Washington Post History

If Walls Could Talk: Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe

October 18, 2021January 27, 2012 by ghostsofdc

I’m really excited about doing this one and I’m sure there are a few of you out there that are really going to enjoy learning about our favorite spot, Kramerbooks.

Since 1976, this place has been a favorite place to find a book, grab a bite, some beer, or have some coffee and chat over dessert. Some of you may even remember when it hit the national spotlight in the late 90s when they refused to disclose Monica Lewinksy’s book purchases after being subpoenaed by Ken Starr.

Dupont would not be what it is today without this establishment and it’s clear that our President and his daughters agree. So, let’s get started with the next “If Walls Could Talk,” Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe at 1517 Connecticut Ave. NW.

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe & Grill — Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

By the way, let me prepare you for some serious turnover at this address. You’ll see what I’m talking about.

The Horrific Eckington Streetcar Accident of 1919: Robbery Amidst the Chaos

January 26, 2012 by ghostsofdc

This looks bad. And, it is as bad as it looks. I came across this old photo on Shorpy (of course). It was a major streetcar derailment that injured 35 passengers, resulting in the arrest of both the motorman and the conductor.

Read what the Washington Post had to say about it on August 2nd, 1919 …

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

April 27, 2026January 6, 2012 by ghostsofdc

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.

Uncovering the Untold: Tragic Tale of Minnie Wiseman’s Desperation at 1709 Q Street

July 3, 2023January 5, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Read the tragic tale of Minnie Wiseman, a domestic employed at 1709 Q Street NW in Washington, DC, who tragically died of carbolic acid poisoning. Was it a love affair gone wrong? Read on to find out!