Category Archives: Uncategorized

1600 block of Wisconsin Ave.

Hey, the time is almost upon us. Starting July 10th, Dumbarton Oaks will shut down their gardens to the public until next spring. So hurry over there for one last lazy walk through the grounds.

Also, remember you can now visit the museum, which recently opened after its own extensive renovations. Inside you’ll find precious art from ancient Rome, the Byzantine era Mediterranean, and of course the legendary pre-Columbian South American collection. They also have temporary exhibitions, here’s whats on display now:

WOMEN IN ART, 1850–1910

Special Exhibition Hallway, April 25, 2017, to March 2018

The exhibit examines the fashionably dressed, urban woman of the late nineteenth century in thirteen works collected by institution’s founders, Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss. The Blisses admired the art of the French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists and were especially fond of the paintings of the Belgian artist, Alfred Stevens. Five of his paintings in this exhibition are on public display for the first time.

ANCIENT BRONZES IN THE DUMBARTON OAKS COLLECTIONS

Courtyard Gallery, April 25, 2017, to March 2018

The manufacture of copper and its alloys, such as bronze, was well known in Mesopotamia and Egypt in the fifth and fourth millennia BC. The temporary display and juxtaposing of bronze sculptures that span more than fifteen hundred years aims to draw attention to the highly specialized techniques applied by the makers of metal sculpture. It invites to ask questions of craftsmanship, use, and the meaning of these works in bronze.

EARLY BLISS ACQUISITIONS: COLLECTING IN PARIS AND LONDON, 1912–1919

Bliss Gallery, April 25, 2017, to March 2018

When the Blisses resided in Paris, they developed their collecting interests and passion and became especially intrigued by “unusual” objects that were newly available at the avant garde art dealers’ shops.

EARLY BLISS ACQUISITIONS: COLLECTING TEXTILES

Textile Gallery, April 25, 2017, to March 2018

The textile rotation features late Roman and early Byzantine hangings and curtains in tapestry weave used in private as well as religious spaces, alongside looped and woven garments from the Andes, where elite individuals displayed their wealth and status by wearing clothing in dazzling colors and patterns.

IMAGINING THE EMPRESS: THEODORA IN POPULAR CULTURE, 1882–1922

Orientation Gallery, April 25 to August 31, 2017

This display from the Ephemera Collection shows how a single historical figure—the sixth-century Byzantine empress Theodora—captured the public imagination at the end of the nineteenth century through film, theater, opera, and even buttons.

CITY WATER/CITY LIFE

Rare Book Gallery, April 25 to August 31, 2017

This exhibit displays materials from the Rare Book Collection to explore the past and present of three major European cities (Amsterdam, Florence, and Paris).

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Photo by Khairil Zhafri.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• A history of the Georgetown Waterfront.
• A run-down on what changes are being sought for the canal.

1300 block of 35th St.

Photo by Mike Maguire.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• If the Georgetown streetcar extension ever gets built, it won’t be before 2025.
• The Source Theater is running a play right now about a couple of couples living in Georgetown in the 1950s. Plus, the playwright has a fantastic first name.

1200 block of Wisconsin Ave.

GM was at the Apple Store last week bringing his laptop in for repair. As the discussion about the fact that they don’t have the right part and GM would have to come back was wrapping up, GM gazed back at the light-filled rear of the store and casually mentioned that there were supposed to be trees back there.

There were, check it out:

It would have looked great. But they didn’t go through with it when they built the store for some reason. Oh well.

Anyway, back to the disappointing Genius Bar appointment. The titular Genius responded to GM that, yeah, he had heard that too. But then he blamed Georgetown residents for squashing the plans. He described them as “big fish, small pond”. Continue reading →

Photo by Ehpien.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• The Lego Movie will be shown outdoors at Rose Park this Saturday night.
• Honestly, that’s all GM’s got in terms of news today….

3700 block of Water St.

The imminent closing of Appalachian Spring got GM wondering what are all the other long-long term businesses in Georgetown (let’s say, over 30 years). Here’s what he came up with (in no particular order), add more in the comments if GM missed one:

• Martin’s Tavern: It’s the oldest tavern in DC, having started pretty much the moment prohibition ended. Opened 1933.
• The Phoenix:A third generational family affair, the Phoenix was opened in 1955.
• Clyde’s: Inspired by a New Yorker cover that still hangs on its walls, Clyde’s was opened in 1963.
• Safeway: Originally opened as a Sanitary Grocery, the grocery store in Georgetown has been also under the name Piggly Wiggly.
• Bridge Street Books: Opened before Barnes and Noble and outlasted the behemoth. It’s been selling books in Georgetown since 1980.
• Blues Alley: The legendary jazz club has been around since 1965
• 1789/The Tombs: These two establishments have been feeding GU students (and their parents, in the case of 1789) since 1962.
• Mr. Smith’s: This is a close call, since Mr. Smith’s closed its original location on M St. a few years ago and simply took up residence at Chadwicks. But either way, it’s been open since 1962.
• The Lantern Bookshop: The used book store has been open since 1977, although GM is not sure if it’s always been in Georgetown.
• Georgetown Tobacco: This store has been selling cigars in Georgetown since 1964.
• Wedding Creations and Anthony’s Tuxedos: Owned and operated by ANC Commissioner Ed Solomon, this formalwear shop has been opened over 32 years.
• 7-11: The 7-11 on P St. by Rose Park has been opened at this location since 1964.
• The Christ Child Society Opportunity Shop: This secondhand store has been selling Georgetowners’ old jewelry for 60 years.
• Georgetown Floor Coverings: This is another family-owned business. It’s been in Georgetown since 1954.
• Potomac Wine and Spirits: It’s been in a couple different locations, but this liquor store has been open since 1969.
• Sara’s Market: This market has operated continuously since 1919 (although it operated originally as “Jenkins Market”)
• Scheele’s Market: Speaking of markets, this is by far the longest continually operated shop in Georgetown. It’s been open since 1894.
• Georgetown Wine and Spirits: This neighborhood-serving liquor store has been open since the 1930s.
• Morgan’s Pharmacy: Another neighborhood-serving relic, this store opened in 1913.
• Haagen Dazs: GM is not sure how long this ice cream shop has been open in Georgetown, but he does know Henry Rollins and Ian McKaye worked here in the early 80s, so it’s at least that old.
• Thomas Sweet: Another ice cream shop that’s been around since the early 1980s.
• J. Paul’s: This saloon has been slinging suds since 1983.
• Dixie Liquors: This liquor store has gone through a bunch of owners over the years, but it’s been open (on and off) since 1934.

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