Oral History Interview with Carl Smuck

Carl Smuck, a white man born around 1905, describes what Anacostia was like when he moved to the area in September 1926. He discusses the demographics and how Anacostia was made up of three communities: Uniontown, Congress Heights, and Barry Farm (which includes Garfield). He explains how everyone did business together at the Anacostia Bank (now the Anacostia National Bank) and at Smuck's own law firm, but African American residents attended different churches, schools, and parks. He provides information on the history of Anacostia Bank (now Anacostia National Bank), where he also worked, and the previous bank, the Farmers Bank, which went out of business. Smuck speaks about the Anacostia Citizens Association, Anacostia Businessmen's Association, the local Y.M.C.A., and the Home and School Association. He discusses important community members who were a part of these associations, including Ledru Koontz and C. Bayne Marbury. He concludes the interview by talking about the recent spike in crime, the Bonus Marches, and the pressing issues regarding sanitation in the neighborhood. Smuck was interviewed by John Bradshaw on January 7, 1971. Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for most parts.