Bunting

Stars and stripes surround the door of the PNC Bank branch at 1501 Pennsylvania Avenue
across from the U.S. Treasury Building and within sight of the White House.

Washington pretties itself up and buttons itself down for the inauguration of our nation's presidents and this inauguration is no exception. Today's post features some of the bunting that currently bedecks buildings down near the White House.

Bunting on an office building in the 1800-block of Pennsylvania Avenue

In addition to decorating buildings, security is also very tight. Among other things, the Department of Public Works will remove all trash cans along the presidential parade route. The Department of Transportation will weld all manhole covers shut along the same route. And, on the afternoon of January 19, traffic light poles will be taken down from the center of the avenue. In addition, all bridges from the Commonwealth of Virginia will be closed to auto traffic.

Patriotic colors surround the doorway of the PNC Bank branch on Pennsylvania Avenue

This year's inaugural events includes 22 Jumbotron televisions set up along the length of the National Mall and on the parade route. Crowd estimates currently stand at 2 million. While most of us living in the city and surrounding areas are excited about this year's historic inaugural, many of us are also glad this event only happens every four years!


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

In Residence

Blair House: The official state guest house of the President of the United States.
President-elect Obama and his family moved into this residence today.

Maybe this is only news here, but today, President-elect Barack Obama and his family moved into Blair House. Since the beginning of the year they've been living in the Hay-Adams Hotel. Originally, they'd requested Blair House, which is where presidents-elect generally live for a few days until their inauguration. The Obamas requested the house early because their children were starting school in Washington on January 5. Unfortunately, Blair House was booked and they had to take up temporary residence in the Hay-Adams.

The Hay-Adams: Temporary home of the Obama's

Blair House is the official state guest house of the President of the United States. Though it doesn't look all that large in the front, the house boasts 119 rooms and is comprised of four attached rowhouses with 70,000 square feet of living space--larger than the White House. The Hay-Adams is a hotel on the corner of H and 16th Streets overlooking Lafayette Square and St. John's Episcopal Church. It has stunning views of the White House, the Mall, and the Jefferson Memorial. The hotel's motto is: "Where nothing is overlooked but the White House."

Coverage from the Washington Post: The Obstacle to the Obama's Stay at Blair House.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

Jubilation

Chants and outbursts of jubilation define the crowds that surged into
the streets of Washington and flowed to Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the
White House after it was announced that Barack Obama, the long-shot candidate
and senator from Illinois, had been elected America's 44th president.

Last night, history was made in the United States of America. For the first time, a black man has been elected to the highest office in the land. More than 100 117.7 million Americans voted. Of those who voted, 52%, or 52.7 62.4 million, cast their ballots for Senator Barack Obama of Illinois. Senator Obama garnered 338 349 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed, and was declared the 44th President of the United States.

Celebrating with the crowd in front of the White House

A large portion of the country burst into spontaneous celebration. Down on Pennsylvania Avenue, in front of the White House, a crowd of thousands gathered to chant "Yes We Can!" and "Yes We Did!" and "Obama! Obama!" Most of them appeared to be students from nearby George Washington and Georgetown Universities, but there were also many who seemed to be coming from the city's neighborhoods and the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland to be a part of history. Up on U and 14th Streets NW--Washington's historic Black Broadway--crowds of people poured out of their homes, restaurants, and bars and began celebrating.

While I was down at the White House tonight, three complete strangers--all African American--hugged me and others. This is a monumental day for them and an opportunity for change for all of us. The pictures I took aren't the greatest. I was being jostled by the crowd at times and didn't want to block the way at other times. But I hope they give you a sense for the moment. Similar celebrations were taking place from coast-to-coast.

About a mile from the White House,
a few people quietly gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

America has spoken and the way is clear. It won't be easy, but if we work together so much is possible. Last night was a night for all Americans to be proud!

*****

Kendra and Jake, new D.C. residents who moved here from Montana,
join in the celebration in front of the White House.

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, this is a picture of Kendra and Jake. They just moved here from Montana to work for a couple of non-profits here in town. They were soaking up the enthusiasm in front of the White House and were excited to learn that as of 12:30 a.m. EST their state was tilting toward Obama. As I type this at 2:50 a.m. EST, Obama and McCain are tied for Montana. Update 8:25 a.m. EST: McCain carried Montana, but while 50% of Big Sky voters cast their ballots for him 46% went for Obama. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/05/08

Posted at 3:30 a.m. EST. Updated to reflect new polling results at 7:30 a.m. EST.

