This. Is. Awesome. Thanks to GoDCer Harrison for sharing this. We first came across it on InTheCapital.

Is this the best 70s video or what?

The post OMG! Retro Metro … This Informercial is Amazing appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

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 own good, but nevertheless captures some Ghosts of DC:

tracking shot of northside 900 block F Street NW, including the Dor-Ne Corset Shoppe
The Wiz Records on F Street
Fort Stevens Liquor Store on upper Georgia Ave.
Melody Records on Dupont Circle
Murrays Steaks
Globe posters

My video originally aired on the local PBS station WETA-TV, but has been sitting in my “basement archives” for 20 years. BTW, I’m the guy who made the cult-documentary HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT.

Feel free to post the Youtube link. I’ve included a few stills to use on your website.

Regards,

John

The post Video of D.C. Streets Circa 1991 appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

In September 1955, President Eisenhower suffered a heart attack while visiting Denver. He was rushed to Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, where he would spend seven weeks recovering. While convalescing, he continued to carry out his executive duties from his hospital suite (which is now open to tours).

Early the following year, in February, the President and the First Lady returned to Washington, greeted at Washington National Airport (read up on your National Airport trivia) by Vice President Nixon, former President Hoover, and a cheering crowd of supporters. Below is footage of his arrival at the airport.

Ike was fully recovered and by the end of the year was reelected to a second term, crushing the Democratic candidate, Adlai Stevenson (457 to 73 electoral votes).

The post Eisenhower Paroled by Doctors in Denver; Returns to Washington appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is the best contribution thus far by a member of the GoDC community. This is from Tom H. in Bethesda, and when I first saw it, I was blown away at how professional it looked. Thanks Tom!

The video is a fascinating history of the gun barrel fence in Georgetown, made from 364 reclaimed Washington Navy Yard muskets.

Georgetown’s gun barrel fence

To complement this wonderful video, we dug up an article published in the Washington Herald on Sunday, June 25th, 1911.

Surmounting a crumbling retaining wall of age-worn stone which stands in front of three of the oldest houses in historic Georgetown is an iron fence which boats a more interesting history than the majority of fencing.

If you will examine the iron uprights standing close together, you will discover that near the top of each one is a projection, which apparently performs no office as a part of the fence. Research into the history of this partition of iron reveals the reason for the projections and many things besides.

Way back in 1814, when Washington was threatened by the invasion of British troops, which were hovering about the ancient hamlet of Bladensburg, Md., foraging and destroying property, the United States government had not the unlimited resources it now possesses.

So when the Capital City of the nation was in imminent peril of being destroyed by the hostile troops the authorities here appealed for help to the public-spirited citizens of the locality. Most of the wealth of the District of Columbia was then centered in Georgetown, as at that time it was one of the most important ports of entry of the Southern Atlantic seaboard. There were great shops and mills there in those days. Merchants of Georgetown had thriving business in the Westt [sic] India trade, importing molasses, coffee, sugar, and rum in large quantities. Among the foremost of these big merchants and landowners was Reuben Daw, whose posterity still figure conspicuously in the assessor’s book of Georgetown realty.

Reuben Daw and a number of others immediately advanced money for the defense of the Capital against the invading forces, asking no security from their government. When Washington was invaded by British troops under Col. Ross, shortly after the battle of Bladensburg, when the Americans, under Maj. Barry, were defeated and the Capital burned, the funds advanced by the Georgetown citizens did much good.

When the war of 1812 was over the government was nearly bankrupt and was in no position to repay debts for which no security was held. But the Secretary of the Navy, the commandant of the navy yard, or some officer in authority who was cognizant of the sacrifices made by the Georgetown citizens realized that something should be done for them. There was little that could be done, but it was finally decided to let those who so desired go to the navy yard and take anything in the way of castings that they could use.

Reuben Daw took advantage of this opportunity and asked for a consignment of antiquated flintlock muskets which were rusting in a neglected pile in an old warehouse. He received permission to remove them and took them to Georgetown.

About that time Mr. Daw built the mansion that still stands in Georgetown on P street, between Twenty-eighth and Twenty-ninth streets. Removing the stocks from the old guns, he had plates forged at one end and made them into the fence which still stands in front of the three houses just beyond Twenty-eighth street.

The small projections mentioned are the corroded remains of the sights at the ends of the gun barrels.

The barrels make an unusually serviceable fence, as the length of time they have stood testifies. They are in as good condition to-day as when they were put up, and it would take a good deal of force to knock the old fence down.

In different parts of Georgetown old iron castings may be seen which came from the navy yard in 1814 or 1815. Window gratings, boot scrapers, stair rails and many other contrivances were fashioned out of the junk taken from the navy yard, and on more than one piece of iron about Georgetown may be seen the coat-of-arms of the United States.

Nearly every on of the castings is directly traceable to the war of 1812, and when one of them is seen it may be taken as mute testimony of the patriotism of the original owner of the property.

Now this a great story. I’m sure the next time you’re walking the brick-lined streets of Georgetown, you’ll be even more observant of these marks of hidden history, connecting us back to the War of 1812.

Check out the Google Street View of these homes today.

The post Georgetown’s Gun Barrel Fence [VIDEO] appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

We are guaranteed to play postseason baseball after last night’s win over the Dodgers. Our magic number to win the National League East is down to eight games. Let’s see some #NATITUDE from GoDCers and pride in our baseball team!

Along those lines, here are two great films from the last time out team was in the World Series. These are from 1933 when the Senators played the New York Giants, sadly, losing in five games (two in extra innings). By the way, Game 5 of the World Series was the last postseason game played in this city … so you can see why last night’s win was so important.

The video below starts off with Babe Ruth shaking Joe Cronin’s hand at the Polo Grounds before Game 1. Some silent film highlights from Game 1, including Carl Hubbell on the mound and a Mel Ott home run.

