What the Helen of Troy is This

“Cowboy (and Native American) Theme Carriage House?”

By Prince Of Petworth


via Bright MLS

Thanks to the many, many readers who requested we take a closer look at this gem in the rear of 210 10th Street, SE:

“Can you please find out the story behind this amazing (time capsule? Cowboy theme?) house? I’ll cry if this is bought and then turned into a luxury condos.”


via Bright MLS

The Bright MLS listing says:

“Master Craftsmanship of glass, Stone and Steel. Exotic Woods, Native Stones from Virginia and Minnesota, Black Granite, Italian Tiles, Repurposed Antiques, This Home consists of two apartments, a ‘Tiny’ house, with wonderful enthralling details. MGM , Disney, Gaudi and Newton (and Nicholas Cage would stall and wail at the style. Designed and Built by Charles Gessford in 21-Aug-1893, the building is a fortress. Car wheel bearings hold the 270 pound entry door. Synchronized bike bearings open the upper kitchen dining area. I(metal eye) beams provide the base for the stone staircase to the second floor. Survivalists could feel secure from most of the SWAT vehicles immediately available, it is a solid fortress. (more…)

“Soldiers Outside the Soviet Safeway”

By Prince Of Petworth


17th and Corcoran Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Do you know why there have been two soldiers and DC police outside Safeway on 17th Street NW past couple of days?”

Ed. Note: We’ve noted a National Guard presence at some NPS run parks but this is the first report we’ve gotten from outside a business. I’m guessing they are just helping police enforce the ‘you must wear a mask’ before entering a grocery store rule. Anyone else see the National Guard posted at spots besides parks?

What the Helen of Troy is This?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

but every night between 9:30-10pm for the past couple of weeks, there is a bright white light in the sky over upper NW DC (likely near / above the National Cathedral). But it’s high up!!! So I’m not sure if it’s a helicopter… and then after a while, it’s gone! It’s definitely bigger and brighter than a star. What is it?!? Who’s watching us?!? PS: It stays stationary in the exact same spot for at least half hour… and then it quickly disappears!!!”

Ed. Note: I thought it might be the oft reported imaging balloon but we’ve never had a night reporting before. Any ideas?

What the Helen of Troy is This?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I discovered this device attached to a rafter in the basement of our older, recently purchased home in DC. An electrician doing work on other things in our home said he thought it looked like an old-school phone bell and didn’t include any active electrical wires we’d need to worry about. (more…)

Why Yes There Was a Giant Explosion Heard in Columbia Heights (and beyond) or was there?

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: Back in July 2018 we reported a similar huge blast in Columbia Heights that took out a newspaper box.

NS reported: “Saw a huge flash followed immediately by a huge boom that shook me on my couch. At 14 & Irving facing the alley way.”

Many, many others confirm: “Just heard big explosion in Columbia Heights DC at 10:37pm”

“my ears are ringing and my head is throbbing. it happened in my alley in columbia heights.”

“Same, shook on the couch, also facing that alley. Didn’t see flash as blinds were closed.”

“there was smoke in the back alley behind cardoza unity health”

“that was insane”

DCFD investigated but “A short time ago, #DCsBravest investigated a report of an explosion heard in the Columbia Heights area. A search of the neighborhood found no evidence of an explosion or fire.”

In conclusion: (more…)

About that Crazy Siren – It Was The Purge Siren – (Private) Ambulance Crew Resigned

By Prince Of Petworth

At the end of March we got tons of reports that a crazy siren blasted around U Street/14th Street that sounded just like the one from the movie The Purge.

Well, funny thing about that – it was from the movie The Purge!! Thanks to all who forwarded on the report from Dcist:

“The authenticity of the footage was confirmed by American Medical Response, the private ambulance company contracted by the city to assist with 911 calls.

The company went on to say, “Once the video was posted, AMR management received two resignations before an investigation could be conducted.”

If I could find the right emoji I’d insert it here. Oh well this’ll have to do for me:

“But please remember: this is only a work of fiction. The truth, as always, will be far stranger.”
― Arthur C. Clarke

“Day 15….”

By Prince Of Petworth

Amazing!! Thanks to Sean for sending from Petworth:

“Day 15…. There are 2 random chickens in our front yard… in DC…”

If you spot a hawk or any interesting wildlife around town, lunching or otherwise, and get a good photo please send where you spotted it to [email protected] and I’ll add it to the queue. Hawks around Town is made possible by a generous grant from the Ben and Sylvia Gardner foundation.

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