Pearlie Mae Washington Oral History Interview

This interview begins with a brief discussion about what Eugene, Oregon was like when Pearlie Mae Washington first moved there with her husband, who worked for the railroad company. Mrs. Washington was one of the first Black residents of Eugene, and notes that many white residents initially did not understand her or her family, although they were friendly. Her daughter was rejected from one of the local high schools because of her race but was eventually able to enroll in Eugene High School.

Mrs. Washington then describes the religious life of the Black community in Eugene; there was no Black church there at first, so she hosted services in her home. The interview then turns to the sorts of foods that Mrs. Washington enjoyed and who her heroes were. She mentions Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sammy Davis Jr. as being among them, noting that Davis stayed at her house during a trip to Eugene. The interview concludes with Mrs. Washington offering advice to young people, and then leading a prayer.

Pearlie May Washington was born in Arkansas in 1906 and passed away in Eugene, Oregon in 1993. One of the first Black residents of Eugene, she had two children, whom she raised there.

Image credit: Eugene Register-Guard