Oral history interview with Thomas W. Turner

Thomas W. Turner, an African American man, talks about his time as Howard University student who lived in Meridian Hill but spent considerable time in Anacostia meeting many of its prominent residents, including Frederick Douglass. He recalls Douglass's funeral at Campbell AME Church as well as other important landmarks in the neighborhood, such as St. Elizabeth's Hospital and Douglass Hall. Turner discusses what Anacostia was like during the 1880s and 1890s, describing the transportation and education at that time. He lists prominent community members and their families he got to know, including the Smoot family, the Dale Family, Garrett Wilkerson, Dr. Lucy Moten, Robert Dyson, and the Douglass family. Turner provides information about the churches he knew of in the area (Campbell AME Church, Bethlehem Baptist Church, and Emmanuel Episcopal Church) as well as recreation available to African American residents at that time (Green Willow Park and Eureka Park). He ends the interview detailing more about public education in Washington, D.C., and Howard University. Thomas W. Turner was interviewed by Donna Coates on August 19, 1975. Digital audio files include white noise and static; interviewee can be heard clearly for some parts.