Oral History Interview with (Dr.) Frederick D. Patterson

Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson, an African American man born on October 10, 1901, discusses his time growing up in Anacostia until he was seven before moving to Texas with his oldest sister. He talks about why he was named after Frederick Douglass and talks about attending Birney Elementary School; spending summers and holidays visiting his Aunt Julia Dorsey in Anacostia; the geographical boundaries of the neighborhood and how residents were segregated; and recreation in Anacostia, such as going to church, playing at the Frederick Douglass Home, and swimming in the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Dr. Patterson also recalls memories of his Aunt Julia, his brother John, older sister, and various other family members. More topics of discussion include Howard University, the Dale family, the Pullman Company, Miner Teaching College, and St. John CME Church. He speaks about family structures, transportation, and racial tensions in Anacostia. He ends the interview by providing detailed information about his higher education at Iowa State College (now Iowa State University) and teaching at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson was interviewed by John Bradshaw on December 29, 1970. His wife, Catherine Patterson, also contributed to the interview and is mentioned as "Mrs. Patterson" in the interview transcript. A man named "Mr. Dale" was also present for the interview. There is no digital audio file or cassette available for this interview; transcript of this interview is available.