The Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery

The Heritage Gazette Summer 2004

9/11 Memorial Grove Breaks Ground Greatest Grounds Enhancement in 150 Years The Ward Six 9/11 evil men burn and bomb, Memorial Grove at Con- good men build and gressional Cemetery bind.” The ceremony broke ground on Arbor was also attended by oth- Day as the first of nine ers who lost loved ones memorial groves to be at the Pentagon as well placed around the city in as members of the Ward memory of those who Six community. Commu- lost their lives on Sep- nity support is vital to tember 11, 2001. the success of the grove. Rosemary Dillard, Barry Goodinson of who lost her husband at Greenspaces for DC, the Pentagon on Septem- highlighted the living ber 11th, spoke to the memorial nature of the audience of the healing groves. Association power of the Groves. Chair Linda Harper ex- Quoting Dr. Martin Lu- pressed the Board’s ap- ther King, she said, preciation for the honor “When evil men plot, of caring for the grove. good men plan. When Continued on Page 6. Congressional to Host Healing Totem Poles Lummi Tribe Carvings Part of DC 9/11 Memorial Reflecting the national outreach women who perished on 9/11. The of healing and remembrance that eagle is a symbol of courage and are at the core of the city’s 9/11 vision and represents the men who Memorial Groves project, Wash- perished that day. The Sun and ington State’s Lummi Indian Tribe Moon elements represent grandfa- is contributing a massive healing ther and grandmother, suggesting totem pole destined for the King- the intergenerational aspects of our man Island Grove. nation and our families. The colors Congressional Cemetery has the of the elements on the poles are honor of hosting the Lummi red, white, black, and yellow, re- Tribe’s Healing Totem Poles later flecting the races that compose the this year while the Kingman Island United States. site is prepared. The structure in- Jewell is carving the poles this cludes two 13’ bears that are six summer and shipping them across feet in diameter and a 34’ arch the country in time for a presenta- across the top that will end in out- tion at the Pentagon on September ward facing eagles. Truly an im- 11, 2004 and a temporary exhibi- pressive piece of sculpture. tion at the opening of the new Jewell Praying Wolf James, the Smithsonian Native American Mu- master carver, visited Congres- seum on the Mall in late Septem- sional in February to discuss siting ber. The poles will then be set up and logistics with board members in Congressional Cemetery as part and the Greenspaces for DC group of our Ward Six satellite Memorial that is managing the Grove project. Grove until the Kingman Island Jewell explained that the bear is site is ready for them sometime in an ancient symbol of strength and 2005. For more information see: 25th Annual Meeting of the endurance and represents the www.greenspacesfordc.org. Ω Association on April 17, 2004 Letter from the Board Scott Kibler Joins Board Restoration Plans for 2004 25 Years & Counting Varied Funding Expands Options The Association welcomes Scott Kibler to the board. Mr. Kibler is The 25th Annual Meeting of Reflecting the Association’s sound an architect with the firm EWG the Association took place April and strengthening financial founda- Architects. A resident of Capitol 17th under a a beautiful display of tion, the Association is entering the Hill, Mr. Kibler has acted as a pink petals outside our one hun- summer construction season with project manager for several dred year old chapel. Our Kwan- three major projects in the works: residential design projects and zan Cherry trees seem to hold hazardous tree removals, gravestone looks forward to using those skills their blossoms every year just repair work, and a massive tree plant- as the Association begins to long enough to bless our annual ing. implement the restoration plans meeting with a blizzard of pink— The Association is pleased to an- embodied in last year’s Historic a sight that delights every year. nounce the completion of a major Resources Report. Ω Twenty-five years is a big mile- landscaping project. Using $30,000 of stone for our little Association. the `04 Congressional appropriation, We’ve seen some great advances the Board contracted for the removal Board Members and some great setbacks. We’ve of 30 dead or dying hazardous trees. Linda Donavan Harper—Chair been blessed with extraordinary Care of Trees, a major landscape and Patrick Crowley—Vice Chair volunteers and a wide community tree care company, removed the trees Sandy Schmidt—Treasurer of supporters. We’ve seen sum- in March and April. —Secretary mers of long grass and seasons of The Board plans to begin a modest J. Dudley Brown trim lawns. So where do we stand gravestone repair program this sum- Frederick Davis after 25 years of preservation and mer using the funds provided by the Rev. Judith Davis restoration efforts? Kiplinger Foundation’s three-year Farleigh Earhart Well I think we’ve turned the $15,000/year grants. The Building & Kenneth Eads corner. We’ve stepped up from Grounds Committee elected to focus Peter MacPherson being a struggling grass roots or- the repair work in the southwest Frank Devlin ganization that often couldn’t af- quadrant of the cemetery in the gen- Patrick Lally ford to mow the lawn to being a eral area of the planned Ward Six Scott Kibler professional, financially sound 9/11 Memorial Groves allee. Numer- operation that is making dramatic ous fallen or leaning gravestones will The Association for the Preservation improvements organizationally be righted and made safer. of Historic Congressional Cemetery and physically. This is no mean The installation of the Ward Six is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. feat. 9/11 Memorial Grove will see the All donations are tax deductible. Despite the valiant efforts of planting of over 140 trees. Funding ~~~~~~~~~~~ many board members and volun- for this $150,000 project is underway Operations Chair teers in the `80s and `90s, the this summer. Linda Harper times and the fortunes of this city The Board will also undertake a were not aligned for success. Do- number of smaller projects including Building & Grounds Chair Patrick Crowley nations and interest were meager the repair of the office archival safe, at best. Today, however, the times an upgrading of the gatehouse office, Education & Outreach Chair are right, the city is in renewal, and repairs to the brick wall. Comple- Sandy Schmidt and the cemetery is well on its tion of last year’s vault restoration way to a successful inauguration work is expected to be done by mid- Cemetery Manager of its third century in 2007. May. In February, volunteer Darrell William Fecke The strategic planning docu- Isaacs of Standard Restoration went ments are in place or under way, up on the gatehouse roof to make mi- Newsletter Editor Patrick Crowley the endowment fund is safe, se- nor roof repairs. Ω cure, and growing, the board is Web Master bringing world-class professionals PLCAA to Return in July Sandy Schmidt to our doorstep, and we still have Lawn Care Pros Will Treat Yard a cadre of volunteers that invites Groundskeeper the envy and kudos of sister or- The Professional Lawn Care Collin Ingraham ganizations. Association of America will return to We are on the cusp of making Contact Congressional Cemetery this The Association for the Preservation of Congressional Cemetery the na- summer for the fourth annual Historic Congressional Cemetery tional treasure it deserves to be. Renewal & Remebrance project. The 1801 E Street, Southeast With the help of our friends and PLCAA’s project pays homage to Washington, DC 20003 members, the Association is creat- the veterans and founding fathers at ing a multifaceted facility that Arlington Cemetery and 202-543-0539 honors those interred here, cele- Congressional Cemetery by bringing 202-543-5966 fax brates its heritage, welcomes the professional caretakers in for a day www.congressionalcemetery.org neighborhood community, and of tree care, landscape gardening, [email protected] cares for its natural environment. and lawn care treatment. The much It is an honor to be on board at appreciated assistance saves the us this moment in history. thousands of dollars each year. Ω ~ Patrick Crowley 2 Twenty-Two Year Old Cherry Trees Failing Cemetery Manager’s Notes DAR Sponsored 1982 Planting in Honor of Geo Washington A Year in the Life of a Cemetery

