Oral History Interview with George A. Patterson and Elsie Patterson

George A. Patterson, an African American man, and his stepmother, Elsie Patterson, an African American woman born in 1904, discuss important topics about Anacostia, such as education, segregation, recreation, and church. George talks about local businesses he remembers when he was growing up, including Dr. Shipley's Pharmacy and the Anacostia Bank (now the Anacostia National Bank), and Elsie speaks about typical family structures and what types of jobs people had. They both recall how close knit the community was at that time, even with businesses owned by white people, and how little crime there was. Throughout the interview, George and Elsie recall prominent community members, such as Ledru Koontz, Charlie Howard, Ella Foster, Carrie Young, and Roland Dale. They end the interview discussing important landmarks in the neighborhood, such as Smoot Funeral Services, Dr. Charles Quall's Drug Store, Robert and G. Mason's Funeral Home as well as local churches: Bethlehem Baptist Church, Campbell AME Church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and Macedonia Baptist Church. George A. Patterson and Elsie Patterson were interviewed on December 17, 1970, by an unnamed volunteer or staff member at the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (now the Anacostia Community Museum). Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for most parts.