Oral history interview with Elsie M. Patterson

Elsie Patterson, an African American woman born on December 16, 1904, speaks about her time and people she has met in Anacostia in the last thirty years. She discusses the education in her neighborhood, such as Birney Elementary and different schoolteachers, and the recreation available then, including Anacostia Park and church events at Campbell AME Church. Patterson recalls important landmarks in the neighborhood, such as the Anacostia Bank, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, and Anacostia Park by the Anacostia River. She also talks about family structures and the closeness of the community. Patterson also provides information about transportation, such as the public bus system and carpooling, as well as the geographical boundaries and how Anacostia was segregated. She ends the interview discussing the policemen, Reverend James Coates, and the Dale family. Elsie Patterson was interviewed by Donna Coates on October 8, 1975. Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for most parts.