Evening star., 1935-07-28
C0mdy: DavM Porter; T.. S. ~, Purchased
Tract From WashMgton Boz0ie, Settled Doaw
to Landzubbw5 Lykmd CuAtvateda Famous
Kitchen Gnden, Nozv the Site ofHe Celebrated
Cascades, One ofMe Nation BeautySp0b' Old
Log Cabin, Removed to Rock Greek Park, W>M
Home of Joaquin Miller, POet

a picnic place, and the chances are
that there are still few people living
who danced the Virginia reel, the
lancers, quadrille and the old Dutch
waltz in the parlors of the once
palatial home of Commodore Porter.
A picnic "ad." published in The
Star in 1860 informs the public that,
among other things, this beautiful, ro-
mantle spot has a bar with the
choicest liquors, and that 1t is a most
desirable place for q Sunday school
outing. But here Is Just what the
advertisement states:
Meridian Hill. Intersection of
Boundary and Fourteenth streets.
Having leased for a term Of years
this beautiful and romantic spot. I
will open 1t for the accommodation
of the public on the 23d day of June,
1860. For beauty of scenery, delight
full promenades, SC, it is unsurpassed
by any in this vicinity. The house
is large and commodious, having two
large dancing rooms, besides dining
and dressing rooms for both ladies
and gentlemen. In addition I have
erected a large pavilion for Pic Mic
Parties.
Parties, Families and individuals
will find it a most desirable place
to pass the sultry days Of Summer,
particularly as the strictest order
and decorum will be enforced and
every attention will be guaranteed by
the proprietors.
"The Larder will be found to con-
tain an the delicacies Of the season
at all times.
"The Bar will be furnished with
the choicest Liquors and Wines and
the finest Cigars.
Societies, Sunday Schools, Clubs
and Military Companies will find this
the most desirable resort for spending
q pleasant and orderly day."
A LTHOUGH Meridian Hill may have
been an unhealthy place for SOL
diers during the Civil War, due to
the marshy condition Of the land for
quite an area south Of Florida avenue
known to the old-timer as the
Slashes-yet, to the north, 1t was
well adapted for this purpose, as there
was considerable of q stream which
entered the estate from point little
to the east of Sixteenth street and
Columbia road and flowed south for
several blocks until 1t reached q
point q little north of where the stand
pipe stood, when 1t took southwest
erly course along the line OF Kalo-
rama road. This stream was konwn
as Slash Run, and at one time was
one of Washington's largest water
courses.
Meridian Hill was subdivided in 1857,
but 1t was many years later before 1t
began to build up. Some of the early
residents who resided there between
1887 and 1897 were Edward Blummer,
Samuel j. Haislett, John Sefbei, Gus
Kneas, Benjamin F. White and MS
sons, George and John c., and his
daughters, Jennie and Bessie; Mrs.
Faulkner and her daughter Louise,
James r. Vermillion, Charles Yer
million, Columbus r. Sherwood, George
w. Beall, Susan z. Fuller and her SON
and daughter-in-law, Mr.. and Mrs.
Theodore F. Fuller; Henry G. Lehman,
ST.; Napoleon Plunkett and Harry
Hunaker. The Eslins lived on Column
bia road. Just outside Of Meridian Hill
subdivision, and the Stewards where
is now the National Baptist Memorial