The video below is a short film clip from the History Channel featuring a Fred Schulte home run and Mel Ott’s blast.

The post Washington’s Last World Series appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is a tremendously obscure YouTube video, but for any baseball nuts in the GoDC community, you’ll dig this.

The video features Buddy Lewis, former Washington Senator and World War II veteran. He played his entire war-interrupted career here in D.C.

Buddy Lewis

Buddy was originally from Gastonia, North Carolina, playing a total of 11 years here. Not only that, but he was a solid player, finishing up with over 1,500 hits and a .297 career average. And this was a career with a four-year gap, while he was flying 350 missions over Europe, fighting Nazi Germany.

I’m sorry, call me a cynic, but do you see Alex Rodriguez, Chipper Jones or Josh Beckett doing that?

Buddy passed away on February 18th, 2011, at the age of 94.

The post Buddy Lewis: All-Star Third Baseman and War Hero appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is awesome, with a few appearances from former Mayor Anthony Williams (nice bow tie dude!).  If you’re a baseball fan and a history fan, watch the whole thing. It’s an excellent history on the Homestead Grays, the Negro League baseball team that was founded in Pittsburgh and eventually closing out their existence occupying Griffith Stadium.

Check out this great photo, dug up from the Smithsonian’s website.

Homestead Grays in 1944 (Smithsonian)

The post Homestead Grays: Gone But Not Forgotten appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is great old film footage of John F Kennedy in the Oval Office. The narration is in German (I believe – correct me if I’m wrong).

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The post Archival Footage of Kennedy in Oval Office appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Clara Barton’s Missing Soldiers Office

We put out a call the other day for some story suggestions and GoDCer from Chicago, Rose, sent along the idea of digging into Clara Barton’s former office and boarding house on 7th St. NW.

This excellent video by C-SPAN tells the incredible story of the building and how it had been “lost” for over a century before a construction worker discovered the true identity of the building. The building had been slated for demolition and redevelopment, but a last minute discovery saved the building.

It’s a great story, so watch the entire clip.

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The post Afternoon Video: Clara Barton’s Missing Soldiers Office appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

[brightcove vid=1752185467001&exp3=635367679001&surl=http://c.brightcove.com/services&pubid=0987&pk=AQ~~,AAAAACpvMpk~,rAvHhAS7JOpa4tlt0CXVebDvGzQCdYY2&w=604&h=460]

This has to be one of the best finds in a long time … and this appears to be authored by fellow GoDCer Brian at National Journal. The film he uncovered is from the Works Progress Administration, done in 1936. It depicts a day in the life of Washington during the Great Depression.

Read Brian’s full piece here and then follow him on Twitter.

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The post A Day in the Life of Washington, 1936 [VIDEO] appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is amateur 16mm film shot and uploaded to YouTube. The voiceover is amusing, but the scenes are a great step back in time over 80 years.

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The post Afternoon Video: Washington, D.C. in 1931 appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Most of you probably walk right by those old police boxes scattered throughout the city. Some of them have been turned into miniature art exhibits — like the ones in Mt. Pleasant. Check out the video above of Sgt. Nicholas Breul of DCPD gives a brief talk on the history of these police call boxes.

Surely Officer Sprinkle was intimately familiar with these call boxes.

Police call box at 13 1/2 and D St. NW in 1912 (Wikipedia)

Historic police call box. Sheridan Kalorama Call Box Restoration Project. Located on Massachusetts Ave. near intersection with 22nd St., NW

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The post Old Police Call Boxes of Washington appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

You may not know this, but there was a very public assassination attempt on a President very near the White House and it wasn’t that long ago. President Harry Truman was in the middle of his second term and his home was having under major renovations, forcing him to live in Blair House for several years.

It also might shock you to think about this, but he obviously commuted to work on a daily basis by walking across Pennsylvania Avenue, then a bustling main roadway through the heart of the city, surrounded by Secret Service and stopped for red lights.

Crowds gather outside Blair House

An extremely brazen and violent assassination attempt occurred in front of Truman’s temporary residence on November 1st, 1950 in the middle of the afternoon with thousands of witnesses. The Washington Post wrote the following report the next day.

Hundreds of office and store employes, shoppers and pedestrians, cab and streetcar riders–perhaps as many as 2000–witnessed the gunfire battle yesterday between the Puerto Rican assassins and the White House police on Pennsylvania ave,. in front of Blair House.

Scores found themselves in the line of fire between the blazing pistols of Blair House guards and the attackers.

Two bullets hit shopper-crowded Whelan’s drug store, on  the southwest corner of 17th st. and Pennsylvania ave., half a block away from the site of the shooting.

One bullet smashed through a plate glass window, a second flew through the open door of Whelan’s and landed on the floor, it was reported.

Hayward Simmons, 22, of 600 Columbia rd., a porter at the store, was outside sweeping up when he heard shots. He looked up and “felt a bullet pass by my head” and smashed into the window. A splinter of glass plunged into his arm as Simmons plunged into the store.

Twenty to thirty persons, strolling across the busy 17th and Pennsylvania corner, or waiting on the platform for a streetcar, ran pell-mell for the comparative safety of Whelan’s, the Mills Building which houses the drugstore, and other buildings nearby. One woman was seen racing wildly from the east side of 17th st., stumble and fall, get up and keep on running, leaving a black pocketbook and sweater behind her in the middle of the street.

…

Pvt. Donna Jean Cole, 18, Wac driver attached to the Pentagon motor center, was transporting Lieut. Col. Clifford P. Hannum, 904 Potomac ave., Alexandria to old State Department Building. She was just turning the corner at 17th into Pennsylvania ave. when they hear the shooting. She said: “When I heard this shooting, I saw a man lying in the street looking wounded and another looking dead. ‘Get down!’ the colonel yelled at me and I stopped the car, and he pulled me down behind the dashboard. We stayed there a few minutes and then the colonel got out. I was very nervous. I just knew they were trying to assassinate the President, and oh, I was nervous.”

