Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-26
Shrine Maintained Where Fire Company Once Had Home

by John Edward Libbey. Georgetown
merchant.
The incumbent, Theodore W. Noyes,
editor of The Evening Star. in turn
succeeded Mr.. Libbey. He is a native
Washingtorian, loves the city of his
birth, and like his father before him,
who at the time of his death was a
vice president and an enthusiastic
member, is deeply interested in the
welfare Of the organization.
Indeed, 1t was only due to the death
Of Crosby S. Noyes, on February 81,
1908, that he was not also elevated to
the Office of president as the associa-
ton had planned and because of the
receipt of the news of his death on
Washington's birthday anniversary, as
a mark of respect, the election to NIL
this position was deferred.
Celebration Of Independence day and
Washingtons birthday has been an
unbroken custom with the association
right from the beginning. In the
columns of The Star of February ~,
1866, only two months from its orgaT1i-
cation. appeared this report:
THE Association of the Oldest Inhab-
itants assembled in the courtroom, at
the City Hall, at 10 O'Clock. Col. B.
Ogle Tayloe presided, assisted by the
vice presidents, Col. Peter Force and
W. A. Bradley, esq, and John F. CAL
Ian. secretary.
THE orator of the day, Col Peter
c. Washington, brought to the meet
ing the gold-headed cane held by the
immortal Washington when he was in
augurated as the first President of the
United States. and after making few
remarks in reference to the day pro-
ceeded to read Washington's Farewell
Address"
On July 5, 1866, We find in The Star
this item:
According to announcement. the
Association of Oldest Inhabitants of
the District assembled at the City Hall
at 10 am. to celebrate the day. Peter
q. Washington. ESQ, in the chair. The
Declaration of Independence was read
by John Carroll Brent, Esq, after
which an address was delivered by
Joseph H. Bradley, Esq
In addition to this, the members of
the Oldest Inhabitants. on January /,
annually make their pilgrimage to the
White House to pay their respects to
the Chief Executive. and this visit has
IilCIuueu all ttlS FIcSIucHIo IiOIIl 0OLil-
son to Coolidge.
It's patriotism has not stopped here
but years ago it originated and carried
forward the movement that ultimately
put the flag on the public schools
throughout the city. It also success
fully agitated the movement for tolling
the bell on all steam craft when pass
ing Mount Vernon. which, unfortunate
~, now seems to be falling into disuse
Until 1886 this body was without per-
manent quarters, and during this year
the late w. w. Corcoran decided to the
association. forever rent free" room
in the Corcoran Building. which for
merly occupied the site of the Hotel
Washington. In 1911 it gave up these
quarters for the Union Engine House.
where, as stated, the meetings are still
held
The present officers of the association
are: President. Theodore w. Noyes:
vice presidents Judge Charles S. Bundy.
Henry L. Bryan, Washington Tophan,
Albion K. Paris. DR. William Tirldall,
S. Willard Saxton, John Clagett Proc
tor. Benjamin w. Sunny. Christian
| Heurich. Charles A. Langley, Charles
H. venable, Percy B. Israel and George
| Spransy; recording secretary, j. Eliot
| Wright; assistant recording secretary.
| w. z. Wise: corresponding secretary.
| James r. Duhamel; treasurer. Benja-
| min w. Sunny. NJ. D.: financial sec
rotary, John r. Mahoney marshal.
| Frank w. Bowling. chronicler, John
| Clagett Proctor.