Bucolic

Courtyard Fountain : DAR

This little fountain is nestled in a courtyard next to the Daughters of the American Revolution and includes some tables and chairs, as well as a few benches. Seems like it would be a lovely place for lunch on a busy workday.

I'm off in the States today, hanging with my sister and carving pumpkins! Hope everyone has a great Saturday!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 09/08

Misfortune

Homeless in our Nation's Capital : 18th and F Streets NW

Many times, when I'm out taking pictures, I run into homeless people. Their circumstances always make me sad and leave me wondering how, in the most prosperous nation in the world, we have people living on the streets. I find it especially ironic in Washington. The other day, I ran across this gentleman. He was asleep on a ventilation grate near the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Red Cross Museum. In the winter, homeless people rig makeshift tents over these grates out of sheets and blankets and sleep in them at night to stay warm.

This photo commences my 100 Strangers series, wherein I'll be asking 100 strangers if I can take their picture and hear their story. I didn't get this gentleman's story as I didn't want to wake him, but I have no doubt it would have been one full of hardship and sadness.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 09/08

Daughters

Constitutional Hall of the Daughters of the American Revolution

Americans are known for being proud of their heritage and history. Among some of the oldest and proudest organizations are those that tie our personal genealogy to national historical events. For example, the Mayflower Society for descendants of the pilgrims who landed in Massachusetts in 1620. Or, the Sons of the Confederacy for descendants of the men and women who fought with the South during the U.S. Civil War. Or the Daughters of the Mormon Pioneers for descendants whose ancestors crossed the American plains in the 1840s and 50s to settle the Utah Territory.

One of the larger and perhaps most distinguished ancestral organizations in the U.S. is the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, or the DAR. According to the organization's website, "Any woman 18 years or older--regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background--who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership." The DAR was founded in 1890 and today boosts more than 165,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the U.S. and overseas.

Preservation, Patriotism, Education:
The threefold mission of the DAR

The DAR's threefold mission is "historical preservation, promotion of education, and encouragement of patriotic endeavor." In addition, members of the DAR volunteer more than 60,000 hours annually to schools and veterans organizations around the country. The DAR is located on 17th Street NW within view of the White House and includes a museum with more than 30,000 artifacts and objects from pre-Industrial America, a concert hall--Constitution Hall--that is available for events throughout the year, and a library described as a "premier genealogical research center...ranked the third most important of national institutions based on the uniqueness of sources."

If you're interested in the American Revolution and this era of American history, the DAR is the place to visit when you're in Washington. As a personal aside, when I was a wee thing, my father took a job one summer filming historical documents for the DAR in their building on 17th Street.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 08/08

Two Things Challenge: Church / Lady

This is the church, this is the steeple;
Open the doors and see all the people.
Close the doors and hear them pray.
Open the doors and they all run away!

This week's Two Things Challenge was Church / Lady. One of the things I enjoy about living in Washington is, people go to church in this town. And they get dressed up to do. Sunday finery is really fine around here. My goal was to get some pictures of ladies in their Sabbath threads, but I was either out too early or too late. Summer church service times elude me, so I'm sans sisters in Sunday frocks and sashes. Nevertheless, I went down to 15th and Church Streets NW and took some pictures at St. Luke's Episcopal Church and then over to the American Red Cross Museum. These are the results.

The 8:00 service was underway when I arrived at St. Luke's and they had the doors thrown open to enjoy the cool morning air. The homily was in full swing as I discretely made efforts to photograph one of the oldest Episcopal churches in the city. Founded in 1873, it served as the predominant Episcopal parish for colored people in the District of Columbia. The church is located on the edge of the DuPont Circle and Logan Circle neighborhoods and remains a predominantly black church with a rich history and vibrant community.

Sister Jane D'Angelo on the grounds of the Red Cross Museum

For lady, I had to be a little more creative. There are very few monuments or memorials to women in the District, but I knew about one or two on the grounds of the American Red Cross Museum on 17th and D Streets NW. This picture is a statue of Sister Jane D'Angelo and commemorates her life and the lives of 300 nurses who died during World War I. I thought it was a fitting representation of a lady.