This took place at 2:20 p.m., while Truman was taking a nap in the front bedroom. In the assassination attempt, two Puerto Rican nationalists, down from New York — Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola — had attempted to shoot their way into Blair House, assassinate the president and kick off a revolution in the United States. Standing in the way of this plot  were three of the White House Police Force’s finest officers: Joseph Downs, Donald Birdzell and Leslie Coffelt.

Coffelt was stationed in the police guard house, positioned one building to the west of Blair House. Torresola walked up to the guard house, took aim and unloaded four bullets into the officer. Leslie was fatally wounded and bleeding to death in the booth.

With a gun battle blazing on Pennsylvania Avenue, Torresola headed east, just steps away from Blair House to reload his pistol. At the same moment, President Truman, startled by the sounds of gunfire opened, and looked out the window, in the line of sight of the would-be assassin. A nearby officer frantically waved and shouted for the president to get back.

As if on cue, Leslie Coffelt emerges from the guard booth, staggers to the side and leans up against it as he takes aim for Torresola. He fires one bullet, hitting him just above the ear, killing him instantly. Many speculate that Coffelt’s heroism and sharpshooting save the president’s life.

Blair House assassination diagram 1950

Secret Service agent Floyd Boring at Blair House steps with wounded would-be assassin Collazo

If you pass by Blair House, you will not notice a plaque on the right, commemorating the bravery of the fallen White House police officer, Leslie Coffelt, who died protecting President Truman. He remains the only officer to die defending the president in the line of duty.

IN HONOR OF LESLIE COFFELT

WHITE HOUSE POLCEMAN WHO GAVE HIS LIFE IN DEFENSE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES HERE AT BLAIR HOUSE, NOVEMBER 1, 1950.

“FOR LOYALTY, BRAVERY AND HEROISM BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY”

Plaque commemerating Leslie Coffelt killed at the Blair House

Next time you walk by the house, take a minute to read the sign and pay tribute to Coffelt.

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The post Puerto Rican Nationalists Attempt to Assassinate Truman; Gun Battle on Pennsylvania Avenue appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Capitol Building after World War I Armistace Day (DC Public Library Commons)

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 that it was the war to end all wars.

Here’s the report from the Baltimore Sun on November 8th, 1918.

Washington, Nov. 7.–Delirious with delight over a cabled report from Europe that germany had signed the Allied armistice terms and hostilities had ceased at 2 o’clock this afternoon, Washington wildly celebrated the announcement until midnight, despite the fact that the War and State Departments absolutely refused to confirm the statement. By the time darkness fell, 200,000 persons blowing horns, waving flags, singing “My Country, Tis of Three” and racing through the streets in automobiles and motortrucks, had turned the city into a bedlam. Never have such scenes of wild and delirious joy gripped the people of the national capital.

The first report of armistice having been signed came shortly after noon, when a local paper put out an extra. This was not convincing. Shortly afterward the St. Angelus siren on the Evans Building, where the SUN Bureau is located, began to toot. It had been announced that this siren would not blow until the official news of the signing of the armistice had been made. Then Washington went crazy with joy.

Tens of thousands of war workers dropped their work over the protest of their chiefs and leaped through the doorways into the streets. They began marching, yelling like mad, singing and waving flags. It was not long before every Government department practically ceased work. More than 100,000 persons jammed the streets, and the wildest celebration Washington has ever seen began.

Appeals from the State Department that the celebration be withheld until official confirmation had been received had no affect on the crowd. Washington believed the armistice had been signed and wanted to celebrate, and it did.

A marching crowd of several thousand men, women and children, led by a sailor, a soldier and a marine, each carrying an American flag, appeared in front of the White house. Led by the sailor, the crowd began singing “My Country Tis of Three.” Between 4,000 and 5,000 persons watching the demonstration uncovered their heads and joined in the anthem. Yells were made for President Wilson, and he appeared on the White House portico and waved his hand at the crowd. Then a mighty shout shook the heavens. The crowd accepted the President’s appearance as official confirmation of the signing of the armistice, and the enthusiasm knew no bounds.

In the meantime a hastily-cabled inquiry by Secretary of State Lansing concerning the report brought an answer that the report was untrue. The crowd did not know it and would not have believed it had they been told, so intoxicated with joy were they.

Most of us have never experienced anything like this — frankly, hopefully we never will — but I’m sure you can imagine the unbelievable collective emotional relief and celebration that resulted.

Take a look at the video above. It shows Wilson leaving the White House to the Capitol Building and the unbelievably large crowds gathered in the streets.

After the President had appeared before the crowd there was no possibility of restoring the equilibrium of Washington. War workers had organized parades by the score. Heavy army trucks were rumbling up and down Pennsylvania avenue, loaded with thousands of school children, each waving a flag and yelling to the limits of their lung power. The war workers who did not leave their building crowded to the windows waiving flags and sang. Others gave three cheers for Pershing.

Crippled soldiers from Walter Reed Hospital, invalid from the battle fields of France, rode down the avenue in automobiles and waved their crutches at the thousands of cheering spectators on the sidewalks. Soldiers, sailors and civilians, arm in arm, paraded, beat drums, blew horns, beat tin pans or made some other kind of noise.

Meanwhile, a half dozen army aviators in biplanes and naval aviators in hydroplanes flew over the crowds, some of them diving to almost the house tops along Pennsylvania avenue and giving the throngs in the street one thrill after another.

All these activities were construed by the populace as confirmation of the hoped-for news. An enormous crowd of employes of the Treasury Department sent a delegation to the Secretary of War Baker to request him to make a speech. He sent back word that the Government had received no confirmation of the report, and that it obviously was untrue. This did not dampen the spirits of the crowd perceptibly.

Wow. I can only think of two other occasions that were close to this level of celebration. The first being the Civil War and the second of course, World War II.

