History

Origin of DC’s Flag

By Prince Of Petworth

I’m embarrassed to admit I got asked this question and had no idea what the answer was. Thank God for Wikipedia:

“The flag of the District of Columbia, USA, consists of three red stars above two red bars on a white background. It is based on the design of the coat of arms of George Washington, first used to identify the family in the twelfth century, when one of George Washington’s ancestors took possession of Washington Old Hall, then in County Durham, north-east England. For heraldic reasons, the stars are properly called mullets.”

Knowing this I hope we will stop disparaging those who also chose to sport mullets…

Scuttlebutt, Seriously Sad Scuttlebutt: Could Brassknob Warehouse be Closing Soon?

By Prince Of Petworth

I received a very sad tip the other day and while it hasn’t been exactly confirmed it wasn’t really denied either… When I first stumbled upon the Brass Knob Warehouse located at 57 N Street, NW I was blown away (not to be mistaken with the Brass Knob retail space in Adams Morgan). It is filled with tons and tons of items for those renovating a house. For someone who posts a ‘door of the day’ you can imagine my delight… You can see lots of photos here.

Anyway a reader wrote in saying that he heard the Warehouse was closing up shop. I immediately called the Warehouse and while they said they are still open for business they also said that, “the economy hasn’t been kind to us” and that their business is based on home renovations which have seriously slowed down. So while the shop is still open, it sounds like if business doesn’t pick up they may not last until the economy completely rebounds. And that would be a very sad for a very cool warehouse. I certainly hope that my reader tip was overly pessimistic!

Amazing Flickr Photos of DC from 1985 to 1988

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo of ’14th and U St, NW 1988′ by Michael Horsley

Thanks to a friend of mine for sending this incredible link to a flickr series called ‘Hidden Washington DC’. The description says:

“From 1985 to 1988 I wandered the streets of Washington DC photographing the unseen and vanishing moments of the city. These images lay dormant in the archives until I realized that they needed to be brought to life before the persons and spaces are totally lost to entropy and time.”

They are absolutely fascinating. See them all here.

And many thanks to Mr. Horsley for allowing me to post a couple of his great photos.


Photo by Michael Horsley

The 5pm Post – Cultural Tourism DC Walking and Biking Tours this Weekend

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

From Cultural Tourism DC:

WalkingTown DC/BikingTown DC
Fall Edition, September 25 & 26
See what everyone is walking about!

Experience Washington, DC
WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC celebrate the arts, culture and heritage of Washington’s diverse neighborhoods by featuring more than 100 free guided walking and biking tours.

Visit a new neighborhood or rediscover a familiar place. From the Mall to Mount Pleasant, both well-known and unfamiliar places are ready to be explored.

Exercise Body and Mind
Tours are led by historians, community leaders, business owners, artists, licensed tour guides, enthusiasts, and docents, who all donate their time and expertise for this event. Tours are offered at varying lengths and fitness levels, so it is easy to find a tour that is right for you. Several tours are wheelchair accessible.

Be Prepared! Read Tips for Tours for everything you need to know about WalkingTown and BikingTown DC.

All tours are free and open to the public. Many tours are walk-up but the majority require online reservations.

Stay Up-to-Date! Click here to get updates on tour information.

Anyone go last year? Recommend any specific tours?

Dear PoP – Historic Grave Found in Rock Creek Park

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

While my dog and I were hiking in Rock Creek Park this weekend — not far from where Military Road and Beach Drive come together — we stumbled upon this historic gravestone just a few yards off the main trail. It has a cross etched in at the top, along with the letters “F.P.S.” and the date “Nov. 15, 1888″.

I sent a note to the Park Service to see if they knew about this one, and am still waiting to hear back.”

Very cool. Anyone know the history behind graves in Rock Creek Park? I’ve heard there is a proper cemetery as well.

Sweet Historic Photos from DDOT

By Prince Of Petworth


H Street, NE, at 15th Street looking east toward Benning Road (ca; 1945) courtesy of DDOT

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) just created a new flickr page with sweet historic photos. I could spend hours looking at these photos. Awesome.


9th St & Florida Ave, NW, (ca: 1958) courtesy of DDOT

Like Numbers? Check out DC’s Historical Population Trends

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user clintonbphotography

Thanks to a reader for sending this fascinating report from the Office of Planning/State Data Center, titled ‘District Population Trends 1800 to 2009.’ For full report please click below:

June 2010 Briefing Report

Population in 1950
Total: 802,178
White: 517,865
Black: 280,803
Hispanic: N/A

Population in 2000
Total: 572,059
White: 197,168
Black: 349,390
Hispanic: 44,953

Population in 2009
Total: 599,657
White: 243,617
Black: 323,931
Hispanic: 53,025

When do you think DC will hit 1,000,000?

Celebrate Fort Stevens Day 2010 This Sat.

By Prince Of Petworth


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This sounds interesting. From a press release:

“Join the National Park Service and our partners for a fun day at Fort Stevens. Learn how the brave soldiers of Washington, D.C. valiantly defended the Union capital from occupation and how medical practices evolved throughout the war.

The Battle of Fort Stevens was the only battle to occur in Washington, D.C. during the Civil War and the only time a sitting president came under enemy fire. The actual fighting took place on July 11th and 12th, 1864. Not only did the defenses serve their purpose well by deterring Confederate attack on the capital, but they impacted the city culturally, socially, and politically. Further, the battle was not limited to the current Fort Stevens site. Confederate General Jubal Early’s invading troops were staged on the grounds of what is today Walter Reed Army Medical Center. With the proposed closing of Walter Reed, participants will explore this previously overlooked aspect of the Fort Stevens story.”

Details after the jump. (more…)

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