We’re trying out a new category called “Lost History” today. We spent a good part of the weekend reading James Goode’s excellent (and depressing) book Capital Losses, and wanted to feature some more lost history of D.C. Our first post is about D. Mullany’s Saloon, formerly at 14th and E St. NW (500 14th St. NW), today occupied by the massive ... Read More »
Going to an Inaugural Ball this weekend? The austerity of Obama’s second mirrors the desires articulated by newly elected President Woodrow Wilson. Take a look at the front page of the Washington Herald on Friday, January 17th, 1913, exactly 100 years ago today. Totally fascinating for GoDC history nerds. Read More »
This is another great photo, again from the Library of Congress. The caption states that it is the counting of electoral votes for the 1916 Presidential Election, in which Woodrow Wilson beat Charles Hughes. I’m unclear why this count would be on April 14th when the inauguration was on March 5th. Click on it to see the faces of the ... Read More »
This is pretty interesting. Check out this footage of President Wilson at the White House. Related articles Origins of the Political Ad: Woodrow Wilson’s 1912 Campaign Film (pbs.org) Video: Wilson, Harding and a Nation Pay Respect to the Unknown Soldier (1921) (ghostsofdc.org) Woodrow Wilson’s 1912 Presidential Campaign Video (uneditedpolitics.com) Read More »
Exactly one year ago today, one of the most spectacular buildings in Washington was badly damaged by the earthquake that shook our city. So much so, that the repairs are going to cost millions of dollars and keep it under scaffolding for several years. If you love this building like we do, consider donating a few bucks to help restore ... Read More »
Amid the implosion of yet another DC council member this week (what part of public trust don’t you guys understand?), it’s only apropos to post a story like this. Sadly, our outrage is not something unique, as contemporary public officials are not the only geniuses that have leveraged their authority for personal gain. Oh no … well before our recent Navigatorgate (and “Bullet ... Read More »
This has less to do with the history of our city, but everything to do with the (almost) history of our nation. Arizona had been admitted to the union only a few years earlier in 1912 and by the middle of the decade, the two new senators, Marcus Smith and Henry Ashurst, were strongly advocating to acquire Mexican territory south ... Read More »
This is the second post in a four-part series covering the colorful homes on Cliffbourne Pl. NW, between Calvert St. and Biltmore St. This one is the brightest of the set and it really stands out on a sunny day. Let’s now look into the second home … the one at 2513 Cliffbourne Pl. NW. Read More »
Here’s a photo I found on Flickr. It’s from the Nation’s Attic (i.e., The Smithsonian). They have a great set of photos up there, so you should take a look. The photograph below shows sheep grazing near the East Wing of the White House during World War I. Woodrow and Edith Wilson had the sheep roam the grounds so they ... Read More »
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. Read More »
Ghosts of DC The lost and untold history of Washington