhood, including Mason's Funeral Home, Dr. Shipley's Pharmacy at Douglass Hall, Dyson's Barber Shop, and the paint shop owned by his father, Walter McKenzie. Additionally, he speaks about the type of transportation then, such as horses and wagons, street cars, and bicycles and about recreation and sanitation in the neighborhood during his younger years. He briefly recalls his father talking about Frederick Douglass. Raymond McKenzie describes the racial tension in Congress Heights and Uniontown as well as the railroads in the neighborhood and using the Anacostia River for baptisms. He ends the interview talking about the Navy Yard and the Bonus Army in Anacostia. Raymond McKenzie and Nellie Marshall McKenzie were interviewed by John Tetrault in July of 1974 and Raymond was re-interviewed by Donna Coates on August 20, 1975, because the first interview was not taped. Nellie Marshall McKenzie was not present for the second interview. Raymond McKenzie's wife, Gladys McKenzie, was present for the interview and called "Speaker 3" in the interview transcript. Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for most parts. There are no digital audio file, cassette tape, or interview notes available from the first interview.