President Wilson and General Pershing celebrating Armistice Day

President and Mrs. Wilson in carriage for Armistice Day parade (1918)

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• Three Things About Poplar Point and Anacostia Flats (ghostsofdc.org)

The post Washington Goes Wild to Celebrate Armistice Signing (1918) appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Janis Joplin (Wikipedia)

After The Dead and The Police, I’m on a little bit of a concert kick and this one is pretty sweet. Janis Joplin played Merriweather back in 1969, three weeks before the defining moment of the decade: Woodstock. That’s pretty cool.

The Washington Post wrote a review and the guy that wrote it was Carl Bernstein … yep, as in Woodward and Bernstein of the Watergate scandal. Before he helped take down a sitting president, he wrote this review of Joplin’s concert at Merriweather.

Janis Joplin has gotten it all back together again.

The 26-year-old dynamo from Port Arthur, Tex., came to the Merriweather Post Pavilion with her new band last night, and from the first note, it was a love affair between her and a wild audience of more than 5000.

After four songs, virtually the entire audience was on its feet. The overflow crowd on the grass surged into amphitheater, people danced in the aisles and on their seats, gave thumbs-up and peace signs and hollered ecstatically as Joplin’s seemingly steam-powered voice cooed, moaned and screamed.

The adulation was understandable.

Janis has finally assembled a group of first-rate musicians with whom she is totally at ease and whose abilities complement the incredible range of her voice.

Janis’s range last night (she will appear at the Post Pavilion again tonight) was even greater than on her two albums and slipped easily from almost contralto register to soprano

Most important, her music made you enjoy yourself producing much the same reaction that the Beatles did on their concert tours of years past. Simply, an evening with Janis Joplin is a party and a romp.

The crowd’s reaction to her voice and body, as she screamed and stomped through her songs, eventually caused police and the Pavalion [sic[] management to take to the stage to halt the show for a few moments as dozens of youths jumped onto the stage. At one point, a policeman swung a billyclub at several of those climbing on the stage apron, resulting in a request from Miss Joplin that the officer restrain himself.

Miss Joplin demonstrated much new material, perhaps the best of which is a jump-blues that will be the title song of her new album “Cosmic Blues.” The song features exquisite organ work by Richard Kermode and is an ideal vehicle for all the elements of Janis’ voice–love, pain, anger and freedom.

Other new songs included a remake of The Chantels’ “Maybe” and an almost country-sounding “Try a Little iBt [sic] Harder,” which gave the band two–saxes, trumped, strong lead guitar by John Till, bass, drums and organ–room to jam easily.

Janis with her new sidemen, give to “Piece of My Heart,” “Ball and Chain,” “Summertime,” and the other old songs, a musicality that was missing in the Big Brother days.

Perhaps Miss Joplin’s new revue will put an end to the inevitable and unfair comparisons drawn between her, Big Mama Thornton, and other great female blues singers. The comparisons are superfluous exercise. She is Janis Joplin and that is enough.

That’s pretty cool. Music was just better back then … also, only 5,000 people at Merriweather? That seems tiny.

Three weeks later, Janis is in upstate New York performing at Woodstock. Really cool.

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The post Janis Joplin Plays Merriweather Three Weeks Before Woodstock appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Washington’s estate at Mt. Vernon is one of the best sites to see whether you’re a tourist visiting the area for the first time, or a long-time resident. If you haven’t seen this place during their nighttime candlelit tours (Thanksgiving and Christmas), you must … you’re missing out.

Here’s a nice short video from 5min Travel.

[gigya src="http://embed.5min.com/517229505/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="opaque" width="560" height="345"]

Here are three things you might not know that you’ll learn from this video.

• It was build in 1742 and inherited by George Washington in 1761
• Washington’s estate had 8,000 acres divided into five separate working farms
• The estate served as neutral territory during the Civil War where Union and Confederate soldiers were required to lay down their arms during visits.

Mt. Vernon (Wikipedia)

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The post You Should Visit Mt. Vernon appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

I love baseball — my first post ever was baseball-related — and baseball is back!

Opening Day has passed (go Nats!) and the home opener is just around the corner. There is not better way to spend an afternoon than sitting in the stands watching our hometown team. And late spring is the best time to do it.

I wanted to pull something special together to highlight the importance of baseball in Washington’s history. Here is my first homegrown video, uploaded to YouTube — we have our own channel, FYI — pulling together archival film footage as well as old photographs. I hope you enjoy it.

Get out there and support our hometown team. We’re on the brink of some really exciting years and you’re about to start reaping the rewards of weathering some rough times since 2005.

1924 World Series program

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The post A Tribute to Baseball and the Washington Senators appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is an excellent silent film from 1929. It begins with outgoing president Calvin Coolidge and Hoover entering a vehicle and being taken to the Capitol Building down Pennsylvania Avenue. The members of the Supreme Court are seen — including former president and then Chief Justice William Howard Taft — on the inauguration platform. Both Coolidge and Hoover are present and then the scene closes with the latter giving his inauguration speech.

The parade is grand and festive as Washington celebrates the incoming president. Hoover reviews the parade from the grandstand on Pennsylvania Ave, just north of the White House. The film closes with Calvin and Grace Coolidge waving goodbye from the back of a train.

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The post The Inauguration of Herbert Hoover in 1929 appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

I suspect you’re checking out the blog this morning thinking, hmm … something looks different. Well, I spent the bulk of my posting time this past weekend cleaning up the new design of the site. The posts might be a little thinner this week as a result, but I think the new look is better. I hope you agree. Also, it’s much better suited to video posts, so I’ll be adding a bunch of those this week.

Did you go to Springsteen last night at the Verizon Center? Or maybe you’re going tomorrow. If you are, I’m jealous.

Well, more than three decades ago, The Boss rocked out to about 15,000 crazy fans at the old Capital Centre in Landover, MD. That place had some seriously great concerts and I’m sure a bunch of of GoDCers have fond memories of the place. I remember seeing my first Phish show back there, way back in the day — sadly, this was almost 20 years ago.

