The Greatest Commencement Addresses in Washington, DC, Ever
It’s that time of year, again. Commencement speakers address graduating college and university classes, and inevitably their speeches are ranked, assessed, complimented, and criticized. This year, both NPR and Vox.com have compiled the best commencement speeches ever. From the lists they...
Duke vs. George Washington University at Duke Stadium (1948)
Check out this program. It’s for the Duke vs. GWU football game, held on November 13th, 1948 at Duke. Source: Duke University Libraries Duke was pretty average in 1948, going 4-3-2 under coach Wallace Wade. GWU was similarly mediocre at...
Columbian University Becomes George Washington University in 1904
In 1821, an Act of Congress established a school called Columbian College on College Hill for “the education of Gospel Ministers.” The small campus was bounded by Columbia Rd., 14th St. and Boundary Rd. (Florida Ave.). on the hill which...
Mosquito Nets As Tall As The Washington Monument
A Washington doctor with an interesting name was among the first to suggest a link between mosquitos and malaria. Meet Albert Freeman Africanus King. Dr. A.F.A. King was a professor of obstetrics at Columbian University, precursor to the present-day George...
George Washington University Girls Rifle Team
It’s probably safe to say that this team no longer exists as an intercollegiate or even intramural team at GWU. Well, in 1927, the GW girls rifle team was good … really good. They won the national rifle championship in...
Lost History: The Stickney House at 6th and M
Why did we knock down half of the amazing buildings in Washington? It’s tragic and depressing when you read through John’s book “Lost Washington” or James’ book “Capitol Losses.” Sadly, the home below was torn down and replaced by something...
Three Bridge Suicides in 24 Hours
I came across a sad and shocking article in the Washington Post from Saturday, July 20th, 1946. Three men jumped to their deaths off of three bridges in Washington. On Thursday, Samuel Hall, a Pullman porter living at 1327 T...