I’ll be apoplectic if they don’t preserve this, am I too late?
1341 14th Street, NW
History
And my favorite cornerstone from 15th Street.
Been a while since I’ve found an old school one. Fortunately Ledroit never disappoints.
“Dear PoPville,
I’ve been wondering for quite a while what the story is behind what I’ve dubbed the “Florida Avenue Folly” attached to the side of a house on Florida Ave. just before 16th St. It’s hard to get a shot of it due to the location and fence, but I was passing when the light was right for it today. Any thoughts?”
This peculiarity used to come up every year but it’s been a minute since someone asked. They are the remaining columns from the Henderson Manor Garden at 16th and Florida Ave, NW. In 2009 The Post’s Answerman dug up the full story. In part:
“Burnap’s 16th Street garden featured an open lawn bordered with shrubbery. A high wall faced Florida Avenue and turned the corner at 16th before stepping down to a low wall and ornamental iron fence. At the rear of the property, four Doric columns held up a hanging garden. Most striking was the intricate latticework that covered most of the interior walls.”
The garden eventually came to be called the Henderson Manor Garden, named after the castlelike mansion on the other side of Florida Avenue. By 1938, 2108 16th St. NW had been closed for a few seasons, although fetes were still held in its garden.
All that remains of his garden are four crumbling columns. Why were they left untouched? That wall might be attached to the rowhouse at 1618 Florida Ave., making it more trouble than it’s worth to remove.
Read the full story here.
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.”
Photo by Victoria Pickering
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!
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!!!!!”
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…)
This shot is from December 2010 – anyone recognize it? Know what it is today? Free PoPville t-shirt to the first who guesses correctly.