Get psyched listening to Springsteen sing Hungry Heart and if you’re going to the shows this week, have a great time!

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The post Springsteen Rocks Washington … in 1980 appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

I love the Library of Congress. Who doesn’t? It has to be one of the most, if not the most ornate building in the city. If you haven’t been inside, you need to, because it’s beautiful and extremely impressive … almost like you’re in Europe.

[gigya src="http://embed.5min.com/517229561/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="opaque" width="560" height="345"]

I also wanted to share with you a few photos from a GoDC reader Joseph (aka, @librapaj). These are two nice indoor shots of the library and our first user contributed photographs. Thanks Joseph!

Inside the Library of Congress (via @librapaj)

Ceiling of the Library of Congress (via @librapaj)

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The post Library of Congress: Oldest Federal Cultural Institution in America appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Here’s another interesting video, giving you some history you probably don’t know. I’m also guessing a number of you work in or near this building.

[gigya src="http://embed.5min.com/517229556/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="opaque" width="560" height="345"]

Also, I very much remember the building being closed for three months following the anthrax mailing to Senator Daschle’s office.

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The post Everything You Wanted to Know About the Hart Senate Office Building appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

It’s Sunday and you’re probably catching up on last week’s GoDC posts. Here’s a really quick one for you, and you’ll enjoy this if you’re a soccer fan.

If you’re a casual fan, you may not remember that in 1994 the U.S. hosted the World Cup, and some of the games were held ar our own RFK Stadium. Below is a video of one of the greatest goals in World Cup history. Saeed Al-Owairan sprints across the length of the field to score an unforgettable goal, helping the Saudi team advance to the second round for the first time ever.

Happy Sunday. Unfortunately for you, tomorrow is Monday.

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The post Belgium v. Saudi Arabia: ’94 World Cup Game at RFK Stadium appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Here is another great five-minute history of a D.C. landmark. Union Station was, for the first half of the 20th century, the gateway to Washington. It was how most people arrived in the city and it was a magnificent sight for visitors.

[gigya src="http://embed.5min.com/517229521/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="opaque" width="560" height="345"]

The majestic building displaced the Irish community in Swampoodle, knocking down the shanty town residences of 1,700 poor Irish immigrants. It was designed in the beaux arts style by noted architect Daniel Burnham, who also designed the Flatiron Building in New York.

Three interesting facts from the video:

1. When opened, it was the largest train station in the world.
2. Up to 200,000 people a day passed through Union Station during World War II.
3. With 32 million people passing through annually, it is the most visited site in the city.

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The post Union Station: Gateway to Washington, D.C. appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Dailymotion has a bunch of great five minute history videos of D.C. Here’s one that I think you’ll like about the Kennedy Center.

[gigya src="http://embed.5min.com/517229558/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="opaque" width="560" height="345"]

Sorry for the late post this morning. I might be slacking a little bit this week because I’m traveling and I didn’t get the chance to finish any posts this past weekend (I was busy enjoying the weather).

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The post The Kennedy Center: A Living Memorial to the Fallen President appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

I came across this one on YouTube. This was the first time the President of the United States was videotaped and then broadcast in color. This is the earliest surviving color videotape. It was filmed on May 22nd, 1958 in the WRC-TV studios in Washington (the local NBC affiliate).

The video starts off in black and white while Eisenhower’s motorcade approaches the studios, but then transitions to color for the first time when Robert Sarnoff, president of NBC, flips the switch in the middle of the broadcast.

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The post Dwight D. Eisenhower: The First President Videotaped in Color (1958) appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

The weather is awesome today, so you should spend it outside, not reading this blog. You can come back and finish reading later in the afternoon.

While you finish up your coffee and breakfast, check out this video of Chuck Brown in 1987. This is old school and it’s awesome (FYI, the volume is pretty loud).

I’m heading out to Rock Creek for a nice hike. Hopefully that will be a source of inspiration for the ten posts I’ll be writing this afternoon and evening. There were a few good suggestions on Facebook (seriously, why is there no J street?) and Twitter (Marion Barry or Brewmaster’s Castle), so I’ll be checking into a few of those.

Okay, now go outside.

The post Chuck Brown: The Godfather of Go-Go appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Old school Bullets fans will remember this post-Bel Biv Devoe jam from the ’94-’95 season … You Da Man!

The Bullets were 21-61 that year. Ugh.

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The post That’s The Reason I’m a Bullets Fan appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

December 10th, 1913 — Over 4,000 Temperance movement and Prohibition supporters marched in Washington, demanding a new constitutional amendment banning alcohol consumption in the United States. A demonstration of this size had never been seen before.

They marched to the Capitol, where Congressman Richard Hobson from Alabama and Senator Morris Sheppard of Texas greeted them. The two introduced legislation to their respective chambers of Congress.

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Ultimately, this first grassroots attempt to persuade legislators failed, but persistence pays off. The movement gained momentum with powerful forces like the Anti-Saloon League and the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. Letters, telegrams and petitions were flooding Congressmen and Senators with demands to push for a Prohibition amendment. Over time, more dry legislators were elected and support increased for the movement in Congress.

It took a number of years to finally reach their goal of a dry country, but they finally achieved it by the end of the decade. The Eighteenth Amendment was ratified on January 16th, 1919 and went into effect on January 17th, 1920. The grand experiment of national temperance had begun (we know how this story ends).

Anti-Saloon League slogan

Both Officer Sprinkle and Leopold Birkle ended up on the wrong side of this new law.

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The post Lips That Touch Liquor Shall Not Touch Ours appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Ron Paul crushes double

This is awesome and appears to be the latest minor D.C. Internet meme. Well, I love baseball and I love D.C., so I want to share this with those of you who haven’t seen it yet (if you haven’t seen this, you don’t surf the Interwebs enough).

