Oral History Interview with Norris Scott and Claudine Trivers Scott

Norris Scott, an African American man born on November 13, 1888, and his wife Claudine (née Blires) Trivers Scott, an African American woman born around 1893, discuss what Anacostia was like throughout their marriage, with Norris being from the area. They talk about the changing demographics of the neighborhood; what recreation was available for African American residents then, such as Eureka and Green Willow Parks for playing sports (baseball and rugby) as well as Ottaway Holmes for boating; what typical occupations, such as laborers and domestic workers; how the biggest churches at that time were Campbell AME Church and Bethlehem Baptist Church; and about banking at the only bank in the neighborhood, the Anacostia Bank (now Anacostia National Bank). The Scotts also speak about the construction of public housing and Suitland Parkways starting in the 1940s and how those projects changed Anacostia. Additionally, they discuss how segregation and integration impacted the community, particularly how different administrations, such as the Wilson Administration, made racial tension worse. They conclude the interview providing information about the current problems of the neighborhood: transportation, sanitation, and crime. Claudine (née Blires) Trivers Scott and Norris Scott were interviewed on December 5, 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.