The annual springtime exaltation Japanese cherries. The large bundles It’s been one year since I ac- of flowering cherry trees is without of petal clusters also tend to last cepted the cemetery manager’s po- doubt one of the highlights of living longer than those of other cherry sition of this cemetery, so a bit of in the Nation’s Capitol. The Yo- trees. When the flowering season reflection is in order. The Associa- shino and Akebono cherry trees do- comes to an end, the Cemetery ap- tion just published our annual re- nated by Japan as a symbol of peace pears to blanketed in a carpet of port and to read through the list of and friendship burst into view in late pink blossom snow. accomplishments is impressive. March/early April, grabbing the na- Our allee of cherry trees running We’ve managed to achieve many tional spotlight with parades, along Ingle Street from 17th almost of our goals this last year through speeches, and international declara- to 19th Street was the gift of the the hard work of many people, and tions of fraternity. California and District chapters of I want to thank all of those who The beautiful blossoming brings the Daughters of the American helped make it possible. thousands of tourists every year to Revolution. The 1982 planting of 50 First and foremost, I have to the Tidal Basin in an annual rite of cherry trees was in honor of George thank those who’ve volunteered spring: noisy coughing buses, over- Washington’s 250th birthday. their time and talents. Some of the crowded sidewalks, far away park- Unfortunately, the Kwanzan has a volunteers you’ve read about in ing and a long walk. While it’s al- life span of only 15 to 25 years. this newsletter, but many others ways worth seeing, you do have to Ours are nearing the end of that span have labored with and without our gear up for the trek. and showing signs of insect infesta- recognition picking up trash, tend- For those in the know, however, tion, disease, and dying limbs. Many ing a grave, or sending in family there’s a secluded spot in the city branches that appear solid are in fact information. These volunteers con- with a smaller yet equally awesome hollowed and easily broken off. tinue to help this organization display of springtime rebirth: Con- Twenty new Okama cherry trees achieve more every year. gressional Cemetery. About two will be planted at the intersection of Secondly I must thank our board weeks or so after Tidal Basin show, Ingle Street and Tucker Carriage- of directors who continue to lead the Kwanzan cherry trees come out way, close by the John Phillip Sousa the organization by example, vol- to play in a show that only our regu- Memorial, as part of the Ward Six unteering countless hours research- lar members get to enjoy. 9/11 Memorial Tree Grove. Re- ing individuals, organizing pro- Named after a mountain in Japan, placement of the Kwanzan trees will jects, and reaching out to others. the Kwanzan was introduced into be a part of the coming Master Their leadership in all aspects of America in 1903. It has double pink Landscape Plan due for completion our accomplishments has been in- flowers and is the showiest of the in February 2005. Ω strumental. The organization and this cemetery are being carried for- Iconography: ward by this dedicated group. The Ribbon & Star of The “GAR” Finally I have to thank the many The letters “GAR” stand for a powerful political force. Five readers of this newsletter, who stay Grand Army of the Republic and United States presidents were GAR in touch with what is happening to can be found on many tombstones members as were almost all candi- this historical site in our nation’s throughout Con- dates running for capitol. Your continued support, gressional Ceme- the office for sev- through large and small donations, tery. But you eral election cycles. has been the difference. Without won’t find them As a social or- you we couldn’t have accom- on any newer ganization the GAR plished much this last year, and I stones: the Grand held Encampments wouldn’t have been here in the first Army of the Re- from time to time, place. Congress has given us some public was an or- which were elabo- support, and certainly a good en- ganization limited rate multi-day dowment, but it’s because they’ve to veterans hon- events that included seen an interest from private indi- orably discharged camping out, formal viduals that they’ve continued to from the Union dinners, and memo- stay involved. Army after the rial events. The When I first arrived here, one Civil War. GAR was one of the look around convinced me of the As with other main groups that magnitude of work to be done. I wars, returning established Memo- came into this job, without a lot of veterans faced rial Day as a na- preconceived notions of how it many problems tional holiday. could be done. One notion I did that could not be The last Encamp- have is that a cemetery is a quiet addressed alone. ment was held in place. I couldn’t have been more One of the chief 1949 and the last wrong. Congressional may well be goals of the GAR GAR member died a resting place for sixty thousand was to look out for the welfare of at 109 in Indiana in 1956. Ω Washingtonians, but it is active in retired soldiers in regard to retire- so many other ways. This is the fourth in a series of articles ment homes and soldiers pensions. discussing the history and symbolic mean- ~ Bill Fecke With a membership of over ing of the forms and decoration of grave 400,000 in 1890, the GAR became markers and other memorials. 