Evening star., 1934-07-01
BR|GHTWOOD BODY
REVIEWS 40 YEARS
OF ACHIEVEMENTS.
Utilities Commission Idea
Fathered by Members of
Association.

than 40 years for Brightwood and
vicinity, the Brightwood Citizens As
sociation is proud of its achievements
and the part it has played in beauti-
fcation of Washington and support 1t
has given to worthy projects since it
was organized March II. 1891.
In the groups early days citizens
who did not own horses in order to
reach Washington either had to walk
or ride in a rickety stage coach, with
torn and flying curtains, known as
the Red Bird, which colored man
occasionally drove up and down the
old Seventh Street pike The Bright
wood Railway Co. later was char
tered by Congress and was ex-
tended from the old Metropolitan line,
which ran as far as Rock Creek road.
The line was equipped with horses
end the obsolete bob-tail cars of the
former line. From this time on the
Brentwood section continued to grow
to its present proportions.
Improvements followed as the re-
suit of the activity of the association.
Strengthened; water was piped to this
section; postal facilities improved;
sewers constructed and old gas and
naphtha lamps replaced with mod
ern electric lights.
Name Is Changed.
The first name of the organization
was THE Brightwood Avenue Citi-
zens' Association" Its boundary lines
were from Florida avenue to the Dis
trict-Maryland line and from Soldiers
Home to Rock Creek Park. Many
years later the name was changed TO
the Brightwood Citizens Association.
James l.. Norris was the first presi-
dent and was followed by N. E. Rob-
inson. William v. Cox, a pioneer resi-
dent of the community and later one
of the leading citizens of the Ma
tional Capital, was the third presl-
dent, serving for five years. He was
succeeded by Louis P. Shoemaker,
owner of a beautiful estate, opposite
what Is now the Walter Reed Hos
pital grounds, who was the presiding
officer for nearly IT years until his
death November "a, 1916. Charles W..
has been serving ever since.
Before the association was formed
all that section north of what is now
Rock Creek Church road was farm
land. The community was without
water, sewerage, gaslight and elec-
tricity. Gradually Improvements were
secured and the little, ancient post
Office has been replaced by an up-to-
date branch In 1891 the Brightwood
School was but four-room structure.
This was later increased to eight
rooms and finally an entirely new
building was erected on Nicholson
street. The former building is still
being used temporarily to accommo-
date overcrowded conditions at the
new Paul Junior High School at
Eighth and Nicholson streets. The
Paul Junior High School at present
has 10 rooms and gymnasium
adjoining the spacious auditorium, Sc
cured through efforts of the associa-
ton, which is now engaged in secur-
ing another appropriation from Con-
gress to provide for an additional To-
room wing and gymnasium to the
south.
Memorial Day Services.
Through the associations efforts the
large marble rostrum at Battle
Ground National Cemetery on Georgia
avenue was secured and annual Me-
mortal day services are held there.
under auspices Of the Grand Army OF
the Republic and the association.
Several years ago the association,
through its activity, brought about the
paving of Georgia avenue at cost
of S122,000, the largest single item for
paving ever made in the District. The
association was also instrumental in
obtaining the construction of trunk
line sewer, several miles in length,
after years of struggle and much op-
position of the strongest kind.
Improvement and extension Of the
Brightwood Railway Co. was secured
from time to time and the removal Of
the center trolley poles on Georgia
avenue from Florida avenue to the
car barn at Brightwood are also
among the associations accomplish
ments. The association has the assur-
ance that the remaining center poles
on Georgia avenue from BrightWood
to the District line will be the next
important improvement along this
thoroughfare. After years of pro-
tests the center trolley poles on Ken
nedy street from Brightwood to Ia
koma Park are to be replaced with
side poles and the street improved.
Aid All Parts of City.
The association has been foremost
In presenting matters for considera-
ton to the District Commissioners
and Congress, not only of benefit to
the Brightwood section but other
parts of Washington. 1t was this or
ganization which conceived the idea
of public utilities commission, re-
sulting in the passage by Congress Of
bill establishing such a body.
For many years the crews of street
cars were required to stand on the
outside of street cars on platforms
unprotected by Enclosures. After
temporary glass structures we're
adopted, manufacturers of street cars
followed up the idea by completely in
closing both the front and rear plat
forms, much to the comfort of the
railway employees. Other improve
ulcIlLS NeLc IOItu lIUul IuIlc W ClIIlt
which provided comfort and con-
ventence for the passengers and train
crews and general health Of the
public, with special attention to ven
tilating and heating the cars
In later years the association was
rewarded in its efforts to secure mod
ern fire-fighting equipment, and the
motor-driven fire apparatus centrally
located in Brightwood has rendered
excellent service along the District
line and. when appealed to. has
saved life and property in many near
by Maryland points. For years the
association urged a police station for
this section and the new. modern
structure adjoining the new Bright
wood Public School Is the result of its
concerted action.