Evening Star Newspaper, November 8, 1928, Page 20

20- OLD TRAFFIC LANES OF D. C. DESCRIBED Association Hears History of Canal and Annapolis- Alexandria Road. Two traffic thoroughfares of ‘Washington—the old Washington and the road connecting described in papers read before the Association of Oidest Inhabitants of the District of Columbia, and later discussed by the members at their meeting in Union Engine House last night. Discussion of efforts to obtain nation- al representation for Washington, pre- cipitated by a report that two members had joined in the “Humiliation day” demonstration last Tuesday, featured the business session. Washington Top- ham, a vice president of the organiza- tion ‘and its delegate on the joint com- mittee on national representation for the District of Columbia, reported that he and James F. Duhamel, corresponding secretary, had upon invitation carried flags in the demonstration. One mem- ber rose to protest that it seemed to be the private opinion of several members early Canal and that representation for the Distmict was [* not desirable, whereupon Mr. Topham reviewed the exact kind of representa- tion desired, stressed its advantages and pointed cut that the assoclation went on record unanimously in favor of the movement sponsored by the joint com- mittee. History of Canal Read. A history of the old Washington Canal, prepared recently by Mr. Duham- el u&cn coming into pessession of two official reports on that work, was read before the group. The canal, which ran from Seventeenth and B streets to the Fastern Branch, linking the old St James and Tiber Creek, was the cldest gubllc work in Washington, Mr. Du- amel said, having been started on Sep- tember 1, 1792, a few days before con- struction’ began on the Capitol and about & year prior to the inauguration of work on the White House. Part of the ancient structure is ex- posed today below N street, and the northern portion of it is arched as a sewer, Mr. Duhamel declared. The orig- inal effort to build the canal was con- tinued until 1795, when poverty on the part of the city government forced its abandonment. At that time & ditch 15 feet wide, 12 feet deep and a mile and an eighth long had been completed at a cost of $5,170. Although some historical authorities state Irish immigrants were used to dig th: canal, Mr. Duhamel ex- ressed the opinion that it was more ikely slave labor, then very plentiful and cheap, was employed. Even though the first venture had failed to produce a canal, the ditch served to drain a large swamp on lower South Capitol street between Delaware and New Jersey avenues, which was in itself a very beneficlal result, Mr. Duhamel observed. Charter Obtained in 1802. Pollowing the failure of an effort to raise money to renew construction through a lottery, a private company obtained a charter from Congress in rich: man,” headed the company and went to England to raise the money. The' company’s charter, however, was so rigid and detrimental to vate ownersh’p, that sufficlent funds were not_available. The need for a waterway in the city, and especially of a short cut to the Navy Yard, was still urgemtly felt by the ‘city government, according to Mr. Duham:#, so in 1809 another charter was granted and in two years sufficient funds coilected to begin operations. In May, 1811, a tent was erected be- tween New Jersey avenue and E street Foremost in Style Foremost in Value and President Madison there first few shovelfuls of -dirt mony marking the renewal of ject started nearly 20 . E. B. Caldwell was president company and B. H. Latrobe, en- , Mr. Duhamel said. a caused by the 1812 the requirements of the were met in 1815, and in Oc- r of that year the canal was first into operation, when two boats the bridge at Twelfth street and hed the Eastern Branch, a distance of two miles, in 30 minutes. The completed canal was described as “a Deautiful sheet of water, between Third and Sixth streets, walled on both sides, and bearing on its ample bosom the produce of the surrounding coun- try.” A hundred years ago it was the most profitable corporation in Wash- , Mr. Duhamel states; describing the commission houses, shops and in- dustrial establishments along its shores, not omitting Center Market, _the garbage from which was dumped in the water, and made a trip from Ninth to Seventh streets an odoriferous voyage. Altho the Washington Canal was connect with the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in 1833, at a ccst of about $500,- 000, the work of continuous dredging the former structure became increas- mlflult and the coming of the proved its death blow, Mr. Duhamel narrated. Several members supplemented Mr. Duhamel's history with personal remi- niscences concerning the canal, it be- ing recalled that there was a gas house near South Capitol street, which ran its gas tar out into the canal, making swimming difficult for a number of ;DCCZ_I] m . (extract from New: Gy < le1te7 ) _fi., I ,/ b, The risndly Shop Wreslau 130715 G5t S N NN WEEK END SALE FLOWERS Varieties that usually sell for $2. Pompons:. .....q. ... 000 A8V burich Carnations .............51L50 dozen POTTERY Imported Czechoslovakian Pottery..1.3 off Regular price $1 to $I2. ” FE Cummingfrom €o. 314-316 7th St. N.W. ‘We Chose Only the Most Beautiful Models in This New Selection of R TRIMMED Smart New Silhouettes 58 Not to be Compared AND with Garments Customarily Selling at This Figure! 