doi:10.7916/d8-78pg-z563Oral history interview with Arthur, 1980Arthuroral historiesmixed materialDrug addicts--United StatesDrug dealers--United StatesDrug traffic--History--20th century.--United StatesHeroin abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesSoldiers--Drug use--United StatesProstitution--History--20th century.--United StatesArthur begins the interview by discussing his familial life and Harlem in the years through the Great Depression. He describes starting as young employee of supermarkets and eventually became a manager. He shares his introduction to drugs, bootlegging in Harlem, his initial use of heroin at the age of twenty-one, and his changes in drug use throughout his lifetime. During World War II, many drug users were not able to access heroin any longer, and Arthur recalls how people were withdrawing in the streets. Arthur describes his service in the U.S. Navy, including drug use on Navy ships, a stop in Indonesia, and his incarceration in Germany. Arthur shares the realities of balancing "honest" work, drug dealing, and drug use and how it impacted not only his life but the life of the people around him. He describes how one would obtain needles for injection, find quality heroin, and survive during times without access. Arthur reflects on dealing to jazz musicians and entertainers, dealing to sex workers, and how he would buy off the police during the 1950s-1960s. Arthur shares that at the time of this interview, he is retired, a passionate reader, and maintaining using methadone