Posts by John Muller — Contributor
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With spring, history (and transportation) events bloom
Spring in Washington brings budding cherry blossoms, Word Series optimism for the Nationals, and a collection of history-themed events: a DC Wikipedia Edit-a-thon, a new book on Civil War Washington, call for papers for the DC Historical Studies Conference, and more. The moveDC project is also in the midst of four public workshops to collect public input for a long-term transportation… Keep reading…
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H.A. Griswold and Anacostia’s streetcar story
When the streetcar eventually returns to the Anacostia neighborhood, it will be more than 150 years since the industrious spirit of Henry A. Griswold and his investors developed the first horse-drawn line connecting communities on the east and west sides of the Eastern Branch of the Potomac River, now known as the Anacostia. The first streetcar since 1962 will soon start running… Keep reading…
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Fire deaths in abandominium raise call for action
Two people died in a fire last week in a vacant low-rise apartment building in Fairlawn. Meanwhile, Mayor Gray pledged $100 million towards new affordable housing. The two together present a clarion call for solutions to the housing problems east of the Anacostia River. “Marion Barry told Gray the only way he’s going to get re-elected, if the Feds don’t get him first,… Keep reading…
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Barry Farm street names reflect post-Civil War history
For denizens of the Barry Farm community in Southeast Washington, the 19th century still holds strong at the corner— Charlie’s Corner store. The neighborhood’s street names memorialize Union generals and Radical Republicans who advanced the rights of black Americans during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Keep reading…
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Will economic renewal reach Anacostia in 2013?
Farm vehicles no longer have their own parking privileges in Historic Anacostia. A weathered sign offering them special treatment is now gone; a new perimeter fence and fresh asphalt recently appeared on a site where, in 2008, a developer envisioned a $500-700 million mixed-use project. Vacant storefronts, social service providers, treatment centers, art galleries, city… Keep reading…
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Have you ever used Metro’s power outlets?
If you find yourself on the Metro and the battery to your smart phone, iPad, Kindle, or even electric wheelchair is running low, don’t worry. For those that know where to look, throughout the Metro system, both on trains and in stations, are multiple outlets in which you can recharge. I was reminded of this in recent weeks as I ran into an old acquaintance who listed with precision… Keep reading…
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Condos rise on corner once mostly known for its crime
At the intersection of 17th and Euclid Streets in Adams Morgan, adolescents making hand-to-hand drug sales and running up to cars with out-of-state license plates are long gone, as is a corner market. In its place will be 19 new condominiums, scheduled for delivery this spring. Keep reading…
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Cemeteries east of the river have rich histories
“There’s a good probability if you dig anywhere in DC that’s been undisturbed you will uncover evidence of human remains,” says Paul Sluby, genealogist and historian of DC’s cemeteries past and present. The first known cemeteries on land that would become the District of Columbia were family plots on farms throughout the Maryland countryside. Keep reading…
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See DC from east of the river
Without question the most stunning and majestic perspectives of the city lie east of the Anacostia River. As we approach a new round of debates over the height limit, it’s important to understand the contemporary and historic value of these astonishing sight lines. Keep reading…
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Vacant Congress Heights building holds relics of the past
“Look at that thing! That’s an antique!” says William Alston-El as two workers in yellow vests and hard hats emerge from the long-vacant Wilson Courts in Congress Heights. The men carry an aged band saw. “Man, I’ve been working with tools my entire life and I’ve never seen anything like that,” Alston-El observes with reverence as we angle… Keep reading…