Washington DC in the 1970s

The Washington Capitals’ Inaugural Game

April 27, 2026March 27, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Greg Joly, Washington Capitals #1 (overall) draft pick in 1974

The first game was set for October 9th, 1974 against the New York Rangers, not the best team, but a strong NHL team.

All Eyes On The Hirshhorn, But It Wasn’t Always Pretty (Or Round)

April 27, 2026March 22, 2012 by ghostsofdc

This is a guest post by Aaron. Art fans will focus Thursday night on the outer walls of the Hirshhorn Museum. Eleven video projectors will paint the Smithsonian’s modern and contemporary ring with 360 degrees of a looping film called, “SONG 1.” The Hirshhorn’s exterior will become exhibition space as artist Doug Aitken transforms the circumference … Read more

If Walls Could Talk: Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar

January 13, 2021March 5, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar. Photo credit: Jennifer Kolansky

Last week’s winner of the “If Walls Could Talk” poll was Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar. They altered the look and feel of the tavern-heavy block of Pennsylvania between 2nd and 3rd St. SE and have been satisfying discerning palates with sophisticated wine and charcuterie since the fall of 2005. I’m excited to branch out … Read more

Washington Metrobus Strike in 1974

November 4, 2021February 15, 2012 by ghostsofdc

When was the bus strike in Washington, DC? In 1974 it created a traffic nightmare for commuters.

The National Union Building Outlived LivingSocial

May 8, 2026February 14, 2012 by ghostsofdc

918 F Street has held Civil War generals, a $30,000 diamond heist, the city’s biggest gambling raid, and a unicorn that hit zero.

If Walls Could Talk: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

November 4, 2021February 10, 2012 by ghostsofdc

I’m missing tonight’s slow braised pork shank, but a deal’s a deal (if you’re reading this on Friday, I wrote this Thursday night and ordered take out from Pho 14 … yum). Winner of the inaugural “If Walls Could Talk” reader poll is Pearl Dive Oyster Palace (@PearlDiveDC), taking 33% of the vote. Cleveland Park’s … Read more

The Red House: 2511 Cliffbourne Pl. NW – Part 3 of the Rainbow Row Series

May 6, 2026January 31, 2012 by ghostsofdc

The "Rainbow Row" of homes on Cliffbourne Pl. NW

Explore the history of the Red House at 2511 Cliffbourne Pl. NW, the third home in a four-part series covering the rainbow row of homes on Cliffbourne Pl. NW. This post covers the unexpected death of a general’s wife, paintings by the Visual Liberation Group and more!

Unsolved Mystery: The 1973 Assassination of Colonel Yosef Alon

April 27, 2026January 19, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Yosef Alon and family. Photo: Courtesy of Alon family

Unsolved to this day, the 1973 assassination of Colonel Yosef Alon rocked the normally peaceful, suburban community of Bethesda, MD. Learn more about this unsolved mystery and the nationwide surveillance procedure put in place in response.

A Look Back at President Nixon During the Watergate Scandal

May 11, 2026January 13, 2012 by ghostsofdc

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.

These dark days ultimately ended on August 9th, 1974, with Nixon’s one-sentence resignation letter, formally received by Secretary of State Henry Kissinger at 11:35 a.m.