Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-04-13

ing torn down. Next month, when the
Chamber of Commerce of the United States
holds its annual meeting here, the place
where Webster lived will be barren ground
ready for the foundation stone of the nation
al headquarters of the Chamber.
After that, where the stately red brick
mansion stood for-so many years, a Greek
temple Of commerce will Immediately shoot
up, and another of Washington's landmarks
will be remembered only by wooden tab
let stating that Daniel Webster once lived
in a residence on that site.
The old, picturesque side OF Washington
is gradually vanishing. Homes where the
nations heroes lived and where history was
made are being torn down every year to
make room for office buildings, clubs, and
hotels Unfortunately for their security, most
of the famous homes Of early Washington
were built in what has become branch OF
the downtown district. The neighborhood is
not fashionable enough to lure the wealthy
to bid for the historic mansions, and unless
some patriotic society steps in to save them
the buildings go on the real estate market
along with less romantic property.
The home of Francis Scott Key author OF
''The Star Spangled Banner" was allowed to
pass in this way, though even in a city filled
with famous buildings the Key house was
regularly visited by tourists.
Not all of the picturesque old homes have
been demolished, it is true. Some have been
Octagon House where Dolly Madison gave
some of her most brilliant drawing rooms"
after the White House burned in 1914, is
now the home of several artist organizations.
Dolly Madison's home on Lafayette Square
has become the Cosmos Club.
Some historic houses have been converted
into apartment buildings offices and studios.
The ballroom of one residence where early
Washington society gathered to dance the
quadrille and waltz is now studio fire.
quented by chiffon clad Greek dancers.
OLD HOMES FOR SALE
But these homes that have been spared so
far are not necessarily to be preserved as
permanent historic monuments. Many OF
them are for sale. Investors and builders
come to study the broad lots on which they
stand, ignoring the mural decorations of the
bathrooms, the sun parlors and the colonial
doorways. The old houses have served sew
eral generations and their space is needed.
The Webster mansion, once regarded as
! Washington's most complete and elegant
home, is being torn down rapidly. The gar
den wall with it's stone dog over the high
gate is gone. The lockwood tree beneath
which Webster used to sit and read or write
speeches is moved~to the Lincoln Memorial
grounds. For years it has been known as
Webster's tree, and it is still to be associat-
ed with him.
Through the low windows with their panes
of glass now gone the half-wrecked drawing
rooms and halls of the mansion attract the
gaze of the passer-by. Washington is recall
ing little stories about Daniel Webster and
1.-The old Corcoran place" as the house is gen
orally known.
It is remembered that when Webster came
to Washington to be Secretary of State under
President Harrison, his friends and admirers
wished to present him with money to buy
this home on Lafayette Square. Webster
lived in it during his term of office, but histo-
rians say he finally decided to purchase a
home in Massachusetts with the fund raised
| for him.
Webster always remained farmer tree
! planter, and country gentleman. Even Wash
! ington, with it's generous lawns and magnif-
| cent distances, was too much of city for
him. He was not at all intrigued by the dis
| tinction of owning one of the Capitals show
| places-a residence facing the White House
across Lafayette Square, place that was
| considered by some to be even more desir-
| ably located than the Executive Mansion.
! There was some talk at one time of building
new presidential residence on the site of
! this home offered to Webster. Yet Webster
! refused the responsibility of owning perma-