Oral History Interview with Tracy Campbell

Tracy Franklin Campbell, a white man born around 1895, recalls his time in Anacostia after moving there in 1921. Topics of discussion include neighborhood demographics, public education, recreation, church, and politics. He talks about segregation and racial tension in Anacostia; however, he recalls how everyone had to do business together because the neighborhood was so small. He discusses residents' employment with the government as well as at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, the U.S. Post Office Building in D.C., and the Navy Yard. Campbell provides information about local churches and their congregations, such as St. Teresa's Church, St. Philip's Church, and Anacostia Methodist Church, as well as about community organizations he was a part of, such as Eastern Star and the Lion's Club. He lists prominent community members, including George Frazier, Elzie Hoffman, Ledru Koontz, George Mayo, and Lorenzo Thompson. He concludes the interview discussing the current problems of Anacostia and how much it has changed since he was younger regarding demographics and crime. Tracy Franklin Campbell was interviewed on March 10, 1971 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 some parts.