Church ladies listening to the homily

Finally, this last photo takes us back to St. Luke's and combines both words. I shot these two ladies through the open door of the church.


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 08/08

Renwick

I forgot to write down the name of this piece or its artist,
but I thought it was rather stunning in size.

The Renwick Gallery of Art at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW is part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection. Built in 1859, it housed the collection of William Wilson Corcoran, a banker and philanthropist. Designed by architect James Renwick, who also designed the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, it is built in the French Second Empire style and features a soaring salon and intricate Victorian fixtures. When it opened in 1861, it was the city's first art museum. Shortly after its opening, though, it was occupied by the Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army as a storage place for records and uniforms during the Civil War.

L: Bureau of Bureaucracy : Kim Schmahmann
R: Shaker Television : Edward Zucca

In 1869, the building returned to Corcoran's care and he threw lavish parties and fundraisers. Extensive renovations were completed in 1873 and the building reopened as an art museum. By 1897, Corcoran's collection had outgrown the space and a new museum was built at 17th Street and New York Avenue NW--virtually kaddy-corner from the original space.

Ghost Clock : Wendell Castle : Tromp l'oeil in wood

The U.S. Court of Claims took over the space and eventually was going to tear it down, but First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy stepped in and led the effort to save not only this building, but to preserve the adjacent square known as Lafayette Park. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson turned the building over to the Smithsonian Institution and it became a museum for "the arts, crafts, and design." The building was renamed the Renwick Gallery to honor its architect and it reopened to the public as a museum in 1972.

The Grand Salon in the Renwick Gallery of Art

If you're in Washington and you venture far enough to see the White House--which every tourist does--stop in and visit this gallery, as well as the Corcoran Gallery. Both provide a nice respite from the hubbub of the Mall and the White House and they contain marvelous pieces of art from all over the country and around the world. Of particular note, the Renwick houses three large, beautiful paintings in the Grand Salon by the 19th century landscape artist Thomas Moran.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

Two Things Challenge: People / Watch

Sunday reading in the park : DuPont Circle

Salvaging bruised fruit for taste testing : DuPont Circle Organic Farmer's Market

This week's Two Things Challenge was People / Watch. Photographing people is a challenge for me. I always feel like I'm being intrusive or stealing their spirits or something. But, I figured this week's challenge was a good way to overcome my hang ups and dive right in.

Multi-tasking on a Sunday morning : DuPont Circle

I chose three different venues for my photography: DuPont Circle--The Organic Farmer's Market and the park circle itself; the White House--near the South Lawn and in Lafayette Park; and the Renwick Gallery of Art--inside and out.

A busload of Korean tourists taking each other's pictures :
The White House / South Lawn

Solitary sitter : The Renwick Gallery of Art

One of the things that always strikes me about this city is its international attraction--both to people who come here to live and people who come here to visit. And they come from all over the world! This morning, in the span of three hours, I heard French, Korean, Hungarian, English, Spanish, Dutch, Urdu or Punjabi (I'm not sure which), and an African language I couldn't identify. I love that!

Looking : Lafayette Park

I love this picture. Click on it to enlarge and you'll notice none of these women are looking in the same direction. I also love the juxtaposition of three of them in very bright, vibrant colors and the older woman in softer, muted tones. Just a lovely group of women, I think.

Restoration project : Front Gates of the White House

I should probably title this one "Tourists Watching People" or something witty. Really what I wondered was, does President Bush know these painters are working on a Sunday and, if so, what does he think?

To see a few more People Watching shots, visit Standing Room Only.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 07/08

Old Hickory

Clark Mills' sculpture of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square Park
across from the White House

America's 7th President of the United States was a war veteran, Andrew Jackson. Jackson achieved fame during the War of 1812 when he defeated the British during the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson was born in the Carolinas, read the law in Tennessee, served in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate from the same state, and is credited with shaping the Democratic Party. His nickname "Old Hickory" bespeaks his reputation as a tough, unyielding leader. According to his biography on the White House website, "Jackson recommended eliminating the Electoral College" and "democratizing Federal office holding."

