U.S. Census

Exploring the History of 1019 U Street NW in Washington DC, Home of Corte Salon

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My wife is a huge fan of Corte Salon and she convinced me to start going there a couple of years ago … and I have to say, it’s definitely the best haircut I’ve ever had. So yes, this is a plug for them and the folks that work there. But second, my wife and I were chatting with the owner Carlos and his assistant stylist, Courtney, telling them about this blog. They were intrigued and were kind enough to tell me the concept was great.

Given that they’re right in the historic U Street Corridor, about 47 feet from the legendary Bohemian Caverns, I’m sure their building has seen its fair share of history. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Red Rocks in my first “If Walls Could Talk,” so why not try another local business which we frequent and see what I can uncover.

1017 & 1019 U St. NW
1017 & 1019 U St. NW

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A Night Out in Washington D.C. – From Dinner with President Taft to a Local Engagement Party in 1912

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An interesting society section article in the Washington Post from January 5th, 1912 (I know I’m a day late. I started this last night and set it to post today) mentions that President William Howard Taft — the heaviest president we’ve ever had the pleasure of electing — had dinner the night before at his Secretary of State’s home. Secretary Philander C. Knox and his wife hosted the first couple in the annual winter dinner of cabinet officers, honoring the President and Mrs. Taft (clearly not a tradition that survived across administrations). Below is the excerpt from the Post.

The President and Mrs. Taft were guests at dinner last night of the Secretary of State and Mrs. Knox at their home on K street. The dinner was the first in the series given every winter by cabinet officers in honor of the President and Mrs. Taft. The home of the Secretary and Mrs. Knox, which is one of the handsomest official residences in Washington, was decorated last night with orchids.

The other guests were the British Ambassador and Mrs. Bryce, the German Ambassador and Countess von Bernstorff, the Italian Ambassador and Marchioness Cusani, the Russian Ambassador and Mme. Bakhmeteff, Mr. Justice McKenna and Mrs. McKenna, Senator and Mrs. Warren, Senator and Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Garrison McClintock, Mr. Horace Taft, and Mr. and Mrs. Hugh S. Knox.

That is an impressive guest list. I’d love to be a fly on the wall at that dinner. I added photos of some of the guests below.

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