History

“We’re moving the Lockkeeper’s House, the OLDEST structure on the National Mall!”

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo via Trust For The National Mall

Preservation for the Win Vol. 76! From The Trust for the National Mall:

“December 1, 2016 marks the groundbreaking of the relocation and restoration of the Lockeeper’s House, the oldest structure on the National Mall. For more than 180 years, the house has witnessed the history, development and commerce of our nation’s capital.

Located just inches from heavy traffic at the corner of 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, the house will be lifted and moved about 20 feet from the road and outfitted with an educational exhibit space welcoming visitors to Constitution Gardens and the National Mall.”

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Rendering via Trust For The National Mall

“The reimagined Constitution Gardens will retain its original purpose as a pastoral setting, but offer sustainable space for education and entertainment throughout the year, day and night. The restored space will serve as a much-needed gateway onto America’s Front Yard, orienting visitors with a welcome center and inviting spaces to relax, revive, or learn. (more…)

Streets of Washington Presents: W.B. Moses & Sons, once Washington’s largest furniture store

By Prince Of Petworth

Streets of Washington, written by John DeFerrari, covers some of DC’s most interesting buildings and history. John is the author of Historic Restaurants of Washington, D.C.: Capital Eats, published by the History Press, Inc. and also the author of Lost Washington DC.

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W.B. Moses and Sons store at 11th and F Streets NW, circa 1915 (source: Library of Congress).

“Sell Furniture Earth Over” was the headline in The Sunday Star in November 1908 profiling the W.B. Moses and Sons firm headquartered at 11th and F Streets downtown. By that time the company was well established as “the largest exclusively retail furniture carpet, upholstery, drapery, bedding and wall-paper house in America,” as one promotional book put it. Elegant W.B. Moses furnishings, many of them manufactured right here in the District, graced hundreds of homes throughout the Washington area and as far away as Panama City, Panama. Though the firm disbanded in 1937, antiques collectors still find mahogany chairs, dressers, and tables sporting the W.B. Moses label. Even the Senate Reception Room, one of the most richly decorated spaces in the U.S. Capitol, is fitted out with elegant Flemish oak benches custom made by W.B. Moses in 1899. (more…)

“Gwen was an extraordinary and special person — one of the nation’s leading lights in journalism”

By Prince Of Petworth

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via WETA

From WETA:

“It is with extremely heavy hearts that we must share that our dear friend and beloved colleague Gwen Ifill passed away this afternoon following several months of cancer treatment. She was surrounded by loving family and many friends whom we ask that you keep in your thoughts and prayers. Sharon Percy Rockefeller, President & CEO of WETA, sent the following email to staff earlier today: “Gwen was an extraordinary and special person — one of the nation’s leading lights in journalism, a gracious and inspiring colleague, and a warm and steadfast friend. As she bravely battled cancer, Gwen was lifted by the well wishes, flowers and emails from so many who love and respect her. My heart truly goes out to her and her wonderful family. Earlier today, I conveyed to Gwen the devoted love and affection of all of us at WETA/NewsHour. Let us hold Gwen and her family even closer now in our hearts and prayers. I have loved knowing and working with Gwen and will always cherish her memory.”

“Historic 1876 Adas Israel Synagogue Relocated for the Second Time in 140-Year History”

By Prince Of Petworth

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From a press release:

“Thursday, Washington’s oldest synagogue, the historic 1876 Adas Israel Synagogue, began a two-step relocation process to its new home at Third and F streets, NW, the second time it has moved in its 140-year history. The new site will allow the Lillian and Albert Small Jewish Museum, run by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington (JHS), to expand its facilities including exhibition and education spaces which will feature programmatic offerings that explore the heritage of the Washington-area Jewish community through the history of the region. (more…)

Adams Morgan History Revealed Part Two – Avignone Freres Bakery

By Prince Of Petworth

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1777 Columbia Rd, NW

Back in 2012 a reader wrote in:

Check out the “old bones” that lie under the drywall, linoleum, indoor/outdoor carpet, and drop ceiling at the former Payless Shoes site on Columbia Road. More importantly, it’s the former Avignone Freres historic bakery, which furnished the White House with cakes and pastries.”

Now a remnant old sign is visible on the outside:

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Stay tuned for a new mixed use development coming here:

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“Lee’s Flowers construction/history of U St”

By Prince Of Petworth

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1026 U Street, NW

I love these stories – thanks to Kim for sending:

“Popped into Lee’s today and found these jewels amid their construction. According to the employees, while the shop has been around since 1945, the building was first a burlesque theater and then a tailor shop. The burlesque theater was discovered during the current construction. They believe the Coca-Cola ad and the tin ceiling date back to the theater. Lee’s is a special place; big congrats on their forthcoming renovation!”

From the Archives: Barracks Row in 2009 and Today

By Prince Of Petworth

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501 8th Street, SE in 2009

There’s been a tremendous amount of change all over the city but I feel like people don’t remember what Barracks Row used to look like. Here’s that same space, home to The Chesapeake Room, below:

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