Ron Paul is the only player in the history of the Congressional baseball game to hit a home run over the fence. He also killed it in this game, going 2 for 3. Below you can watch him stroke a double. Not bad for a 47-year-old doctor from Texas.

According to Wikipedia, the game ended after nine innings in a tie at 17 runs. Sounds like some seriously crappy pitching. So far, this has been the only tie. The Republicans hold a 41-35 game advantage over the Democrats. Another interesting bit of trivia is that the game dates back to 1909, although it hasn’t been continuously played since then.

It was banned in 1914 by Speaker Champ Clark when he felt it interfered with the legislative business of Congress. In 1962, the game came back after being played intermittently and has been played annually ever since.

Nice old school Astros uniform. Reminds me of Nolan Ryan, Glenn Davis and Mike Scott.

Do you want to watch the whole game? I warn you, it is well over three hours. C-SPAN has it for you.

The post Ron Paul Crushes a Double in Congressional Baseball appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Here’s an interesting video I came across on YouTube. I’m not quite sure what year this is from, but I’m guessing it’s somewhere in the mid-1950s. It’s fascinating to watch the former Senator and President messing up on camera.

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The post Senator John F. Kennedy Outtakes appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Ben’s Chili Bowl (Wikipedia)

I took a fair bit of time to do a little research into how U street got its name. After some research, it was abundantly clear that this wouldn’t be a short post.

This is an area of D.C. that has a rich history, went through some rough times, but has risen to become the core of the city’s renaissance. The story of U street might not be as obvious as you think, and it will definitely surprise you.

I also came across some excellent archival footage of U street in its heyday. The really interesting stuff doesn’t start until about 45 seconds into the film, but it’s worth the wait. I think you’ll like it.

Seriously? You clicked “Why Is It Named U Street?” … point goes to @GhostsofDC for the bait and switch. Enjoy the video. Happy Friday!

…WAIT! This isn’t just a rickroll. There is local relevance.

Our favorite Internet meme, Rick Astley, was in town and played at Merriweather on August 28th, 1989 (Pete Rose was permanently banned from baseball four days earlier). It gets better. Martika opened!

Rick Astley at Merriweather (1989)

Please tell me someone reading this post was at this concert. Next time I’m going to Paula Abdul you.

The post Why Is It Named U Street? appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Super Bowl XXVI

Well, football is coming to a close this weekend and you’re probably thrilled to watch the commercials. Oh, and I’m sure everyone has their plans set to watch the Super Bowl too. One thing you will not be watching this Sunday is the Washington Redskins … again … #FAIL.

A generation ago, the Redskins were a good team. Yep, good enough to win the Big One, Super Bowl XXVI. By the end of the day on January 26th, 1992, the Washington Redskins, led by quarterback Mark Rypien, were world champions, defeating the Buffalo Bills 37-24.

If you want to remember what it’s like to root for a hometown team that wins the Super Bowl, watch the video below. About 20 seconds in, the Redskins close it out and beat the Bills for the championship.

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The post Hail to the Redskins! appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

If you’re a serious D.C. history nerd, you’ll find this just as fascinating as I do. It was produced by UMBC’s Imaging Research Center (IRC) about a year ago. The voiceover is a little dry, but follow along and watch the whole thing. It’s very interesting.

Here’s a cool screenshot of the final scene, imagining what the Capitol looked like in 1814.

U.S. Capitol 1814

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The post Video Visualizing Early Washington, D.C. appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Later this evening, the President will give his annual State of the Union address. On such an important day, it would be remiss of me not to share one of the greatest State of the Union speeches of all time … the one given, twelve presidents ago, by Franklin D. Roosevelt on January 6th, 1941. If you want the full text of the speech, go here.

This speech is known as the “Four Freedoms Speech.” It was his first State of the Union after winning an unprecedented third term and it is considered one of his most memorable and influential speeches.

Europe is embroiled in World War II and the President makes the case that America is under the greatest threat it has ever been under, and it is incumbent upon the nation to supply needed arms to our allies in Europe. The Lend-Lease Act was signed into law just two months later.

The closing statements of the speech are the most memorable, as he outlines the “four essential human freedoms,” which are critical for a secure and prosperous world.

The first is freedom of speech and expression — everywhere in the world.

The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way — everywhere in the world.

The third is freedom from want, which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants — everywhere in the world.

The fourth is freedom from fear, which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor — anywhere in the world.

The first two freedoms are codified the Constitution, while the latter two go beyond the scope of America’s founding document but became the basis of the modern liberal vision both domestically and internationally.

The 32nd President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1933)

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter if you’d like to get more updates.

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The post FDR’s 1941 State of the Union: Four Freedoms Speech appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

It seems like this the Cherry Blossom Festival is a really long way away … especially after this weekends crappy weather. So, in the hopes of bringing a little faux spring to your week, here is a video from the 1944 Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s an interesting window into D.C. during World War II.

Pardon the music, but I can’t seem to find good old movies on YouTube without horrible soundtracks. I would recommend muting it.

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The post Video of the 1944 Cherry Blossom Festival appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Chalk this up to our incredible Library of Congress. A silent film by Thomas Edison, shot on March 4th, 1901 at the Capitol. This one is quite blurry, but this is over a hundred years ago. It’s pretty amazing and even older than the last one I posted of Teddy Roosevelt. Thank you Library of Congress.

Here’s a portrait of the 25th President of the United States. He looks a little rigid and quite unfriendly. Do not anger this man.

President William McKinley portrait

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The post President William McKinley’s Second Inauguration (1901) appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

The description below is cut straight from YouTube. This is a home movie from Lady Bird Johnson during the 1960s. The LBJ Library has an entire YouTube channel dedicated to these, so check them out. They’re also on Twitter and Facebook.

The footage is outside and the film is silent. The film starts with Lady Bird Johnson and others posing in front of a house somewhere in Virginia? There are views of the house and unidentified women and a man posing and then unidentified people sitting/eating at tables.

