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.
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 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!
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.
A 1950s Crowd at the Watergate Steps Watching a Potomac River Performance
A 1950s photograph of a crowd gathered on the Watergate steps watching a performance on a barge at the edge of the Potomac River.
So Long ACC, Hello Big Ten: Maryland Football’s Final Game in the Atlantic Coast Conference
As the University of Maryland prepares to leave the Atlantic Coast Conference, reminisce on the Terrapin’s glory days in 1954 and the 74-13 victory over Missouri that set the single-game scoring record for 27 years.
The Dunbar Hotel at 15th and U: Black Washington’s Premier Address
The Dunbar Hotel at the corner of 15th and U Streets NW was Washington’s premier Black-owned hotel from 1945 to 1974, where Duke Ellington stayed when he came home to play. Before that it was the Portner Flats, a brewer’s luxury apartment house built in 1902.
A Blast from the Past: A Look at Scott Circle in 1950
Take a trip back in time with this amazing photo of Scott Circle in 1950, courtesy of DDOTDC Flickr. Visit Ghosts of DC to learn more
The Evolution of O Street Market: Comparing 1959 to Today
See the incredible transformation of the O Street Market from 1959 to today. Check out how this landmark has changed, and the similarities that remain. Visit the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. to learn more!