Washington Kaleidoscope

This Date in History

Kent — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:42:30 +0000

January 12, 1915: Congress establishes Rocky Mountain National Park.

This Date in History

Kent — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:01:39 +0000

April 15, 1865: President Abraham Lincoln dies, several hours after being shot at Ford’s Theatre by John Wilkes Booth. Andrew Johnson becomes the nation’s 17th president.

This Date in History

Kent — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 12:01:40 +0000

April 2, 1917: President Woodrow Wilson asks Congress to declare war against Germany, saying, “The world must be made safe for democracy.”

This Date in History

Kent — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:01:05 +0000

March 19, 1917: The Supreme Court, in Wilson v. New, upholds the eight-hour workday for railroad workers.

All Good Things Must Come to an End …

Kent — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:01:28 +0000

Due to a number of reasons, I’ve decided that this was my last day to actively post on Washington Kaleidoscope. I’d like to thank everyone that’s joined me on this journey, and tell you to fear not … there are still plenty of fish in the sea.

I’ll continue to post items of Washington’s past and present on Greater Greater Washington. I encourage you to check that blog out if you haven’t already done so. Its got some great stuff.

If you have been reading Kaleidoscope because you are interested in Park View news, history, and such, you can continue to follow those posts on my new blog Park View, D.C. I’ll also slowly cross post relevant Park View items from Kaleidoscope over to the new blog as time permits.

If you have just been enjoying the random observations, street art, and the like, there are plenty of other blogs out there that post such items, and I’m sure you’ll find one you like (although, I won’t promise that the occasional street art or neon won’t show up on the new blog … I like them too much).

So whether we meet again or part company at this juncture … so long, and thanks for all the fish!

Lost Washington: Carbery House

Kent — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:01:11 +0000

The Carbery House was built in 1818 at the northwest corner of 17th and C Streets, opposite the Ellipse. It was the residence of Thomas Carbery, mayor of Washington and a noted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Carbery became active in the public affairs of Washington in 1819 when he was elected to the city council. He remained active until his death in 1863.

While the house was no stranger to tragedy — his wife and four children died there within a short time in the 1830s — it was more famously known as “Miracle House” due to the widely publicized recovery of Thomas’ gravely ill sister, Mrs. Ann Carbery Mattingly. She had been ill since 1817 and, being widowed, was invited to live in the house upon its completion. She grew increasingly worse prompting the family to consent to a priest writing Prince Hohenlohe of Hamburg, Germany. Hohenlohe was a known healer, and agreed to pray for Ann’s recovery.On the date and time that Hohenlohe stated he’d pray for recovery, Ann rose from her bed being completely healed.

The house itself was built in the Federal style, though the entrance was atypically located on the side rather than the front. The cast-iron porch was an 1840 addition. Carbery House was eventually razed in 1903.

Stikman in Dupont

Kent — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:01:20 +0000

If memory serves me, this Stikman is on the west side of Dupont Circle in the crosswalk at P Street.

1967 Ford Mustang

Kent — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:01:00 +0000

In 1967, Ford’s Mustang saw its first major redesign. For the first time since its launch, the car faced some serious competition. This resulted in Ford evaluating the Mustang’s strengths and weaknesses.

In addition to the Pontiac’s Firebird, Mercury’s Cougar, and Plymouth’s Barracuda, Chevrolet had plans to roll out their new Chevy Camaro muscle car. This resulted in Ford duking it out with its competition by creating a more muscular and powerful Ford Mustang.

Neon Traffic Indicators on 17th Street

Kent — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:01:37 +0000

17th Street becomes a one way south street during the morning rush, and these neon signs are to remind drivers at intersections of that fact. This one has malfunctioned, and the arrow stays on. The signs are to flash between the arrow and the words “one way.” This sign is located between the Mayflower Hotel and the National Geographic Building.

You can get an idea of how they function from the photos below.

Progress on Park View Murals

Kent — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:31:09 +0000

I took these shots last Sunday when the main artist, with some help, was working overtime to get the new murals at the Park View Rec Center further along. I’ll post some updates next week. I’m sure there will be a noticeable difference.