Interview with Constance Pitter Thomas and Edward Pitter, 1971

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Pitter family
Title
Interview with Constance Pitter Thomas and Edward Pitter
Dates
1971
Quantity
2 cassettes (120 min. total)
Collection Number
1637 (mss), 1637-001 (accession)
Summary
Tape recorded interview of African-American father and daughter where Ms Thomas discusses her political involvement during her childhood and youth and theater. Edward Pitter discusses his early life in Jamaica, his immigration, and settlement in Seattle
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

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Languages

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Edward Alexander Pitter was born in Jamaica in 1892. Besides church membership, Mr. Pitter also joined the Masons. He held jobs with the railroad and an insurance company. Pitter's involvement with politics, especially the Democratic Party and the Colored Democratic Association of Washington, began in the 1920s. He died in 1976. Ms. Thomas, Edward Pitter's daughter, was involved in politics during her childhood and youth which included attending political meetings and talks, meeting President Roosevelt, and participating in the Democratic party.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Tape-recorded interview conducted by Virginia Gayton, and Richard C. Berner on 4/29, 5/19, 6/2, and 6/16/71.

Ms. Thomas discusses her political involvement during her childhood and youth. She also talks about her work as a census taker, member of the NYA (National Youth Alliance) and repertory theater (Federal Theater). The theater discussion includes information on facism and segregation.

Edward Pitter discusses his early life in Jamaica, his immigration, and settlement in Seattle. He also discusses his various jobs including working for the railroad, an insurance company, and some other things. He also talks about his church affiliations including joining the Masons. Various church activities are mentioned.

Ms. Thomas and her father talk about the places they lived in Seattle and their neighbors. Pitter then talks about his political involvement which began in the 1920s, and he mentions several people who were also involved. There is a section dealing with the Depression which is partly concerned with church but the main topic is the Democratic party and Pitter's involvement in it. Some time is spent on the subject of communism and its development in Seattle.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Informant's/creator's rights dedicated to the public. May be used for research, instruction, publication or similar purposes.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Fascism--United States
  • Freemasons--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)
  • Political activists--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Segregation--Personal narratives
  • Women political activists--Washington (State)--Seattle

Corporate Names

  • Federal Theatre Project (U.S.)
  • National Youth Alliance (U.S.)
  • Washington State Colored Democratic Club

Geographical Names

  • Jamaica--Description and travel

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Pitter family--Archives (creator)
    • Pitter, Edward A. (Edward Alexander), 1892-1976 (creator)
    • Thomas, Constance Pitter (creator)
    Corporate Names
    • Democratic Party (Wash.) (creator)