History

Judging Buildings – Former Boilermaker Shop near Yards Park/Nationals Stadium

By Prince Of Petworth

I found a bit of info on a Web site called Showcase that says:

“The Yards is a development of Forest City Enterprises- Washington in partnership with MacFarlane Partners.

This retail heart of The Yards will be found at the corner of Tingey and 4th Streets SE in an expansive former industrial building known as The Boilermaker Shop where boilers for Navy ships were once manufactured. Now, as a part of The Yards, The Boilermaker Shop is being converted into an exciting, two-level, 45,000-square-foot retail center with opportunities for outdoor dining and more. All this will be nestled in the heart of the new, 42-acre riverfront neighborhood that Forest City is developing within walking distance of Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
Retail shops and restaurants will gain additional character with the complex’s Classic American industrial architecture, complete with exposed steel girders and clerestory windows.”

Looks like they hope to open in Nov. 2011. Not sure how realistic that is but it sounds pretty sweet and some cool history as well.

African American Civil War Museum Moves into Awesome New Building

By Prince Of Petworth

I was happily surprised to see that the new African American Civil War Museum has opened up at 1925 Vermont Ave, NW. The building is amazing. They were previously located in a small space at 1200 U St, NW. The new building is located behind the old Grimke School. Their Web site says:

“We Have Moved to the new space at 1925 Vermont Ave NW Washington, DC 20001. The new location will be our permanent home. It is located across the street from the African American Civil War Memorial. We have some great events leading up to the Grand Opening, July 16-18. Be sure to save the date.”

I was able to stop in and snap a few photos. Founding Director (and former Council Member) Frank Smith tells me that by next weekend about 65% of the exhibits would be installed.

You can learn more about the background of the museum here:

“In January 1999, the Civil War Memorial Museum opened to the public. Using photographs, documents and state of the art audio visual equipment, the museum helps visitors understand the African American’s heroic and largely unknown struggle for freedom.”

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

The 5pm Post – Meridian Hill history talk, TONIGHT

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

Ever wonder about that piece of stone castle wall at 16th Street and Florida Avenue?
How did Meridian Hill become a park?

Architectural historian Kimberly Prothro Williams, DC Office of Planning, will give a presentation on the history of the Meridian Hill neighborhood.

This presentation is free and open to the public.
Date: Monday, April 4, 2011
Time: 7-9pm
Location: The Community Room, View 14
2303 14th St NW, Washington, DC

Sponsored by Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association
www.meridianhilldc.org

House of the Day – Cool History Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve always loved this Logan Circle house because of the really cool copper but Sun. I was able to chat briefly with a relative of a resident and learned that this home was the home of the first African American female dentist in DC. Very cool!

And this has got to be the best door bell in the city:

Neat Neighborhood History: Catania Bakery in Photos

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Nov. ’09, Danny Harris wrote a People’s District post titled Nicole on the Last Remnants of Italian Life on North Capitol Street. It was fascinating. I finally went for a visit myself last weekend and I was absolutely blown away (as I should’ve known.) The place is a true time warp for many reasons but for all those who’ve been pining for a proper bakery – I don’t care if you live nowhere near here – it is worth the travel! I would go just to talk with the former owner, Mr. Caruso (now retired), who will tell you all about the history of the bakery and the neighborhood. They are only open for retail Sat. morning around 7:30am until around 1pm.

I bought a chocolate bread that was ridiculously good – seriously no other way to describe it. Plus they have proper Italian bread and rolls, other pastries and their famous biscotti. For those who know good Italian subs in DC – these folks are the suppliers for Mangialardo’s and A. Litteri among many others. Enough said, right? So next Sat. go visit! They are located at 1404 N. Capitol St, NW (just south of P).

As I said – this post will give you a taste of how old school and awesome this place is in photos:


The oven from 1946


Real Italian bread!

Lots more photos and history after the jump. (more…)

A Bit Random and Some Cathedral Facts

By Prince Of Petworth

I just noticed this section of cool old fence behind the National Cathedral. It’s pretty wild because it is just one small section that has no function (there is a plain chainlink all the way around behind it).

Incidentally I had no idea it was only completed in 1990. I though it was much older than that.

Mikvah of the Millenium

By Prince Of Petworth

Continuing finding my roots day here at PoP, I’ve been dying do know why there were Jewish stars in the handrail of this building at 3601 14th St, NW in north Columbia Heights.

The Columbia Heights Heritage Trail solves another mystery for me:

For those not familiar with a Mikvah you can learn a bit more about it here.

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