Hank’s Oyster Bar Old Town History
What’s the history behind Hank’s Oyster Bar’s building in Alexandria? 1026 King St. was built in the late 19th century.
1950s
Postwar Washington was prosperous and anxious in equal measure. The suburbs of Virginia and Maryland exploded with development as families left the city, while downtown hummed with Cold War government activity. The civil rights movement was gaining momentum, and the city’s neighborhoods were beginning a long transformation.
The Rise and Fall of The Gordon Hotel at 16th and I St. NW
Revisit the history of The Gordon Hotel, a once fashionable haunt of Congressmen and hero of Manila Bay, Admiral George Dewey. The hotel was built in 1885 and razed in 1959, making way for the Third Church of Christ, Scientist in downtown Washington, DC.
If Walls Could Talk: Nanny O’Briens
Congratulations to our latest “If Walls Could Talk” poll winner, Nanny O’Briens. We’re going to do a little digging into the history of your building at 3319 Connecticut Ave. NW. The Greek restaurant investor On September 11th, 1952, The Washington Post reported on a funeral mass to be held for Louis Kanakos, who died at the … Read more
The Search For Haile Selassie’s Stolen Elephant Tusks
In 1954, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie presented a pair of elephant tusks to District leaders in Washington, DC. Now, they have been stolen and the Metropolitan Police Department has asked for help in finding them. See photos and read descriptions of the tusks Selassie gave in other cities.
Griffith Stadium: The History and Demolition of Washington’s Lost Ballpark
Griffith Stadium stood where Howard University Hospital is today. Full history: from the 1911 fire to Walter Johnson to the 1965 wrecking ball.
The Rise and Fall of the Chevy Chase Ice Palace and Sports Center
Discover the history of the Chevy Chase Ice Palace and Sports Center in Washington, DC, from its opening day in 1938 to its demolition in late 2019. Learn about the ice rink, bowling alley, pool hall, Best & Co. clothing store, and more!
The Strange Story of Jody the Poodle Who Was Dognapped in Friendship Animal Hospital in 1956
This strange story from the Washington Post in 1956 tells the tale of Jody, a black French poodle who was dognapped from Friendship Animal Hospital. We take a look at the strange story and the history of dognapping.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: Revisiting the Washington Football Franchise’s Dismal 1954 Season
Take a trip down memory lane to revisit the Washington Football franchise’s dismal 1954 season. Read about the 62-3 trouncing, the 3-9 record, and the tragedy after the game
Maryland’s Almost-Heisman Heroes: The Stories of Jack Scarbath and Bernie Faloney
Jack Scarbath and Bernie Faloney were star quarterbacks for the University of Maryland football team in the 1950s. Scarbath helped build Byrd Stadium and almost won the Heisman Trophy. Faloney led the team to a national championship and had a successful career in Canadian football.