The film cuts to Lady Bird Johnson posing by a wood fence, near a lake, giving what looks like a press conference. A school bus arrives. More unidentified people sitting on a wood fence, walking, and eating a tables. Shots of mountains and flowers.

The next segment of the film features President Johnson and Mrs. Johnson at the White House, 1960s. White House flowers are showcased, and a beagle dog joins Lady Bird for a stroll.

Cut to what might be a White House reception for astronauts. There are people and a marching band playing on the White House lawn. Lady Bird Johnson, President Johnson and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey talk to astronauts on the lawn. In the background photographers use their 1960s equipment to document the event.

Cut to the presidential yacht trip in Washington, D.C.. Lady Bird Johnson and other unidentified people are present. There are views of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument and a large ship. A woman seems to be taking notes with a typewriter.

Cut to Lady Bird Johnson and other women in an unidentified place.

Cut to Presidential military reception at the White House. There is a military band playing on the White House lawn. An Honor Guard is at the ready. LBJ, Lady Bird, Hubert Humphrey and Muriel descend steps to the reception and form a receiving line.

The post Lady Bird Johnson Home Movies From the 1960s appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

I really wanted to start by skewing these posts towards more anonymous D.C. residents, but I keep coming across gold on YouTube like this. I promise to return to more posts on hidden and lost Washington, but you have to watch this. Look how defensive President Nixon is at the end as he folds his arms. Wow. I’m sure many of you reading this remember these dark days, which really redefined the American Presidency.

Look at this sinister photo of the President. Intimidating.

Richard Nixon

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The post Nixon: I Am Not a Crook appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Here’s a video I came across on YouTube of the old president and recently inaugurated one attending the burial ceremony of the Unknown Soldier. President Wilson was instrumental in honoring those “unknown but to God” by having them interred in the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

The ceremony made all the national and local evening papers that day. Below is Philadelphia’s Evening Public Ledger (for only 2 cents) from November 11th, 1921.

Evening Public Ledger - Friday, November 11th, 1921

Below is the photo on the front page of the paper (sorry for the slow download – it’s slightly higher resolution). The photo was taken by the Public Ledger’s photographer as it was being removed from the Capitol, getting ready for the slow march to Arlington National Cemetery.

Ready for the start to Arlington - Unknown Soldier

Here’s something I found on the Woodrow Wilson House website (if you haven’t visited, you should):

On his last official day in office, March 4, 1921, Woodrow Wilson also set into motion another of our Veterans Day traditions, the honoring of those fallen in battle “unknown but to God.” As Wilson arrived at the Capitol for the inauguration of his successor, Warren G. Harding, he went to the President’s Room in the Senate and signed the legislation that designated the interment of the remains of an Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. Later that day, Wilson moved to his new home at 2340 S Street in Washington, which is now the Woodrow Wilson House. On November 11, 1921, former President Wilson attended the ceremonies in the Rotunda of the Capitol for the Unknown Soldier and later that day he returned to his home to greet the crowd that had gathered there.

Little known fact: Woodrow Wilson is the only president buried in Washington, D.C. He is buried in Washington National Cathedral.

UPDATE: I was just made aware of the Woodrow Wilson House blog. You should check it out and check out the house.

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The post Video: Wilson, Harding and a Nation Pay Respect to the Unknown Soldier (1921) appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

One of the most powerful and important inaugural addresses of all time, this is something worth watching in its entirety. The whole speech is below if you’d like to read it. This is a truly amazing and powerful speech. If you want to skip to the famous quote, start watching at 13:45.

The full text of the speech is below if you’d like to read along.

Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, Reverend Clergy, fellow citizens:

We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom–symbolizing an end as well as a beginning–signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.

The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe–the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans–born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage–and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

This much we pledge–and more.

To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do–for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.

To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom–and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.

To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required–not because the communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge–to convert our good words into good deeds–in a new alliance for progress–to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.

To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support–to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective–to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak–and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.

Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.

We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.

But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course–both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind’s final war.

So let us begin anew–remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.

Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms–and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.

Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah–to “undo the heavy burdens … (and) let the oppressed go free.”

And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.

All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.

In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.

Now the trumpet summons us again–not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need–not as a call to battle, though embattled we are– but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation”–a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.

Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility–I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it–and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.

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The post JFK: Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You (1961 Video) appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Mark this down as something you’ll never see today. The President is just walking out of the White House grounds … alone. Let’s be honest, any guy that takes a bullet in his chest and STILL gives a speech can kick anyone’s ass. He casually strolls south onto what appears to be E St.

Here’s another photo of the 26th President of the United States. It was taken in 1885, ironically, in New York City.

Teddy Roosevelt dressed like he

The one below is probably the most iconic image of Teddy. This is his official White House portrait done by John Singer Sargent, which hangs in the East Room of the Executive Mansion.

Teddy Roosevelt official White House portrait (1903)

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The post Video: Teddy Roosevelt Leaving the White House, Going For a Walk appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

There’s a strong element of sadness watching this video. A burning city, military occupation … what essentially was complete chaos in the city from April 4th to April 8th, 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Economically it seriously devastated the corridors of 14th St NW, 7th St NW and H St NW. It has only been in the last decade that these neighborhoods have seen a significant resurgence.

Here are a couple more photos of the riots.

Soldiers on guard in D.C.

Soldiers in the streets of D.C. (7th and N St NW)

Also check out these riot aftermath photos on Flickr.

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The post The Riots of ’68 appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Now this is a great one from the vaults of the Library of Congress. I found this on YouTube (of course). There’s no sound, but it’s very interesting to watch.

On Mar. 4, 1905, Teddy Roosevelt was inaugurated in Washington, D.C. with much celebration and fanfare. He rides in an open landau on 15 St. NW, escorted by mounted Rough Riders; Secret Service men and detectives walk on either side of the carriage; he tips his hat to the crowd.

