Saturday, May 10, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Tudor Place - Historic Home & Garden
This Georgetown home was designed by Dr. William Thornton in 1815 in American neoclassical architecture style. It was originally the home of George Washington's granddaughter, Martha Curtis Peter and remained in the Peter family for 180 years. Over that time many of the objects they collected remain on the property including a 1919 Pierce-Arrow Roadster pictured below.
Dumbarton Bridge (Buffalo Bridge)
Built in 1915 to cross Rock Creek Park and connect Dupont Circle and Georgetown neighborhoods. The bridge is recognized by many for the four buffalo sculptures at each corner where were created by Alexander Phimister Proctor.
Learn more? Read the article, Scenes from the Past... (PDF)
Home of Mandell J. Ourisman
Beautiful D.C. home of Mandell J. Ourisman, Chairman of Ourisman Automotive Enterprises headquartered in Marlow Heights, Maryland and his wife Ambassador to Barbados, Mary Ourisman. In 2007 Ourisman Automotive reported revenue of $914.7 million. 
Dumbarton House in Georgetown
"The site of the Dumbarton House can be traced to as early as 1703. That year, Ninial Beall, a Scottish immigrant, was awarded a land patent of 795 acres by the Maryland Assembly. The named the land "Rock of Dumbarton," in homepage to his native Scotland.
In 1751, George Gordon and George Beall, Ninian's son, petitioned the Maryland Assembly to erect a town on sixty acres of the original "Rock of Dumbarton" tract. In honor of King George II, they named the site "Georgetown."" Read more by enlarging the following image.
In 1751, George Gordon and George Beall, Ninian's son, petitioned the Maryland Assembly to erect a town on sixty acres of the original "Rock of Dumbarton" tract. In honor of King George II, they named the site "Georgetown."" Read more by enlarging the following image.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Statue of Dante
Dante Alighieri (May 14, 1265 - September 14, 1321) was an Italian poet from Florence whose central work was Divina Commedia which is considered the greatest work in the Italian language. It is the Commedia Dante's statue holds in his hands. The sculptor was Ximenes Ettore and it was dedicated to the 600th anniversay of Dante's death.
Though the park service needs to have base of the statue cleaned, the bronze statue has a very powerful presence and is well worth a visit. It is located in Meridian Hill Park and I would not suggest visiting the statue at dusk as this part of the park may be unsafe at night.
Inscription: Dante Alighieri - Presented to the city of Washington in behalf of the Italians in the United States by Comm Carlo Barsotti (An Italian-American newspaper publisher).
Though the park service needs to have base of the statue cleaned, the bronze statue has a very powerful presence and is well worth a visit. It is located in Meridian Hill Park and I would not suggest visiting the statue at dusk as this part of the park may be unsafe at night.
Inscription: Dante Alighieri - Presented to the city of Washington in behalf of the Italians in the United States by Comm Carlo Barsotti (An Italian-American newspaper publisher). Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Meridian Hill Park (Malcolm X Park)
Meridian Hill Park was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994, as "an outstanding accomplishment of early 20th-century Neoclassicist park design in the United States." It is a 12 acre site situated on an almost perfect north-south axis. It is located in northwest D.C. and bordered by 16th, 15th, Euclid and W Streets.
The Interior Department in 1914 hired landscape architect George Burnap to design a grand urban park like those found in European capitals. Plans were later modified by Horace Peaslee to include gardens in a French Baroque style in the upper half and an Italian Renaissance style terraced fountain in the lower. The fountains and walls were built in a concrete aggregate mixed with small pebbles.
In 1969 DC residents voted overwhelmingly for the park to be named Malcolm X Park. However, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected the vote. Although the bill failed, some locals refer to it by the proposed name.
Since the death of Malcolm X each Sunday a large drum circle, with a strong African vibe, takes place in the field above the fountain. It can often be heard a couple blocks away. Along with those enjoying the music there is always a couple soccer games going on and local families picnicing. I don't consider the park safe at night as there are too many places that are hidden from view.
The Interior Department in 1914 hired landscape architect George Burnap to design a grand urban park like those found in European capitals. Plans were later modified by Horace Peaslee to include gardens in a French Baroque style in the upper half and an Italian Renaissance style terraced fountain in the lower. The fountains and walls were built in a concrete aggregate mixed with small pebbles.
In 1969 DC residents voted overwhelmingly for the park to be named Malcolm X Park. However, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected the vote. Although the bill failed, some locals refer to it by the proposed name.
Since the death of Malcolm X each Sunday a large drum circle, with a strong African vibe, takes place in the field above the fountain. It can often be heard a couple blocks away. Along with those enjoying the music there is always a couple soccer games going on and local families picnicing. I don't consider the park safe at night as there are too many places that are hidden from view.
Statue of Joan of Arc by Paul Dubois
Joan of Arc (1412 – 5/30/1431) known as "the Maid of Orleans", was a 15th century virgin saint and French heroine. She led the French army to several notable victories and led king Charles VII to his coronation. Captured by the English and tried by an ecclesiastical court led by Bishop Pierre Cauchon, an English partisan; she was convicted of heresy and burned at the stake by the English at 19 years old. Twenty-four years later the Vatican reviewed the decision of the court and found her innocent, declared her a martyr and so she was beatified in 1909 and canonized as a saint in 1920.
Considered a masterpiece, in the early 20th century, the bronze statue was sculpted by Paul Dubois's in 1922. It is located above the fountain in Meridian Hill Park.
The statue definitely elicits strength from a higher power. Joan of Arc is quite attractive and sits high in the saddle. The horse looks aware, able and prepared to break into a enduring gallop.
Considered a masterpiece, in the early 20th century, the bronze statue was sculpted by Paul Dubois's in 1922. It is located above the fountain in Meridian Hill Park.
The statue definitely elicits strength from a higher power. Joan of Arc is quite attractive and sits high in the saddle. The horse looks aware, able and prepared to break into a enduring gallop.
German Embassy
Ambassador's Residence
Completed September 1994
19,270 square feet
Construction cost approx. $18.9 million
Architect: Prof. O.M. Ungers & Partners
Landscape Architect: Dr. Bernhard Korte, Dusseldorf
Engineers: Lockwood Greene, Atlanta
Completed September 1994
19,270 square feet
Construction cost approx. $18.9 million
Architect: Prof. O.M. Ungers & Partners
Landscape Architect: Dr. Bernhard Korte, Dusseldorf
Engineers: Lockwood Greene, Atlanta
On the south side of the residence is a landscaped park which includes a rose garden, winding footpaths, a pond, and pavilion.
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