History

“Concepcion “Connie” Picciotto, who held a peace vigil in Lafayette Park across the street from the White House starting in 1981, died on January 25″

By Prince Of Petworth

Concepcion Picciotto, 1989 photo by Lorie Shaull
Photo by Lorie Shaull

Lorie writes:

“Concepcion “Connie” Picciotto, who held a peace vigil in Lafayette Park across the street from the White House starting in 1981, died on January 25. At the time that she began her demonstration, there were other activists camped out in Lafayette Park but slowly, through the 80s they left the park mainly due to the National Park Service’s more restrictive regulations on protesters and demonstrations. Connie’s anti-nuclear vigil has been reported as the longest-running act of political protest in U.S. history.”

Live by the bomb die by the bomb photo by Victoria Pickering
Photo by Victoria Pickering

Archeological Finds Vol. 16 – Back Porch Insulated with the Washington Post from 1932

By Prince Of Petworth

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To be honest not many people read this column but I freaking love it. I’m surprised these papers are in relatively such good shape. Thanks to a reader for sending:

“We’re having our porch redone in Park View and check out what was used as insulation at some point: Washington Posts from 1932. Apparently you could get a sweet corset for $5.”

If you spot an Archeological Find in your house, apartment or office – please send an email to [email protected] thanks!

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Remembering David Bowie at Sticky Rice Tonight

By Prince Of Petworth

sticky_rice
1224 H Street, NE

“David Bowie Karaoke Tribute tonight!!!
8 PM
1224 H St NE

Come celebrate the life of David Bowie by singing your heart out at Sticky Rice tonight. David Bowie and Ziggy Stardust will be sung throughout the evening. Costumes are welcome and encouraged. Sticky Rice will be providing the face paint but feel free to come come in full make up!!!!!”

Helicopter Factory is a 28,000 SF residential development near Howard University

By Prince Of Petworth

HF
via google maps

From a press release:

“Lead Developer Brick Lane and partner, Brook Rose Development confirmed today the start of construction for the historic Helicopter Factory located on 770-774 Girard Street, NW, Washington, DC. Helicopter Factory is a 28,000 SF residential development comprised of a 7,600 SF built-to-suit warehouse (divisible to 5,100 SF and 2,500 SF) and 13 industrial-style luxury condominiums. Helicopter Factory is currently accepting appointments for the Warehouse Units. To schedule an appointment, contact Michael Hines of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, the exclusive listing agent for the Helicopter Factory.

This early 20th century factory was once owned by the eminent inventor Emile Berliner (1851- 1929) and his son-in-law, Joseph Sanders, who are best known for inventing the phonograph record, an early sound recording device and pioneering an early version of the helicopter at his Gyro Motor Company warehouse on Girard Street. The principal façade is in the Fairmont- Girard alleyway. In between 1907 and 1926, Berliner dedicated himself to improving the technologies of vertical flight through the development of a light-weight rotary engine. (more…)

Teddy Bear Memorial at Trolley Park for Scooby

By Prince Of Petworth

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11th and Monroe St, NW

A reader reports:

“I checked with folks in the park and it’s a memorial for one of the park regulars, a man folks called Scooby. He had been in the hospital for awhile for a heart problem.”

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