Sitting beside him is Senator John C. Spooner of Wisconsin, Chairman of the joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Opposite, but not clearly visible, are Senator Henry Cabot Lodge of Mass. and Representative John Dalzell of Penn., members of the committee. Second sequence consists of long shots of Roosevelt taking the oath of office on a platform erected on the east front of the Capitol; Chief Justice Melville Weston Fuller (1888-1910) administers the Presidential oath of office as Chief Clerk of the Supreme Court James H. McKenney holds the Bible.

The platform is decorated with plants and garlands and a large banner with the American eagle on it hangs from the center of the railing. West Point cadets and Annapolis midshipmen are assembled below the platform.

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• Pat Garrett, Lawman Who Killed Billy the Kid Visits Washington and Teddy Roosevelt (ghostsofdc.org)

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Here is video (partly in color) of FDR being inaugurated for the fourth time. This being the fourth time is impressive enough, but also, this happened on the South Portico of the White House due to ongoing privations due to the Second World War. It was a rather muted event compared to all other inaugurations. That doesn’t mean this video isn’t incredible.

Watch as Franklin Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United states starts his fourth term (which only lasts three months). He died in April of the same year and his funeral procession is something you can watch here.

Here’s a great photo to go with the above video. You can also see the extremely ugly awnings on the South Portico prior to the Truman Balcony renovations.

President Franklin Roosevelt

Related articles

• President Franklin Roosevelt’s Funeral Procession (1945) (ghostsofdc.org)
• On the dignity, creativity, and value of work by Franklin D. Roosevelt (compassioninpolitics.wordpress.com)
• FDR’s 1941 State of the Union: Four Freedoms Speech (ghostsofdc.org)

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April 12th, 1945 was a sad day for our nation. Our president, who had led us through the depths of the Depression and was a force for good during World War II, died at 3:35 pm. He had just been inaugurated for a record fourth term and was guiding our country through the closing months of the greatest war the planet had ever seen.

This is a somber video of his funeral procession through the nation’s capital. The only other recent presidents to have a funeral on this scale were Kennedy and Reagan.

Below is a beautiful shot of the procession heading down Pennsylvania Avenue.

FDR funeral procession down Pennsylvania Ave

Related articles

• President Franklin Roosevelt’s Fourth Inauguration (1945) (ghostsofdc.org)
• On the dignity, creativity, and value of work by Franklin D. Roosevelt (compassioninpolitics.wordpress.com)
• FDR’s 1941 State of the Union: Four Freedoms Speech (ghostsofdc.org)

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This is seriously awesome. The Internet is just amazing.

This is a video from February 11th, 1964. It is the first live concert the Beatles played in the U.S. and it was right here in our city. They had only just arrived in New York City on the 7th and played for a live audience of about 700 people on the Ed Sullivan Show — over 70 million people were watching live on television.

On the 11th, they played their first sold out show at the Washington Coliseum to 20,000 screaming fans. The video documents the concert.

An article in the Post the next day had the headline “Beatles Arrive, Teen-Agers Shriek, Police Do Their Duty, And That’s That.” Here is an excerpt from that piece by Jerry Doolittle:

And so, John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr stepped from the train … For hours, teenagers had been streaming into Union Station–many of them from National Airport, where the Beatles, before the show, had been scheduled to arrive.

…

At the Coliseum, the Beatles handled a press conference, during which they conducted themselves with an aplomb that bordered on total relaxation.

Two of the Beatles sparred with each other before the questioning started. A third snapped his fingers.

…

What did the Beatles think of President Johnson?

“What do you think of the President?”, Ringo Starr asked a man adjusting the microphone.

“He’s a great guy,” the man said.

“He’s a great guy,” Ringo Starr said.

Remember, these guys were in their early 20s and they were on top of the world, having a great time, making jokes. Would have been great to witness that (turns out, my father-in-law’s sister was in attendance).

Well, what happened to the venue that held the first American Beatles concert? It’s kind of sad, but it’s now completely run down and serves as a parking garage. It’s pretty nasty, but at least it still stands. Maybe one day it will be fixed up to hold thousands of screaming fans again. The Washington City Paper has a great little piece about it that you should check out. There are talks of renovation plans, but they seem to be stalled.

Below are some recent photos of the old coliseum and a ticket from that concert.

Outside Washington Coliseum today

Inside Washington Coliseum today

Ticket from Beatles 1964 concert in D.C.

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• Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Bruce Springsteen at the University of Maryland (ghostsofdc.org)

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Here’s another cool old streetcar video. This is the The Washington & Great Falls Electric Railway line (“Cabin John Trolley”) from Georgetown. Disclaimer: the music is horribly cheesy, so you might want to mute it.

Here’s a little about it from Wikipedia:

Incorporated in 1892 and opened in 1895, The Washington & Great Falls Electric Railway began in Georgetown at 36th and Prospect Streets and ran in a private right-of-way along the lands of the Washington Aqueduct to Glen Echo and from there along the old tracks of the Glen Echo Railroad to Cabin John. Because the railroad never reached Great Falls, but instead terminated at Cabin John, it was often referred to as the “Cabin John Trolley”. It was acquired in 1902 by the Washington Railway and Electric Company. The railway was dismantled in the 1960s, but the former roadbed is still discernible in The Palisades and in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Related articles

• The Georgetown to Glen Echo Trolley (ghostsofdc.org)
• Glen Echo Park (raoulpop.com)
• Washington Senators Secure Moran of Georgetown (ghostsofdc.org)
• Palisades of the Potomac (1890) (ghostsofdc.org)

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The country was in mourning, having just lost our President a few weeks earlier in Dallas. This is a pretty somber, powerful and moving video of the Kennedy family leaving the White House and moving into their new Georgetown home at 3038 N St NW. There’s another shot of Jackie visiting JFK’s grave in Arlington Cemetery.

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