The Washington times., 1911-10-07
Oklahoman Heads Company
Obtaining Tract on Vir-
ginia Hills.
SITE TO BE KNOWN
AS POTOMAC VIEW
Formerly Was Owned by Alexan-
ders, Who Obtained Grant
From King.

Western ideas have come to Washing
ton by a Western man. to develop one
of the oldest tracts Of land in the VI
cinity of the Capital. The Cooperative
Investment Company, B. V. Cummins'
president, has purchased almost the
last portion of the old Alexander tract
of land, granted to the Alexander family
by King George ~ of England, has sub
divided it and nov is planning its de-
velopment as a Washington suburban
section.
The Alexander tract has remained in
the hands of the descendants Of that
family through the generations. until
the present time. Four acres alone re-
main, surrounding the old cabin built
high above the Potomac when the Alex
anders first went to Virginia with the
Kings grant The family gave to
Alexandria its name. This cabin and the
few surrounding acres are to be re-
tained by one of the heirs, Mrs. Nellie
S. Uhler of Alexandria. She has re-
fused to consider any offer for the
ancestral home.
Named Potomac View.
The president of the company has
subdivided the tract Of 49, acres. lying
on the Virginia hills just north oil
Braddock Heights, into LBS building
lots, and has named the site Potomac
View Mr.. Cummins is an Oklahoma
man. and formerly was townsite sales
man for the Chicago, Rock Island and
Pacific Railroad Company.
The property recently was pur-
chased by James S. Groves. in con-
necson with the subdivision of Mt.
Ida, which ne now is building up.
There was no transfer between the
royal grant and that from the Alex
ander family to Mr.. Groves, who sold
the part comprising Potomac View
to the Cooperative Investment Com
pany. In the center of the tract Mr..
Groves retained eight acres, upon
which stands the old Braddock Manor,
built by the Alexanders entirely of
material brought from England soon
after they settled in the colony. The
little cabin only was their temporary
home, built to serve until the per-
manent mansion, which now is Mr..
Groves residence, could be construct
ed. All the bricks, massive doors,
huge locks and keys and other ma
terial were brought over from the old
country. The house now is one of
the best Georgian houses in this vi
cinity. 1t was renewed by Mr..
Groves, but none of the original fea-
lures were sacrificed or marred. 1t
stands amid towering oaks on the
brow of the hill back of Mt. Ida, and
commands a sweeping view of the
Potomac. Its proportions are ample
and the rooms, though large, number
six on each floor. The house shelter
ed General Braddock during his
Rrmy's investment of the American
Capital.
Fifteen Houses Built.
While these two old landmarks are |
to be preserved, the remainder Of the |
property is to be built up as a sub |
urb. Already Mt. Ida, which adjoins |
the property and lies between it and |
the Washington Virginia railway |
tracks, is taking on the appearance of |
q suburb. Fifteen houses have been |
built, and all are attractive types of
frame construction. Five more houses
are to be built at once in Potomac
View.
The Western methods of develop
ing the property are unique in Wash
ington. The lots are sold outright or
Oh cooperative plan whereby the |
investor is assured of a share in the
profits of the development. Another
new feature is the guarantee of the
company to make building loan of
20 per cent more than the cost of the
lot or lots to the purchaser. The |
company also offers to furnish archi-
tects' plans and working drawings
without cost, and has equipped itself
to furnish all building material. The
loans, too. are arranged without any
commission charge.