Donald Mattingly, also known as "Duck," was born on May 4, 1944. He was raised in the seventh district, in a place he refers to as his home place. His father, Joseph Olin Mattingly, was one of the biggest seafood dealers in St. Mary’s County. Donald grew up in a community where oyster shucking was a common occupation, with many people, mostly people of color, working in the shuck houses. He recalls his father going as far as Piney Point to pick up shuckers to bring down to shuck oysters. Donald also has vivid memories of playing cards and marbles in the local store, which served as a community hub.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Donald Mattingly provides a rich and detailed account of his life and the community he grew up in. Mattingly discusses his upbringing in the seventh district, where his father was a prominent seafood dealer. He provides a vivid description of the oyster shucking industry, including the working conditions, wages, and the racial dynamics of the workers. Mattingly also shares personal anecdotes about his childhood, including playing marbles on the concrete floor of the local store and learning to play poker at a young age. He recalls the store as a community hub, where locals would gather to play cards, drink beer, and socialize. The interview also touches on the economic conditions of the time, with Mattingly noting that despite the general lack of money, the local watermen had money and would bet large amounts during card games. He also mentions occasional fights breaking out in the store. Overall, the interview provides a rich and detailed snapshot of life in a specific time and place, as seen through Mattingly's eyes.