3 Congressional Cemetery’s American Heritage Commodore Thomas Tingey The summer of 1814 began with demanding that all English sailors as 1805. He headed the Vestry of the war between Britain and the aboard be handed over. Tingey Christ Church for a long time and United States, which had sputtered firmly replied, “I do not expect to was one of a group of Christ Church for two years, a distant rumble at succeed in a contest with you; but I parishioners that established the best. But the end of the Napoleonic will die at my quarters before a man burial ground that became Congres- Wars that spring freed the British shall be taken from this ship.” His sional Cemetery. army to focus on America. The year crew gave three cheers and the Sur- In December 1812 Tingey mar- before, U.S. forces had burned gov- prise departed empty-handed. ried Miss Ann Dulany (b. 1785), ernment buildings in York (now Later that same year, Tingey re- daughter of Daniel Dulany of Alex- Toronto), the capital of the Cana- buffed suggestions that he flee hur- andria and the sister of his son-in- dian province of Ontario. The Brit- ricane weather. “No ship in the ser- law. Tragically, this marriage was ish hunger for revenge set the stage vice will be found better able to sus- cut short by her death in April 1814, for a dramatic calamity to befall the tain this violence that the Ganges— even though she was much younger capital of the new nation. nor a crew that can, with alacrity, than he. About dusk on August 24, 1814, bring a ship to a state of prepara- However, three years later in the British marched on Washington, tion to bear heavy weather … Be- 1817 Tingey married once again to setting fire to the American’s capi- lieve me Sir, that she has out sailed Ann Evelina Craven (b. 1789). She tal. From the heights of George- every Ship and vessel of the United too was the sister of a son-in-law town, witnesses could see the tow- States.” and many years his junior. Their ering red flames consuming the son, Thomas Tingey Craven went Capitol Building and Presidents on to become a naval hero himself. House in Washington. Adding to For some twenty-four years, the the flames that could be seen 50 Tingeys lived in the rambling Com- miles away was a fire set to destroy mandant’s mansion in the Navy the Washington Navy Yard. How- Yard that had been designed by ever, the Navy Yard fire, which Benjamin Latrobe. He and his wife consumed about a million dollars of had become quite reluctant to part Navy property, was not set by the from it--even in death. Old newspa- British army but by the Navy per articles say that Captain Tingey Yard’s own commandant: Commo- attempted to will the home to his dore Thomas Tingey. wife. (There are no official records Thomas Tingey was born in Lon- to support this tale.) Ann outlived don, England, on September 11, Tingey by 32 years. 1750, the son of a clergyman of the As the first commandant, Tingey Church of England. In his youth he was responsible for the building of served as an officer in the British the Yard, which was then the Navy until 1771 when he left to Navy’s largest ship building and take command of merchant vessels Tingey’s success in the West In- refitting facility. As the British trading with the West Indies. There dies brought him to the attention of marched into Washington, holding he met Margaret Murdoch (b. 1751) Benjamin Stoddert, the first Secre- the yard became impossible; losing whom he married in 1777. Their 30 tary of the Navy. When the Wash- it unthinkable. Commodore Tingey, year marriage ended when she died ington Navy Yard was established seeing the smoke from the burning in 1807. in October 1799, Stoddart, describ- Capitol at half past eight in the eve- It is most likely that Tingey ing Tingey as "an officer of great ning, ordered the yard burned to served in the Continental Navy dur- merit and understanding, who has prevent its capture. He wrote to his ing the Revolution, however, there seen the Navy Yards of England," daughter, "I was the last officer who are no records surviving to demon- named Tingey to be the first Com- quitted the city after the enemy had strate that he did. After the Revolu- mandant, a position he would hold possession of it, having fully per- tionary War, he commanded ships for 29 years. formed all orders received, in which in the American merchant service While he was known to be a tire- was included that myself retiring, and he is known to have lived in less and a meticulous administrator, and not to fall into their possession. Philadelphia after 1783 and in he was also a highly respected so- I was also the first who returned Kingston, New Jersey, after 1797. cial figure. No ball, banquet or re- and the only one who ventured in on In 1794 Congress established the ception was complete without him. the day on which they were peace- United States Navy and Tingey was Tingey's rendition of "Hail Colum- ably masters of it". commissioned a captain four years bia" at President Thomas Jefferson's Commodore Tingey died on latter in September 3, 1798. During first reception at the President's February 23, 1829, in Washington, the short lived War with France House July 4, 1801 marked the first and was buried with "usual military (1798-1801) he commanded the 24- known vocal performance at a honors" in Congressional Cemetery. gun ship Ganges guarding the "White House" event. His gravestone stands immediately Windward