Oral History Interview with Ethel K. Graham Greene

Ethel K. Graham Greene, an African American woman born around 1894, discusses about her life and family history in Anacostia, starting with her father moving to Anacostia from Meridian Hill in 1888. She talks about her maternal grandparents living in Canada to escape slavery and her paternal grandparents bought freedom for their children, including Greene's father, Captain George D. Graham, who later fought in the Civil War. She provides information about her father's involvement in the government and different civic associations as well as the prominent families he worked with, such as the Douglass, Banks, Hoffman, and Moten families. Greene speaks about Douglass Hall and the many businesses that occupied, including the second fall dance hall, the Shipley's Pharmacy, and the Sayles' confectionery store. She describes her husband's family and how many of her in-laws were doctors and lawyers in Washington, D.C. She discusses her employment through the federal government in various departments, such as the Bureau of War Risk Litigation and the Office of Special Education. Throughout the interview, Greene recalls important places for Anacostia residents, such as parks (Eureka and Green Willow), schools (Birney Elementary and Dunbar High), and churches (Campbell Church and Bethlehem Baptist). Greene concludes the interview talking about the Howard family and the recent city planning projects for Anacostia. Ethel K. Graham Greene was interviewed by John Tetrault on February 27, 1975. There is no digital audio file or cassette available for this interview; transcripts of the interview are available.