Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

the part OF property owners. They recoe-
nized the necessity OF improving the streets
OF Washington. but they showed q woeful
lack OF far-sightedness by their unwilling
ness to foot the necessary bills for the
equally necessary experiments. But Gov
ernor Shepherd went right on with his ex-
per1ments undismayed and undeterred by
popular disapproval His failures and his
limited successes are now q part Of the
city's history
Real success did not come until the lata
Major Henry L. Crawford laid the first OF
the so-called waterproof pavements in the
city Of Brooklyn, Major Crawford was q
pioneer OF monolithic pavements. His first
pronounced success was In the year 1857. in
the city of Brooklyn. as stated above. This
work was done under the name Of the
"Scrimshaw Pavement Company" and the
Scrtmshaw Pavement" 1t was practically
bituminous macadam, being a mixture OF
coal tar, broken stone and sand.
In 1871 Major Crawford came to Wash
ington and engaged In the general con-
tracing and street-pavtng business, and
was among the first to engage In asphalt
street paving in the District OF Columbia
Asphalt for the purpose OF street paving
was introduced about this time In place
Of coal tar. ETC.. and Major Crawford laid
the first streets paved with asphalt in this
city. Notably among these is Vermont ave.
nue. between H and I streets northwest, in
front Of the Arlington Hotel. This pave
ment was laid in the year 1875 and up to
very short while ago 1t has never needed
repairing, and today stands as one Of tho
finest II not the finest. piece Of asphalt
Major Crawford also introduced ''grano-
nthic'' and artificial stone pavements In
this city. In the year 1880 the first ''grano-
lithic" pavement was laid by him. under
the Stuart patent" In front OF the Ma.
tional Hotel. and today this pavement 10
still In use.
Major Crawford was closely identified with
the improving and identifying Of this city
md nd ma 1or0
contracts were carried out by him.
In 1899 the business having grown to sudD
an extent the Crawford Paving Compa~
was formed and Incorporated under the
Crawford. president and treasurer. COR
Quoting the management of the new con-
Germ. Major Crawford continued as presi-
dent and treasurer of the company until
his death, August o. 1898 and was sue
ceedeti by his son. Joseph Fl. Crawford.
During its existence the company has laid
over 500 900 (half a mfllion) square yards
of asphalt street pavements and thousands
of square yards of asphalt footwalks and
roadways in the United States government
reservations. etc. 1t has also laid thou
sands of yards of cement sidewalks in the
District for the District of Columbia The
company for many years confined its work
to asphalt and artificial stone paving, but
during late years. besides all classes OK
paving. has made a speciality Of concrete
construction. Samples OF special work
done in this line are:
Basin of experimental model tank at the
Washington navy yard. constructed entirely
of concrete 1t is about 800 feet long and
60 feet in width.
Century building No. 412 9Th street north
west constructed entirely Of concrete, In
Guiding partitions reinforced with twisted
steel bars under the Ransome system OF
concrete construction. This building repre-
sents the most modern Of nreproof con-
structfon.
Massive concrete foundations and walls
for Ohio Hall Of Government, American
University grounds. near Tennailytown.
The company has also constructed many
heavy foundations. among which are those
Electric Lighting Company. 14th and z
streets northwest where SIX feet OF con-
crete the area Of the building was placed
on top Of pile foundation. and also founda-
tion for addition to this building erected at
1917 and B streets; also foundations for
Union Trust and Storage Company ware
house LIST and K streets northeast ana Tor
the Carnegie Library. etc.
Tt has done work for all branches OF the
District and United States governments
among which should be mentioned the
water-proofrg of foundations and basement
walls vaults and court Of the new build"
ing for the United States government print
ing office
The present officers Of the company are
T n Crawford. president and treasureri
Percy Crawford vice president ana generaa
manager and II s. Houehton. secretary.
The connnanv which for many years was
located at No 1a1S F street northwest. has
racentlv moved IFS offce to the ninth moor
of the Home Life building. at 18th and .
stree.e northwest