Passage with much ac- His strong sense of civic respon- behind the Gatehouse in Range claim. In February 1799, officers of sibility led him to take an active 57/Site 1, next to his first and sec- the 44-gun British frigate Surprise part in public affairs. He was a pub- ond wives Margaret Murdoch and boarded the Ganges off Hispaniola, lic education school trustee as early Ann Dulany. Ω 4 Outstanding Volunteer The Cenotaph ~ A Mixed Review Barbara Hacker-Allshouse Latrobe Design Reflects Classical But Not Universal Tastes In a city that was designed from 'graveyard' near the city. I did not Barbara Hacker-Allshouse is our the ground up to reflect the grand see the monument erected upon this Association’s genealogy assistant; visions of a new government, it is occasion, but I presume it was in the if you have a question, she’ll find perhaps not surprising that those same style as several others I had the answer. Barbara’s interested in members of Congress who died remarked in the same burying- genealogy started in high school while in its service were given spe- ground, inscribed to the memory of watching her Aunt Jo-Ann explore cial “cenotaphs” (a Greek word members who had died at Washing- her father’s side of the family. meaning empty tomb) to honor their ton. These were square blocks of When Jo-Ann passed away, Bar- contributions. Even those whose re- masonry, without any pretension to bara began organizing and tran- mains were returned home were splendour." scribing her aunt’s research. honored with a monument at the By 1830, the "short, square and Since little was known about her Washington Parish Burial Ground. plain" sandstone cenotaphs had been mother’s side of the family, she be- Designed by architect Benjamin painted white. In 1839, a writer gan researching it. She located a Henry Latrobe, who was then work- complained that the cenotaphs distant cousin in Oregon from the ing on the new south wing of the should have been marble and been a Eckloff side of the family who re- Capitol, these identical cenotaphs – more beautiful design rather than ported that there were two brothers which some- "the very (Christian and Godfrey) who emi- times marked plain and grated from Prussia in the early an actual burial tasteless 1800’s to Washington, DC, where and sometimes tomb" that they settled and became tailors. not – reflected was used. Seeking pictures of Godfrey’s the classical As trans- head stone, Barbara visited Con- inspiration that portation im- gressional Cemetery in 1997 on the was shaping the proved, most day of the annual meeting where city plan and its legislators the speaker was highlighting Push- new Capitol who died in Ma-Ta-Ha and his son, Peter Paul building. office were Each monu- returned to ment was made their home of Aquia sand- states, and stone and re- burials of con- ported by La- gressmen in trobe to weigh Washington 800 pounds. had nearly The symmetrical Latrobe's journal sketch of cenotaph ceased by 1855. block topped by a and brick vaulted tomb, 1819 The tradition of simple conical cap erecting cenotaphs was a marked departure from the in memory of those who died con- typical shape and size of early tinued for another 20 years Pitchlyn (both of whom are historic American gravestones. (suspended during the Civil War), figures in the Choctaw nation). It has long been uncertain exactly but the practice became increasingly Pitchlyn was married to Godfrey’s when Latrobe designed the cenotaph costly and was discontinued in 1876. daughter, Caroline. form and when the first one was in- One cenotaph of the original While there, Barbara perused the stalled at the burying ground. form was erected in the 20th cen- Association’s records, finding more Though Uriah Tracy was buried in tury, after Rep. T. Hale Boggs Sr. of Eckloffs at Congressional, includ- 1807 and his grave is marked by a Louisiana and Rep. Nicholas Begich ing five of her grandmother Nellie cenotaph, the monument could have of Alaska disappeared in Alaska in Eckloff’s siblings, none of whom been installed years later. 1972. Nearby, a small granite ceno- made it out of childhood. Despite Latrobe's best intentions, taph (of modern, not Latrobe's de- After a few more visits to Con- public opinion of the cenotaphs sign) was placed by the family of gressional, Barbara volunteered to tended to be less than favorable even Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. of help transcribe the daily internment in the earliest years of the burying Massachusetts in 1995. Ω logs from the early part of the 20th ground. A visitor to Washington in This is the third in a series of articles about Century - 1903 to 1920; a very 1827 witnessed the funeral and bur- the history of Congressional Cemetery large undertaking. More recently, ial of a congressman, and described excerpted from a study written by Cathleen she has begun helping others find the cenotaphs already in place: "The Breitkreutz of Waterford, Virginia. out about their ancestors. body was interred in an open Barbara works as a Senior Sys- tems Analyst in Bethesda and is seeking a degree in database tech- Reserve Your Place in History nology at Strayer University. Bar- bara’s husband of three years likes Interment Sites to tease her about her hobby saying, are again available in “She talks to dead people.” Barbara Historic Congressional Cemetery just considers it another form of learning about history. Ω Call the Gatehouse for details—202-543-0539 5 Ward Six 9/11 Grove

