Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-26

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webster's death the building became
known as the Webster law building:
Among the earlier houses erected in the
District was the row the north side
of Pennsylvania avenue, between l"tA
and Goth streets, known as the Seven
Buildings The house on the corner or
18th street ard the avenue was occu-
pied by Eldridge Gerry while he was
Vice President under Monroe. After the
burning of the White House. and sub
sequent to their leaving the octagon
House, the property sheltered President
and Mrs Monroe, and there they re-
manned until the Executive Mansion had
been rebuilt
In 1874, Vice President Martin Van
Buren, lived in the house, which, today.
appears much as ii did at the time when
the west end was a swamp: when horses
and pedestrians were stalled in the mire
of Pennsylvania avenue; when frogs held
nightly carnivals and owls kept faithful
vigil.
Out in Georgetown there are many old
homes, whose gray walls have withstood
the ravages of the ages. and have wealth
cred the gales that have swept the coun-
try In its shifting panorama OF events.
On the site of Georgetown College onc3
rolled the broad acres owned BY Protest
ant Thuldkil. who gave his grounds II
the Catholic Church. The Thuldkill fami-
ly was one of culture and refinement, and
the several institutions of learning that
owe their origin to the older generations
stand today as enduring monuments.
OF Protestant Thuldkill there is told an
amusing story. 1t is related that at the
time he resided on Georgetown Heights
he was a noted breeder Of live stock
When merino sheep first attracted atten-
ton in this country he had obtained
small flock and had been negotiating for
some time for ram. At length 1t reached
Washington. He mounted his horse and
rode anXiously to see and possess Il.
1t was a splendid animal with a price
correspondingly high. He bought it, en-
gagged cart and negro driver and hastily
addressed IA note to Mrs. Thuldkill. say
ing that several gentlemen would dine
with them and to have especially a leg
of mutton. cooked in superior style add
ing also. The colored boy who delivers
this takes over splendid ram. please see
to It"
The ram was tied up and the prelim-
inaries of the feast arranged. In refer
ence to the mutton Mrs. Thuldkin con-
suited her steward and they concluded
from the tenor of the note that the ami
NAL sent by the cart was to supply the
leg of mutton for the festive board. So.
accordingly. this costly ana fine ram was
slaughtered and his plump quarters
dressed. garniShed and served.
After some preliminary libations at the
SidebOard the guests were seated and
generous slice Of mutton was placed on
each plate. They unanimously decided
that it was very superior and the host
heartily indorsed the sentiment and turned
10 MS uellSHteu spouse ana inquired from
which flock it had been taken. She. OF
course. responded: 1T was the large ram
you sent for the occasion this morning
This was too much. The old gentle
mans queue stood end. His face was
fairly purple. He rose from his chair,
nearly upsettinS the table. He brought
his fist down with a thump, and, with
an emphasis that more forcible than
gentlemanly sent his guests away con-
vulsed with laughter. despite the tact
that they had not been permitted to fin
iSh the meal.