Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-10-02
plan FOR UNIQUE
HISTORY OF D. c.
Members of Association OF
Oldest Inhabitants to
Write Chapters.
SHOWS REAPED HARVEST
IN EARLY WASHINGTON
What Promised to Be Dull Meeting
Proves to Be Highly In
teresting One.

of the National Capital ever written
may be compiled through the joint eff
forts of members of the Association of
Oldest Inhabitants Of the District Of
Columbia. Enthusiastic Endorsement
was given a suggestion made at the
october meeting of the association last
night that each member prepare an
account OF the historical development
Of the particular section of the city
In which he lives.
It is believed that the suggestion will
be carried out on an extensive scale
and that the reading Of interesting
papers depicting the growth of Wash
ington will be a feature Of the future
meetings of the association. It is pos
sible that means may be provided later
for combining the papers that are ex-
pected to be submitted so that the as
ISOLATION will be in possession of
unique and comprehensive history of
Washington
Meeting an Interesting One.
What promised to be rather an unin-
teresting meeting of the organization Of
the capitals oldest residents developed
into anything but dull session when
the item of "reminiscences was reached
in the order of business. The attendance
at the meeting. which was held in the
associations headquarters in the old
Union engine house, 10th and II streets
northwest was the smallest of the year,
and but little business was transacted,
but nearly every member was in
reminiscent mood.
Judge Charles S. Bundy. one of the
vice presidents, who presided, urged the
members to contribute their talents to-
ward making the meetings of the asso-
citation interesting and proceeded to set
an example in this respect by reciting
Tom Moore's Last Rose of Summer"
and making a few observations on the
value of friendship.
At this point Benjamin w. Summey
made the suggestion regarding the writing
of histories Of the development Of the
various sections of Washington. Mr.. Sum-
meys remarks so impressed Benjamin W.
ReiSs, the recording secretary, that that
official proceeded straightforth to tell the
association all about the development OF
the business section of Washington in
the neighborhood of 14th and G streets
northwest.
Discussion Becomes Animated.
Mr.. Keiss had not gone far when the
accuracy Of some Of his statements were
challenged by Uncle Jimmie" Croggon,
the oldest active newspaper man in
Washington. The principal point in dis
pute was whether the old Methodist Epis-
copal Foundry Church, located at 14th
and G streets, was a single or two-story
structure. Mr.. Croggon commended that
the building was two stories high, the
contention resulting in compromise de-
cision that the building had a basement
which served as Sunday school room.
There was a half-hour's discussion of
some of the early circuses that came
to Washington, which showed that the
capital was a good place for attractions
of this character during the war. John
b. Mccarthy. corresponding secretary,
told of some of his press work for
Barnum, who got his start as circus
-magnate here, when he conducted a show
on Louisiana avenue between 9th and
10th streets. Andrew III. Raglan told of
some other circuses that made money
here during the war days, and said
that Sam Rice was the original human
spider" This statement was challenged
by several members, but Mr.. Ragan con-
tended that he saw the act when 1t was
first introduced.
H. l.. Strang read an original poem, en-
titled The Days of ST. in which he
facts. The author referred to several
members Of the association as he knew
them half a century ago.
Dedicated to The Star.
One verse was dedicated to the Star.
as follows:
The Star was but little paper
And Douglas Wallach was the maker;
But in day II has become
The pride Of Greater Washington.
The deaths of two members since the
last meeting, Capt. James E. Heffner, a
retired member of the police force, and
Charles Kennedy. were reported to the
association. One new member, N H.
Shea, was elected. Applications for men,
bership, which will be acted upon at the
next meeting, were received from Hamil-
ton l. Rothrock, 1913 oath street north
west; William H. Degges, the Woodley
apartments, and c. c. Royce the Cairo
apartments Andrew II. Ragen, George
j. Suter and Andrew w. Kelley were ap-
pointed a committee to consider the APP
plications.
Judge Bundy presided throughout the
greater part of the meeting, but surren-
dered the chair to Judge A. b. Hagner.
who arrived late. Judge Hagner recently
was elected vice president Of the asso-
citation. Recording Secretary Reiss,
whose father was one of the early music
masters of Washington contributed
piano recital to the evenings entertain
ment.