This statue of Jackson astride his steed is located in the center of Lafayette Square with a direct view of the White House. Sculpted by Clark Mills, the artist created three equestrian statues of Jackson: this one in Washington; one in New Orleans, Louisiana; and one in Jackson's adopted home of Nashville, Tennessee. To see Jackson's bust in the National Portrait Gallery, click here.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 2/08

McPherson Square

Gen. James McPherson--highest ranking officer to die during the Civil War

Yep, it's another Dead Guy Memorial! This one is of General James McPherson who served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. This equestrian statue is located in the center of McPherson Square, one block north of the White House and bordered by the infamous K Street--home to many of Washington's lobbying and special interest groups. But enough of that.

McPherson, as I mentioned, served in the U.S. Army and was the highest ranking officer to die during the Civil War. He fell during an ambush by Confederate skirmishers at the Battle of Atlanta. Loved by his troops, he was greatly missed by his soldiers and his death brought profound sadness to his boyhood friend and Confederate peer, John Bell Hood.

McPherson Square is also the name of a Metro stop located across the street. Ironically, this square is also where many of Washington's homeless and mentally ill hang out. It isn't uncommon to see K Street policy wonks walking across the square past the destitute and downtrodden. They each keep their respectful distance, but the contrast is stark. Twice a day, a van from a local soup kitchen pulls up and dispenses food to the homeless.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 2/08

First Infantry Division

Memorial to the American Expeditionary Force
and the First Infantry Division

In 1917, the U.S. military formed the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) and prepared for combat in World War I. Under the leadership of General John "Black Jack" Pershing, the AEF produced the First Infantry Division which became the AEF's best-trained fighting force. "Big Red One"--so named for the patch on their uniforms--saw action in France beginning in October 1917.

The First Infantry Division has seen action in every major war and police action since its inception: World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the First Gulf War, Bosnia/Kosovo, and current operations in Iraq.

This memorial to the American Expeditionary Force is located on the grounds of the White House across from the Old Executive Office Building (17th and E Streets NW). It was erected in 1924 and sculpted by Daniel Chester French--the same sculptor who did Lincoln's statue at the Lincoln Memorial. Around the base of the memorial are the names of those of the First Infantry Division who died in World War I. To the west of the memorial is a panel to those who died in World War II. On the east side are the names of the dead from Vietnam, as well the names of the 27 members of the division who died in the First Gulf War, including the first woman and a civilian.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 10/07

Home Sweet Home

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue--home to U.S. presidents since 1800

Today is primary day in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The prize: a four-year term as the most powerful leader in the world and residence in the most coveted address in America. Tonight, John McCain is the presumptive nominee for the Republicans. Over in the Democratic camp, it's still too close to call.

Here are some interesting sites about the White House.

The official site of the White House and the 43rd President, George W. Bush. Today, President Bush met with King Abdullah of Jordan.

The officious web site of the White House and a parody on the presidency of George W. Bush.

And the White House Historical Association's web site, which provides some wonderful facts, figures, and trivia, as well as a gift shop. The annual White House Christmas commemorative ornament is always a lovely gift for any home.

Sorry to phone this one in today, but I got swamped with some personal stuff. I promise a better picture and typical post-with-information of this important building down the road.


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 2/08

Third Church of Christ, Scientist

Third Church of Christ, Scientist--an example of Brutalism architecture

Located on the northwest corner of 16th and Eye Streets NW is the Third Church of Christ, Scientist (900 16th Street NW)--just three blocks north of the White House. The church was designed by Araldo Cossutta, an architect in the renowned firm of I.M. Pei and is an example of Brutalism architecture--a movement in the 1950s and 1960s that called for the use of rough concrete as the building medium. Across the plaza from the church is a Christian Science Reading Room.

For many years now, the congregants of Third Church have petitioned to tear down what they consider an architectural eyesore and put up a church more fitting of the historical downtown setting in which they are located. Unfortunately, incomprehensively, and against the protests of the church and congregation, in 2007 the D.C. Historic Preservation Board voted 7 - 0 to grant the building landmark status. As a result, the building cannot be torn down or altered.

