History

“Black History Sites: Washington, DC. Explore and learn about the people, places and events that have shaped the history and culture of the nation’s capital.”

By Prince Of Petworth

Check out this great website from DC Historic Preservation Office / DC Office of Planning:

“With their longtime presence even before the establishment of a city, African Americans have been central to the culture, heritage and civic life of Washington, DC. This website records nearly 300 places associated with African American history and culture in the District of Columbia. These sites span the city’s history from its creation in 1791, through the Civil War and Civil Rights eras to 1974—when DC gained Home Rule—and beyond. (more…)

NPS on Cherry Blossom Bloom Peak Dates: “won’t have enough data to make a prediction for a few more weeks.”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Ian Livingston

On this last day of January – some more light at the end of the tunnel from NPS in response to a query from the Embassy of Japan: “We won’t have enough data to make a prediction for a few more weeks. For historical averages, check out our cherry blossom website”

Last year peak bloom was March 23 with green buds starting February 23 – Signs of Spring cometh soon!! (more…)

“Plans for long-standing vacant Tenley building?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Chesapeake House, “It was built in 1937 by the Mattingly family, making it a relative late-comer to the declining Reno City community. The Mattinglys operated a store of the first floor and lived upstairs The family sold the building to the United States in 1950. It is expected that Chesapeake House will be restored as part of a planned-unit development agreement with the developers of a mixed-use development project on Wisconsin Avenue.”

“Dear PoPville,

This small brick building in Tenley (right next to the Jackson-Reed tennis courts, at the corner of Belt/41st/Chesapeake) has been vacant and boarded up for as long as I can remember. At least since the mid-90s I think. (more…)

Archeological Finds Vol. 86 – Old Thai Room Sign

By Prince Of Petworth


5037 Connecticut Avenue, NW

How have I never noticed this before?!?! In the parking lot/rear entrance to Comet Pizza. Apparently it closed in 2005 – anyone ever visit?

If you have a photo of a neat find from your house, place of work or neighborhood please send an email to [email protected] thanks. Please let me know where/what neighborhood you found it in too. Thanks.

“Ronnie’s Transmission Legacy: A Timeless Impact on Rhode Island Ave NE, DC”

By Prince Of Petworth


1800 Rhode Island Ave, NE

Thanks to Aaron for sharing:

“Ronnie, the proprietor of Ronnie’s Transmission on Rhode Island Ave NE, DC, recently passed away. A skilled technician and a cornerstone of the neighborhood for decades, Ronnie not only excelled in his small business but also served as a repository of local oral history and a trusted friend to neighbors for decades.

Ronnie’s impact on me and everyone fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him was immense. Working tirelessly in his namesake small business, he was not just a skilled technician underneath his hydraulic lift or inside one of his interior garages; he was a cornerstone of the neighborhood on US Route 1. In his front office, Ronnie thrived professionally and also served as a carrier of local oral history and a trusted friend to the NE D.C. community for decades.

Almost every day, except for his one day off on Sundays, Ronnie would take notice of friends and neighbors passing by. (more…)

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