Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1945-07-15

led nearby in the cemetery. The picnic
grounds were in the lowlands, in the
eastern part Of the once-famous estate.
Mr.. Gusts was an honorary member
of the Falcons, the pioneer boat club
of Washington. and is said to have al
ways called them his boys and gave
them the run Of the estate. He built a
wharf for them and erected pavilion,
that they might indulge in their IA
vorite amusement of dancing. AS q
result the club gave many large parties
at the picnic grounds, and, according to
an early account, when the proprietor
of Arlington saw party arrive he would
bring his fiddle and play for them as
long as they would dance, and though
he knew few tunes, he would play
these over and over "as long as any
one would keep time to them"
Bergmann's Band
Music was also supplied at times by
w. Bergmann's German Band, Mr..
Bergman being teacher of music at
his home on the west side Of Tenth
street northwest between E and F
streets.
But the Falcons were not the only
ones who shared Mr.. Gusts hospitality
in those early days, for, according to
Robert Ball, an early Washingtonian:
"An of these conveniences were freely
open to the public, and they were not
allowed to pay any rent for the privilege
of the grounds or the buildings. The
first party that arrived and got pos
session for the day was protected in the
exclusive use of the buildings for such
time as they required them. So great
was the respect that the people felt for
the very liberal, venerable owner OF the
grounds, added to their own self-re-
spect, that never heard of any violent
contention between parties for these
privileges. These were the most attrac-
tive picnic grounds in the vicinity OF our
city and were in constant demand dur
ing the summer season. There was
wharf extending out into the river for
the convenient landing of passengers
from excursion boats.
Visitors Well Cared For
Persons who came and found the
pavilion occupied by dancers of another
party would orderly pass to some other
part of the grounds and enjoy their re-
freshments without attempting to in
trude among the ladies and gentlemen
whom they found there dancing. Their
were always an unlimited number o.
Negro slaves of Mr.. Gusts in waiting,
ready to give any attention that the
visitors required, for which services they
appeared willing to accept whatever
compensation might be rendered them.
Mr.. Gusts used to say he would rather
his Negroes be polite than profitable.
He used frequently to come down to the
spring and mingle with the parties
there assembled and appear to take
great delight in their pleasures and en-
joyment of his hberality.'
Upon one occasion the Falcons took
to Arlington President Fillmore and his
entire cabinet. They embarked at what
is now Seventeenth street and Constitu-
ton avenue, and when they arrived at
the picnic grounds Mr.. Gusts surpriseds
the party with a wonderful spread,
served in the Gusts and Washington
silver plate, and, contrary to the gen.
eral practice of the host, flowing
bowl of punch occupied the center of
the table, though 1t was stated that the
President and Mr.. Gusts did not in
dulge.
Daniel Webster. Guest
Upon another occasion Daniel Web
ster was the clubs guest at Arlington,
and, no doubt, there were many other
distinguished persons taken there from
time to time, whose names history has
failed to record.
Today the Washington people have
a most magnificent recreation grounds
in the Rock Creek Park, but since there
is Just one bus line that crosses the
park, nearly all the picnic parties 60
ing there have to provide their own
transportation, or walk quite distance
from the cars or buses, and many par
ties find it more agreeable to avail
themselves of the hospitality afforded
by the Jesup Blair Memorial Park, on
Georgia avenue, just over the District
line, to which point excellent transpor-
tation Is provided.
This park which Is under the direc-
ton Of the Maryland National Capital
Park and Planning Commission, and
which contains Is acres of well-wooded
trees of the forest primeval, was a gift
to the State of Maryland by the late
Violet Blair Janin, granddaughter of
Francis Preston Blair, editor of the
Globe and pioneer resident of Silver
Spring, who died in 1902.
The estate at an early date formed
a part of a tract of land known as
the Moorings. The old dwelling on the
premises was erected sometime prior to
1852. At the time it was bequeathed to
the State Of Maryland 1t was said to be
worth $4,000, and so far as known this
is the largest gift ever made to that
State. 1t is a memorial to Jesup Blair.
Mrs. Janins brother.