Needless to say, the architecture is incongruous with many of the buildings in the area--both historic and modern minimalist. It has occasionally been referred to as an apocryphal, doomsday fallout shelter or an electrical substation. That aside, the church is part of the coalition of churches called the Downtown Cluster of Congregations--a collaborative coalition of congregations throughout Washington working on social issues.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 2/08

St. John's Church, Lafayette Square

St. John's Episcopal Church and Parish House--The Church of the Presidents

This entry is the first in a series I'm starting on D.C. Confidential called "The Churches of 16th Street." From the foot of 16th Street at H Street all the way to the north where 16th Street ends at Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland, this street has more churches, synagogues, temples, and centers of religion than any other avenue or street in our Nation's Capital. (From 16th and H to 16th and Colorado alone there are nearly 40 places of worship and that's only 1/2 of the length of 16th Street!)

St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square (1525 H Street NW) is located on 16th and H Streets across from Lafayette Park and the White House. Founded in 1815, St. John's is known as "The Church of the Presidents" because of its proximity and ease of access to the White House. Throughout its history, every president since James Madison has attended a service at St. John's. Pew 54 is the Presidential Pew and when the church has occasion to host a president, that is where he sits.

The bell in the St. John's belfry was cast by Paul Revere's son, Joseph, in Boston in 1822. It is one of only two Revere bells in the city and the only one in continuous use to this day. The church was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe and is a national historic landmark.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 2/08

Two Things Challenge: Hold / Value

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The inscription on the tomb reads: Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God."

This week's Two Things Challenge was a little tricky and a bit more complex than the last. The word "Hold" was especially challenging. Thanks to Roget's, I found a bevy of synonyms that enhanced the meaning of this word significantly. The definition for hold I'm choosing as my focal point this week is "to secure or make safe." My subject is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. I arrived on Friday afternoon in time for the Changing of the Guard ceremony right at 12:00. In all of America, this is probably the most hallowed ground outside of the lands of our native peoples. In the tomb rest the remains of soldiers from World Wars I and II and the Korean War. For a time, the remains of a soldier from Vietnam were interred here, but with advances in technology, soldiers are no longer unknown when they die on the field of battle or in peace. Of anything meant to hold or secure, I can think of nothing symbolically more fitting than this in Washington.

Homeless

In contrast to the Tomb, I could think of nothing more stark to portray value than the issue of homelessness in America. I like to keep this blog non-partisan, so I'm not going to wax on about how I feel regarding this issue in our country. I will say this, though: The irony of this photo is, I shot it in McPherson Square, which is located at the corner of 15th and K Streets NW. K Street is home to many of the nation's most powerful lobbying groups--Republican and Democratic--and the values they espouse for big business and special interests. It's also one block from the White House.

Copyright: D.C. Confidential, 12/07

Gratitude

The gratitude of Armenia is the theme of this statue

On the grounds of the Museum of the American Red Cross is this statue of a woman and child. Statues of women are a rare sight in Washington, so this one really stood out a few weeks ago when I was taking pictures of the aforementioned museum. This statue is a gift from the citizens of Armenia to the citizens of America in gratitude for our assistance following a devastating earthquake in December 1988.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends and fellow photobloggers!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/07

Detail

Base of a lamp post at the Red Cross

Sometimes, when you're taking pictures of bigger things, you find smaller details. On the grounds of the Red Cross Museum are lamp posts that feature these bases. I love the detail here.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/07

King

One of two lions that flank the entrance of the Corcoran Gallery of Art on 17th Street NW. I fiddled around with some of the settings in iPhoto to get this look. That said, I need to get Adobe PhotoShop loaded onto my MacBook. And speaking of photography, the Corcoran is currently showing an Annie Liebovitz exhibition. I haven't been yet, but I've heard it's quite good.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/07

Executive

The southern facade of the Old Executive Office Building.
The north, east, and west facades are the same.

This is the Old Executive Office Building on 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. This building houses White House staff and includes the Office of the Vice President of the United States. It is next door to the White House and adjacent the West Wing. Built between 1871 and 1888, it originally housed the Departments of State, War, and Navy. The architecture is "one of America's best examples of the French Second Empire style." At the time it was built, the Executive Office Building was the largest office building in the world and the largest granite structure in America; the latter, a distinction it maintains to this day. The building barely escaped demolition in 1957 and has since been renovated and preserved. The official name of the building is now the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/07.