Take a look back at Bloomingdale homes with this advertisement from April 15th, 1906. See what these homes look like today with a Google Maps view of the area.

Discover the history of the Beale family and the origins of Bloomingdale. From the estate to the War of 1812 to the U.S. Census in 1850, learn the fascinating story behind this D.C. neighborhood.

Discover the 1907 Baist Real Estate Map of Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. See how the area has changed over the years and explore popular establishments like Big Bear Cafe, Rustik, and Boundary Stone.

Explore the past with this interesting advertisement from the Washington Times in August 1911. Take a look at this unique piece of history and see how things have changed.

I received an email from a reader saying she learned of Ghosts of DC through this post on Big Bear Cafe. She kindly asked if I would look into the history of her Bloomingdale condo building in, as she knew very little about it (other than old stories from local cabbies). I’m starting to see an increase in email requests like this, and I wish I could get to all of them, but for this one, I’m happy to oblige. I’ll see what I can dig up for her (and her neighbors) to bring to life...

Big Bear Cafe is a lovely coffee shop which has warmed up Bloomingdale residents since 2007. It’s a favorite of many in the neighborhood and, for better or worse, people in other neighborhoods (this Portlandia clip is very àpropos). It’s Friday afternoon and we’re on the cusp of a chilly, rainy weekend. So, let me say that there’s no better place to go for a nice hot chocolate, chai or cup of joe than Big Bear. Get there early if you plan on relaxing with the paper (or iPad),...