Oral history interview with James Banks

James Banks, an African American man born in 1920, discusses growing up in Anacostia from 1920 to 1953 before moving to complete a master's degree at the University of Pittsburg. Banks returned to Southeast, Washington D.C. in 1963. He talks about the demographics of the neighborhood when he first lived there as well as important landmarks to residents, such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Anacostia Bank, and the Frederick Douglass Home. He speaks about Birney Elementary and Dunbar High School, noting how most people finished grade school and had some high school education. He provides information about typical recreation, such as playing baseball and swimming in the Anacostia River; attending church plays and picnics; and going to different playgrounds. Banks recalls what life was like before indoor plumbing and what the average family was like. He mentions Douglass Hall, where organizations like the Masons would meet and people owned shops like Dr. Shipley's Pharmacy. He ends the interview listing prominent community members and their contributions to Anacostia, including Emma Smith (schoolteacher), Laura Robinson (schoolteacher), John Henry Dale Jr., Elzie S. Hoffman (musician), Martha E. Ellis. James Banks was interviewed by Wanda Dickens on September 22, 1975. Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for some parts.