The Georgetown Metropolitan

It’s that time of year again, when people start to wonder what the hell are those giant grain brain-shaped fruit around Georgetown. As in past years, GM is ready with the answer, as reprinted below:

This time a year, if you wonder around Montrose or Volta Parks you’re bound to find on the ground weird softball-sized green fruit like the one above. People are often so struck by the sight of the fruit, they pick up one or two of them and bring them home. But what are they, you ask?

Despite their green color, they’re oranges. Osage oranges, to be specific. They are grown by Osage trees, which line the Parrot rope walk. These trees are prevalent in the Great Plains states, where they are often planted along hedgerows. Traditionally, the pliable but strong nature of this tree’s wood made it valuable for fence posts and archery bows. Continue reading →

Photo by the IMF.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• I’m honored to receive the endorsement of Greater Greater Washington!
• Fun looking orienteering game being played in Montrose and Dumbarton Oaks Parks this weekend.

3300 block of Prospect St.

If you are a registered DC voter, you probably received a mail-in ballot in the mail last week. The Board of Elections decided to send them out without requiring voters to request them, which is a great idea for these Covid times. But when filling out your ballot, please flip it over and complete the back!

This side has four items calling for your vote, including the ANC race. If you live in my SMD, I would certainly encourage you to vote for me! But of course, please vote even if you don’t live in my SMD or want to vote for me! Just vote!

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Even freshmen GU students have move into the neighborhood (they would typically be required to live on campus, but this year they are obviously not.)
• The virtual memorial for John Thompson drew some big names.

1300 block of Wisconsin Ave.

This week for Georgetown Time Machine, GM is traveling back over 100 years ago to examine a building claiming to be one of the more important buildings in Georgetown’s history: Suter’s Tavern.

The photo comes from a Washington Times article from 1905 concerning the auction of two homes at 3101 and 3103 K St. The photo, however, was not taken in 1905. It is a mid-19th century photo, presumably of the same buildings. The article describes the old photo without question as Suter’s Tavern. But there is reason to doubt it.

Why would anyone care to claim a building to be Suter’s Tavern? Because was a legendary establishment in early Georgetown. Known also as the Fountain Inn, it was the first stop for stagecoaches in Georgetown. And most famously it served as the location of George Washington meetings with Pierre L’Enfant and Andrew Ellicott to plan the new capital city across Rock Creek. (Read here for an exhaustive history of the tavern). Continue reading →

Photo by Vincent.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• What if Georgetown were better linked with downtown along its southeastern corner?
• Tudor Place already opening up for weddings this fall.

3100 block of K St.

As part of my campaign for a seat on the ANC, I’d love to meet more people from the neighborhood. But knocking on doors is out in this unusual campaign season. So I’d love it if you could come out and chat (in a socially distanced way, of course!)

I’ll be hanging out outside of the wonderful Dent Place Market in the heart of our SMD this Friday from 4 pm to 5 pm! Please stop by and say hi! If I miss you this week, I’ll be holding other sessions over the next month. So keep an eye out for more notices.

See you Friday!