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Shaw

Shaw was the center of Black Washington for generations, home to the Howard Theatre, the jazz clubs of U Street, and a vibrant community that endured both remarkable prosperity and devastating loss following the 1968 riots.

GoDCers Love Maps: U St. in 1921

April 28, 2026November 13, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Explore a piece of history with us in this “GoDCers Love Maps” feature. We’re taking a look at U St. back in 1921. Learn more about the area and check out the photo!

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1920s, Shaw

Exploring the U Street and Vermont Ave. NW Area Through Real Estate Maps

December 20, 2021September 4, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Baist map of U St. and Shaw (1921)

Check out the Baist real estate maps of the U Street and Vermont Ave. NW area to see how the neighborhood has changed over the years. See what Dodge City, Nellie’s, and Brixton looked like in 1903 and 1921!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1900s, 1920s, Shaw 2 Comments

Three Memorable Concerts at the 9:30 Club

April 27, 2026September 4, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Moe live at the 9:30 Club

Three 9:30 Club nights: Smashing Pumpkins opening V Street in 1996, a celebrity-packed Radiohead show, and one at F Street.

Categories Three Things... Tags 1990s, concerts, Shaw, Theaters 3 Comments

Shaw, Mt. Vernon Square, and Dupont Circle: A 19th-Century Property Value Comparison

April 28, 2026August 24, 2012 by ghostsofdc
City of Washington, statistical maps / compiled by Lieut. F.V. Greene, assistant to the Engineer Commissioner, July 1st 1880 ; compiled by Lieut. F.V. Greene, U.S. Eng'rs ... to accompany the annual report of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia for the year ending June 30th 1880 ; Wm. T.O. Bruff, del., Eng'r Dept., D.C.

An 1880 statistical map compiled by Lt. F.V. Greene shows property values across Washington, with land in Shaw and Mt. Vernon Square worth three to four times more than comparable plots in Dupont Circle.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1880s, Dupont Circle, Shaw 4 Comments

May 28th, 1941: The First Night Game at Griffith Stadium

May 6, 2026July 16, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Joe DiMaggio at Griffith Stadium - May 28th, 1941

On May 28th, 1941, Griffith Stadium hosted its first night game under the newly installed lights. Walter Johnson was special guest, Joe DiMaggio had a 12-game hitting streak, and the Senators were stumbling. Read about the historic night in Washington baseball history.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1940s, Baseball, Shaw, Walter Johnson, Washington Nationals, Washington Senators 1 Comment

The History of 520 Florida Avenue NW: From the Blue Bird Cafe to Shaw’s Tavern

January 13, 2021April 23, 2012 by ghostsofdc

From the Blue Bird Cafe and Tea Room to Shaw’s Tavern, learn the history of 520 Florida Avenue NW in Washington, DC. Discover the stories of Benny Lerner, the Baloney Bandit, and more!

Categories If Walls Could Talk Tags 1920s, 1940s, 1950s, Shaw 1 Comment

Sergeant Helen Kaiser: The Dog Who Bravely Served with the French Army in WWI

May 6, 2026March 16, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Front page of Washington Times on March 10th, 1919

Meet Sergeant Helen Kaiser, the brave and dedicated dog who served with the French Army in World War I. Learn about her incredible story and how you can remember her legacy by supporting local animal shelters and adoption organizations.

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1910s, Shaw, World War I 2 Comments
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