69 A9 THIi manner in which the furs are applied . . . way the fabric is manipulated in novel seamings . . . nguish the really smart coat for Winter, 192 Typical of the new chic are these intérestingly priced . in all fashionable shades . . groups . emphasis on black cloth, variously furred. Frocks distinguished by details most alluringly feminine. . .swathing hip-lines. . .uneven hemlines. . .- appliques. . .touches of lace...draped collars...and all finished with painstaking care. years | used . with special \ THE EVENTNG STAR. WASHINGTON. boys who are now members of, the As- sociation of Oldest Inhabitants.\ Samuel Altman described a big sand sce W that | to come up the canal yo the Seventh Street Market. Artemas C. Harmon explained s\ blue | print he had drawn from six old :\'aps of the Annapolis-Alexandria road, §Te-! red by Christopher Colles of 1\’'W ork in 1785. The map showed Sno\ - den's Iron Works at densburg, Md'y | a ferry across the Potomac from Higl\ ' street, now Wisconsin avenue, a mill at Four Mile Run and .th> Episcopal Church at Alexandria. Mr. Harmon said part of the old road is now Florida | avenue, and claimed that the road itself was the main thoroughfare between Alexandria and New York at that time. ‘Washington used it on his many trips through this section, and a portion of | it was traversed by Gen. Braddock's| army, according to Mr. Harmon. { Deploring the ‘recent death of Judge | Charles S. Bundy, a vice president of the association, Mr. Topham eulogized | him as “splendid member of the asso- | clation and one who has done much | for the uplift of Washington,” com-| mending to the other members his ex- ample in leaving a bequest to the or- ganization. Henry L. Bryan, vice presi- dent, who presided, and Max Kohiner also paid tribute to Judge Bundy. Plans for the association’s sixty-third anniversary banquet, to be held at the Raleijgh Hotel December 7, were ex- plalned by Mr. Topham, as chairman of the entertainment committee. The membership committee reported favorably on the applications of Harry W. Sessford, Walter D. Davidge, Charles L. Burch, Rudolph W. Bishop and Wil- liam F. Ward, who were duly elected to membership. $1 dozen 1407 H Street' Main 3707 Established 1914 A D. C. THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 8 1928 [ PUBLIC CONFIDENCE SINCE 1861 9 AM. to 6 PM. F Street at Eleventh The November Oriental Rug Sale " The Most Extensive Showing of Oriental Rugs We Have Ever Presented—In All the Representative Weaves Throw Rugs at Sale Prices 9 99 W 67 %99 5129 $139 - Hand-Woven Oriental Rugs 9x12 $1 25 Size Oriental Rug Salon, Fourth Floor The Fultonian—A Dining Suite of Impressive Dignity, Ten Pieces, 295 . Four major pieces, tastefully designed and used in conjunction with six graceful chairs. This suite has a distinction that every decerator will recognize. The beautiful color of this suite is obtained only by the skillful use of woods in the hands of master craitsmen. Hi-lighted finish is hand rubbed. A Dining Suite After Thomas Sheraton *650 A suite of matchless grace and artistry—an excellent example of 18th century craftsmanship. Constructed of mahogany, the aristocrat of cabinet woods, beautifully veneered—and tastefully inlaid. Ten exquisitely de- signed pieces. A suite that will last through the years. William and Mary Dining Suite 235 This quaint suite shows the influence of William and Mary.. Combination walnut and gumwood with burl walnut veneered exposed surfaces. Set consists of 66- inch buffet, semi-enclosed china closet, 6-foot extension table, five side chairs and 1 armchair with upholstered seats. : A Stately Colonial Dining Suite, ‘850 A massive buffet with crystal pulls, silver cabinet with its cupboard base and semi-enclosed glass door top, double pedestal base table, cabinet serving table and six haircloth seated chairs lend an air of true authenticity. It might have been taken from some gracious Colonial mansion. This gracefully simple Colonial Dining room suite is the very expression of good taste—dignity and lux- ury. Constructed of mahogany, with beautiful matched crotched veneers used on door fronts and drawers. Co- lonial red finish, rubbed to a satin smoothness. Beautiful Seamless Axminster in 9x12 Size $4() $55 Handsome Axminster rugs, shown in only There is a large selection from which to the most desirable colors and designs. A rich, choose. Rugs to harmonize with every home durable quality. and every color scheme. 9x12 Wilton Rugs Wilton rugs are a splendid combination of beauty-and durability. There are many distinctive designs and color combinations in this large collection. Rug Section, Fourth Floor Main 3770 Wear a Forget-Me-Not Nov. 9,10 and 11 Lamp and Shade $22.50 uunm ‘With lovely in floral, conven- tional and modernistic de- signs. A most attractive and decorative addition to the - Other Floor Lamps With Shades $15 to 875 METAL BRIDGE LAMP, finished in antique bronze. W arm, $7.50 Shades, $2 to $15 Silk Shades. . 36 to $20 Other Bridge Lamps, $10 to $30 Lamp and Gift Shop Reduced Friday and Saturday Special for Priday and Saturday in Moses Elite Cotton Sheets. $1.60 $18 $19 Linen Shop, First Floor Rugs