Apparently I’ve been walking by Duke Ellington’s childhood home almost everyday and didn’t even know it. I think it is the 1800 block of 13th Street.
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History
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Why are there so many Cowboys fans in DC? One thing I’ve always liked about DC is how the whole city rallies around the Redskins. I’ve always found it odd that there are so many fans of the Redskins rivals in DC. Any explanations?
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This is the new CVS located at 10th and U. But I took a look at the little sign outside and it revealed that the CVS is housed in a historic DC building. So I ask you, is it a shame that a historic building now houses a CVS or is it great that the building still exists and there is a little sign to commemorate its past?
According to the sign the building has been an “important social and cultural center. In addition to the Masons, it has housed a bowling alley, ballroom, and restaurant.” And now a CVS. Maybe I’m just looking a bit too deeply into this. If it housed a bowling alley surely it can house a CVS…but, man, a bowling alley would be way cooler.
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A reader who is doing research on a book writes in (including the title of the post):
“The Feb 13, 1923 edition of the Washington Post lists the following ad in its real estate section:
“PETWORTH
A semi-detached house of stone and frame construction; six rooms and bath, front and double rear porches, exceptionally large kitchen; hot water, heat, electric lights; good condition; side alley. Price: $8750.”
Another, Petworth house lists for $11,000, the difference in price likely due to its “having been newly papered and painted both inside and out,” and its boasting a “45 foot front lot.”
Advertised houses of similar size in Chevy Chase and Cleveland Park sell for $12,000 to $14,500, while similarly-sized houses near Lincoln Park and (what is now)Near SE sell for $6,000-$9,000.”
It’s interesting to note that our part of town began as one of the more expensive places to live in Washington.”
So who can figure out what inflation on $11,000 from 1923 to today would be?
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Thanks to a reader for sending me this tidbit about the namesake of Upshur St. Let us learn from our mistakes lest we repeat them…
“Upshur St. is named after Sec of State Upshur, who was
tragically killed along with the Sec of the Navy and
other dignitaries when they went with Pres Grant or
Taylor (can’t remember) to see the USS Princeton,
which had some new cannon everyone was very excited
about. They had this big party on the ship, and the
whole Cabinet went, and everyone had a grand time.
Then after the party was over, the Sec of the Navy
(who was very taken with the cannon) asked for it to
be shot one more time. It exploded, and killed him,
Sec of State Upshur, and ten or eleven other people.
The whole city closed in mourning for a few days, and
that’s how Upshur st got it’s name.”
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photo by jdcdc
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This photo is actually a bit bigger. Can you find your house?
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photo by jdcdc
I was searching around flickr to see if anyone had posted some neat Petworth pictures when I came across this photo taken at the old soldier’s home national cemetary on Memorial Day by “jdcdc”.
Whatever our feelings are on the war we should remember those who are making the real sacrifices.