Procurement of the trees and the landscape architecture design services was made possible by funding from the U.S. Forest Ser- vice and the TKF Foundation. Greenspaces for DC, as the managing organization for the groves, has committed $45,000 toward the $150,000 total cost of the Ward Six grove. Installation of the grove will be made possi- ble by donations of Ward Six residents and businesses. Lee & Associates, a local award winning landscape design firm, is designing the Ward Six Grove, as well as the main grove at Kingman Island. Jeff Lee, principle of Lee & Associates, noted that the Grove is intended to be non-prescriptive, allowing each person to interpret and me- morialize the loss of that day in their own way. Association member Jill Dowling, also a member of the Lee design team, was especially pleased to help bring the design to fruition to both remember those lost on Sep- tember 11th and to enhance Con- gressional Cemetery. The Ward Six grove is the largest enhancement of the Con- gressional Cemetery grounds in over 150 years. It reverses a dec- ades long trend of tree removals and deferred plantings. Chair Linda Harper noted that the Grove continues a tradition of memorials at Congressional like the Arsenal Monument and the cenotaphs. Once installed, the Association will assume respon- sibility for the care and mainte- nance of the trees. Also attending the ground- breaking were Kitty Stoner and Mary Wyatt of the TKF Founda- tion, an organization renowned for endowing sacred spaces. Mathew Arnn of the U.S. Forest Service, the primary funder of the project, and Sally Boasberg, President of Greenspaces for DC assisted in the groundbreaking. Approximately one-third of the funding is in hand for the in- stallation of the grove. Fundrais- ing efforts for the remainder will begin this summer. Construction The allee of trees stretches from Magnolia trees circling the Lummi of the hardscape is expected to the Sousa memorial bench to the healing poles. To the south are 28 begin in July and plantings will Barney Circle fence. At the north end Hornbeam in a tight formation end- go in the ground in September. is a cross of 24 Okame Cherry trees ing at a meditative space. Looking For more information see: followed by 17 Chinese Elm trees in south are scattered junipers and a an alternating setting. At the Prout fence line of redbuds, witchhazel, www.greenspacesfordc.org. Street intersection are 16 flowering and juniper. Ω 6 Congressional Quiz Restoring America’s Heritage A Builder & Destroyer I want to help preserve Historic Congressional Cemetery. Commodore Thomas Tingey was a highly respected figure in ___$25 ___$50 ___$100 ___$250 ___Other the early days of the new Federal City. He is famous for having set Donations of $250 or more are deposited in our Third Century Endow- fire to the navy yard he built as ment Fund which is matched by our Congressional Appropriation and managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. first commandant of Washing- ton’s Navy Yard. Are the follow- ____My check is enclosed (made payable to Congressional Cemetery). ing statements true or false? ____Please bill my credit card. ____Visa ____MasterCard • Tingey served as an officer in the British Navy in the Pa- cific before emigrating to the Card Number ______Exp. Date______Colonies upon retirement.

