You all have been waiting a long, long time for this. So have we. Thanks to one of our GoDC fans, we have in our possession, the biography of Officer Sprinkle from the 1908 Metropolitan Police Department’s official history book. LIEUTENANT J. L. SPRINKLE Lieutenant J. L. Sprinkle, stationed at No. 2 precinct, was born July 7tgh, 1864, on a ... Read More »
I’ve been receiving an increasing number of emails from GoDCers in the past few weeks, so thanks for reaching out! And, sorry to those expecting a speedy reply. It’s getting a little challenging to keep up with the inbox these days, but I’ll eventually get to it. Here’s a nice note we received last week from GoDCer Matt in Alexandria. ... Read More »
I love when this stuff happens. GoDCer Steve did a little Googling and came up with this amazing piece of Internet gold. Remember Marjorie Morris? The intrepid young Washingtonian, noted for her adventures in Chevy Chase? We wrote some more about her here and here. Also, the Cleveland Park Historical Society has a pretty cool website that you should check out. Read More »
In the interest of giving GoDCers more on Congress Heights, here is a map of the area in 1907. And compare it to the current map from Google. Read More »
When we started this blog last year, we received close to zero emails from readers. That’s probably because we only had a dozen or so dedicated readers. Now, we are fortunate enough to hear from GoDCers on a daily basis. We’re doing our best to get back to each of you in a timely manner, and usually we’re able to oblige ... Read More »
I received a great email the other day from GoDCer Patricia, a woman with some great historical ties to Washington. Below is what she sent. Some great transportation photos from the past. These are pictures of my grandfather’s cars (and buggy). He (Oliver Hazard Perry Johnson) was President of the National Metropolitan Bank on 15th St, NW, facing the Treasury ... Read More »
I wish I could take credit for this discovery, but this came in from GoDCer Brian. In the background, you’ll see the Ebbitt House Hotel, the precursor to the popular restaurant of the same name. Read More »
Chalk this up to recent GoDC convert Lisa, who dug this up a while ago while looking for information on her grandfather. It’s always great to find a connection to your past, but when the story is as bizarre as this, it’s extra special. Thank you Lisa for sharing with us. This is a piece from the Washington Post on ... Read More »
This is a nice contribution by GoDCer Allan. Below is a shot of the C&O Canal, taken by Mathew Brady, taken in 1860. Read More »
Last week we posted a detailed topographical map of Rock Creek Park from 1866. There were some great comments on it, including GoDCer Elizabeth’s observation that the map was entitled “Location for a Public Park & Site for Presidential Mansion” … intriguing. Another GoDCer, Carlton from Glover Park History, did some digging and came up with the Annual Reports of the ... Read More »
Here is a great contribution from GoDCer Mike. This property was purchased by Johanna O’Neil Copperthite and Henry was thanked personally by T.R. when he was elected president. We were always told that this island was donated to the Roosevelt Society back in the day but I found documents that it was sold for $20,000 that is a fine sum. On another note I ... Read More »
We love getting stuff like this from readers. Here’s the email we received last week from a GoDCer. Dear Ghosts of DC: I just uploaded a film to Youtube that I made in ’91 that documents some vintage DC street scenes and urban storefronts: http://youtu.be/JPxZYhjPCY8 I’d describe it as an experimental travelogue that’s maybe a bit too arty for it’s ... Read More »
GoDCer, and über cartophile, Matt has sent along something that we’re compelled to share with you … because GoDCers love maps! We posted an awesome 1851 map of D.C. a while ago, and it was one of our most popular posts ever. The good news is, thanks to Matt, you can now have that incredible map and hang it on your ... Read More »
GoDCer, and D.C. native, Tony was kind enough to share a number of photos from his youth. His father was a pilot with Eastern Airlines (remember them?) and a few of the shots are taken by him, flying into National Airport (not Reagan). Read More »
It’s been a while since we posted an email from a GoDCer. So, here’s a good one we received this morning from newly recruited GoDCer Greg (thank your happy hour friends for us, Greg!). I was at a happy hour and told this story to some of the people I was with, and they told me about your blog, and ... Read More »
Ghosts of DC The lost and untold history of Washington