Evening star., 1903-12-30
TAKoMA PARK NEWS.
Loss Incurred by Destruction Of Clagett
Mansion-Other Items.

The destruction by fire yesterday about
noon of one Of the old family residences in
| the District of Columbia, known as the
Clagett Mansion, located on Brightwood
avenue, a short distance from the District
| line, removed a landmark from that section.
1t was formerly occupied and owned by the
| late John B. Clagett, brother of William H.
Clagett, a prominent business man, and
Dorsey Clagett, at one time register of wills
for the District of Columbia. Mr.. John B.
Ciagett was son of Derius Clagett, one
of the most prominent merchants prior to
the civil war The former established his
home upon a large tract of land and con-
structed the house just destroyed, where he
resided up to the time of his death
An alarm was sent in yesterday, to which
chemical company No. g at Brightwood,
responded This was followed by tele-
phone call, which brought out engine COM
pany No. II. at Mt Pleasant both compa-
nies rendering excellent service. Owing to
the fact that the fire was about half mile
beyond the last fire plug on Brightwood
avenue, an additional supply of hose was
sent for.
The fire had gained considerable headway
by the time the frenen arrived and their
efforts to save the property We're of no avail.
In addition to destroying the two-story
dwelling, an outbuilding a short distance
from the house, used for dwelling purposes,
was also reduced to ashes. Two frame
dwellings to the north of the destroyed
buildings were saved from destruction. The
origin of the fre Is still a mystery. The
buildings were insured to the amount of.
$4,000. The furniture was insured for S., 500.
DIR. o. J. Waters, present occupant of the
property, was in an adjoining building at
the time, but could not state the cause of
the fire. DR.. Waters was visited by disas-
trous fire a few weeks ago. on the opposite
side of the road from the fire of yesterday,
which destroyed a frame dwelling and its
contents, which he owned. DR.. Waters
wife died October 13. He stated yesterday
that papers valued at 81, 600 were destroyed
with the furniture in the Clagett mansion.
The property which was destroyed was
located in the immediate vicinity of other
suburban homes. notably that of the late
ex-Governor Alexander r. Shepherd. Mr..
Blair Lee. Mr.. Louis P. Shoemaker. DR.. J.
Ford Thompson, Mrs. James Blair, Messrs
Gist and Montgomery Blair and others,
while short distance away is the home
of Mr. Crosby 8. Moves. The Clagett prop
erty is at the present time owned by Mr..
James Elverson, proprietor of the Philadel-
phia Inquirer.
The Christmas entertainment of the Trini-
ty Episcopal Church was held last evening
at Takoma Park, with a large attendance
present at the exercises. A feature of the
evening was the Christmas tree, which had
been erected at the foot of the platform in
the church. laden with presents and candy
During the evenings entertainment Rev.
David Barr. pastor of the church, made a
short address to the Sunday school after
which box of candy was presented to each
scholar. Several of the teachers presented
books to scholars, who had been in attend
ance throughout the year. The pastor was
presented with a handsome purse of money
by the members of the congregation, which
was appropriately acknowledged by the
recipient. The interior of the church was
artistically decorated with holly, wreaths
and flowers for. the occasion.
The Misses Mary and Harriet Sheldon
Bear Of Harrisonburg, Va. are spending the
holidays with Mrs. F. D. Hopkins of Carroll
avenue.
Mr.. and Mrs. John A. White of Waynes-
boro, Va, are visiting Mrs. Whites sister,
Mrs. ]. w. Wildman of Hickory avenue