What the Helen of Troy is This

“Low Flying Helicopters over Takoma DC”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Eric P.

“Dear PoPville,

We’ve had a low flying helicopter circling Takoma DC for the last hour. Anyone have a good guess as to why? As far as I know we don’t have a manhunt situation here and I haven’t heard any additional sirens. But dear god, it IS annoying and disruptive.”

Update: “Searching for a young man carrying a long gun. Coolidge HS on lockdown and I just got a text notice that Capital City is also on lockdown. I’d assume all the many schools in the vicinity are.”

From MPD: “Alert: Sounds of Gunshots Investigation in the 6400 block of 5th Street NW. Schools in the area are on lockdown as a precautionary measure. No injuries have been reported.”

From AlertDC: “MPD reports the 6500 block of 5th St, NW, between Van Buren St, and Underwood St, is currently closed to traffic due to police activity. Please avoid the area.”

CM Lewis George wrote: “Initial reports indicate that the suspect fired shots in the air in a nearby alley and fled.”

“MPD reports the police activity has cleared and all associated lockdowns and road closures have been lifted.“

“Reserved Parking Weirdness”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Weird one…somebody (no idea who) put up reserved parking moving signs on my street, using my address and first name (though last name and phone number are different). Should I report it to…DOB?”

“Abe Lincoln had a rough weekend…and tougher today”

By Prince Of Petworth


1200 S Street, NW

Ed. Note: You can read about the “6 foot candle of Abraham Lincoln” – It’s 40 ACRES: Camp Barker by Sandy Williams IV here.

Thanks to Kim and Steve for sending:

“This was the scene in front of Garrison Elementary this morning. Several of the wicks on the Abe Lincoln wax sculpture were lit early this morning. DCFD hosed everything down. (more…)

About that “6 foot candle of Abraham Lincoln” – It’s 40 ACRES: Camp Barker by Sandy Williams IV

By Prince Of Petworth


1200 S Street, NW

Ed. Note: A new date for a lighting ceremony to open the sculpture to the public will be announced soon.

Thanks to Cultural DC for reaching out with the details:

“Commissioned by CulturalDC and supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities through the Public Art Building Communities Grant, Sandy Williams IV will create a 6ft wax replica of the Lincoln Memorial to be installed at Garrison Elementary School in Northwest Washington, DC. The installation is a direct commentary on DC’s history of Civil War-era Contraband Camps, refugee camps that housed formerly enslaved and free African Americans. Camp Barker was positioned where Garrison Elementary now stands. (more…)

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