This is another haunting discover, much like the advertisement I uncovered for the Titanic (also, read about the notable DC resident that went down with that ship). I came across an advertisement in the Washington Post on April 25th, 1915 — exactly 97 years ago today (a good “This Day in History” post) — for passage to Europe on the ... Read More »
The ’68 riots were a tragic and defining moment in our city’s history. Here’s a great then and now shot of 9th and U St. I think you’ll recognize the building in the middle, currently occupied by Dickson Wine Bar. Related articles The Riots of ’68 (ghostsofdc.org) Pool Hall Contest Ends in Riot (ghostsofdc.org) Car Flattened Near Dupont Circle (ghostsofdc.org) Open House ... Read More »
I think you’ll agree that this is some serious history, frozen in time. Both former baseball star Jackie Robinson and civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. were among a group of prominent individuals receiving honorary degrees from Howard University in the summer of 1957. This was the 89th commencement held at the university and the Washington Post noted that ... Read More »
Here’s an excellent photo from the DC Public Library Flickr photostream. This shows the Capitol Building fully lit up following announcement of the end of World War I. The end of the Great War has lost its luster in place of the end of the Second World War … but it was an equally, if not more celebratory occasion, given ... Read More »
Here’s a daily dose of DCPD badass Officer Sprinkle. Do not mess with this guy. He means business. Also, this sounds like a little bit of a salacious love triangle. The following story was published in the Washington Post on January 31st, 1892. A free fight occurred last night at 932 E street between Capt. Evans, Frank White, a man ... Read More »
This is an amazing old photograph of the White House taken by John Plumbe, Jr. in 1846. The 11th President of the United States , James K. Polk, was the building’s occupant, having succeeded President John Tyler just the year prior. It’s a great one to stare at and study. It appears to be taken some time during the winter, ... Read More »
Congratulations to the latest “If Walls Could Talk” poll winner: Shaw’s Tavern. Also, congratulations on landing that liquor license. It’s been a long road, but the neighborhood and city is thrilled to have this latest addition to the dining and entertainment scene. The place to enjoy your meals in Washington The first thing I found for 520 Florida Ave. NW ... Read More »
Are you looking for that next great book about Washington history? John DeFerrari’s book Lost Washington, D.C. is the one for you. John is a native Washingtonian and has a deep passion for our city’s history, and I’m talking about the personal stories and lesser known events, lost to history. Much of his work has been an inspiration for me ... Read More »
I’m feeling pretty good about this week. It looks like we had some decent posts this week, with few duds … or at least the duds were less crappy. Also, we passed 2,000 followers on Twitter and 800 likes on Facebook, so thanks to all of you spreading the word about Ghosts of DC to your friends. If you’re into ... Read More »
To continue our baseball themed afternoon, here’s another good one from back in the day. The Yankees were playing the Senators in a doubleheader on Saturday, July 5th, 1924. Walter Johnson pitched the opener and took the loss, giving up 10 hits and 2 runs. Washington was shutout by Herb Pennock. The second game turned out better for the hometown ... Read More »
This … picture … is … awesome. This is why I love baseball. I could almost end the post with just this picture because it’s just that amazing. The 1937 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was held in Washington at Griffith Stadium. The Senators were between mediocre and lousy by then, but this was reason to celebrate because it was ... Read More »
Here’s a tragic story for a Friday. On Tuesday, June 16th, 1925, a family was driving down Connecticut Avenue towards the city and in a split second, veered off the road, through a guard railing and plunged 75 feet off of Klingle Ford Bridge. Henry A. Thayer, chief of the supply division of the U.S. veterans’ bureau, and his daughter ... Read More »
You probably didn’t know this, but Washington did not have an official flag until the middle of the 20th century. Many locals really wanted the flag in addition to self-government and a vote (no taxation without representation!). Below is a letter to the editor in January 1938. To the Editor of The Post.–Sir: Rather tardily, perhaps, I am prompted to ... Read More »
Here is some old craziness to (I hate to use the word) entertain you. This is from the Washington Post on December 6th, 1884. By the way, this just happens to be the same day the Washington Monument was completed. A few passers-by on Pennsylvania avenue northwest, opposite the Botanical Garden, at midnight last Wednesday, were startled by loud screams ... Read More »
Now, I will quickly caveat this as being unconfirmed, but I am merely surfacing an interesting old story from the Baltimore Sun. This was printed on May 13th, 1912. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN–Sir: Sometime during the latter part of Roosevelt’s administration I remember reading in some of the daily papers a supposedly authentic account of “T. R.’s” riding ... Read More »
Ghosts of DC The lost and untold history of Washington