The Georgetown Metropolitan

This week for Georgetown Time Machine, GM visits the intersection of Canal Rd., M St., the Whitehurst and the Key Bridge.

Based upon the cars in the photo, it would appear that this photo is in the 1940s. But the Whitehurst didn’t open until late 1949. So maybe this is from the very end of the 1940s, or into the very early 1950s. (Any car experts out there who can date the cars exactly?)

Much of this scene hasn’t changed that much in 60 plus years. The Car Barn is still there (although doesn’t have streetcars coming and going from it). The gas station was there (although it was a Sinclair Oil station). Continue reading →

Photo by Ehpien.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• A first look at some of the proposals for big changes to the canal.
• What sort of businesses or restaurants do you want to see in Georgetown? The BID wants to know!

Georgetown University

This week for Know Your Trees, GM is visiting a gentle giant that you don’t find along sidewalks, but which can be found in Montrose Park: poplars.

Specifically it’s not true poplars you find around here, but rather tulip poplars. The tulip name comes from the tree’s distinctive flower. They are yellow and orange and look like this:

But poplars are often so large that it’s hard to see the flowers actually on the tree in the spring when they bloom. But you find them all over the ground around the feet of the trees. Continue reading →

Photo by Mike Maguire.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Exorcist-themed wedding shoot at the steps.
• The Georgetown cocktail on this list seems a bit much for GM’s taste, but you might like it.

Today is Halloween, and the perfect time for a ghost story. But say you don’t want to import your ghost stories from some distant land. Have no fear! Georgetown is full of ghost stories. And GM’s friend, Tim Krepp, has compiled them in his book the Ghosts of Georgetown. Pick up a copy! Continue reading →

Photo by Mike Maguire.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Be careful out there tonight! Lots of kiddies around! So if you are driving, go extra slow tonight.
• They’re still investigating that alleged rape at Bill Dean’s party from last year, why are they taking so long?

1600 block of Wisconsin Ave.

GM noticed this last month, but forgot about it until he walked by it again last weekend: But an unfortunate things has occurred to an historic M St. building. It’s been painted yellow.

It’s the building in the center of the photo. It is occupied by L’Occitane. Until last month the facade was completely unpainted brick, as it has been presumably since it was built in the 19th century. But now, perhaps to match the French soap maker’s brand, it has been painted a bright goldenrod color. Continue reading →