Signature ______• Tingey set fire to the Navy Yard during an experimental firing of a new cannon de- Name ______sign.

• Tingey’s failure as a land Address ______

speculator lead to the open- ing of a cemetery on his wa- City/State/Zip______terfront property. Phone ______email ______• Tingey was the first person to sing at a White House event. Does your employer make matching contributions? Would you like the matching gift form? _____ • Tingey commanded merchant ships in both the British and The Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery American merchant marines. is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax deductible.

Answer in Essay on Page 4.

Around the Yard

Masonic Lodge No. 15 donates flags in honor of founder Benjamin B. French

Webmaster Sandy Schmidt

Spring Clean-up Volunteer

Volunteers from the DC Chapter of Wittenberg University clear Prout Street Creek bed 7 The Association for the Preservation of Non-Profit Historic Congressional Cemetery U.S. Postage 1801 E Street, Southeast PAID Washington, DC 20003 Suburban, MD Permit No. 6511

Congressional Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

The Heritage Gazette Summer 2004

On The Horizon

School Namesakes Exhibit Sousa’s 150 Birthday Bash B. B. French Lodge Hits 150 Sumner School Hosting History Marine Band & Masonic Tribute Masons Celebrate Lodge Founder

The Sumner School at 1201 17th November 6, 2004 will be the 2004 marks the 150th Anniversary Street, NW, is hosting a special ex- 150th birthday of Marine Corps of the Benjamin B. French Masonic hibit dedicated to those for whom Band Leader John Philip Sousa. Lodge. French was a major figure in DC schools have been named. While the band has made annual the Lincoln Administration and Many of these stellar citizens are visits to Sousa’s gravesite every close friend of the Lincolns. The interred at Congressional. Our own year for 38 years, this year promises Lodge plans to co-celebrate this Sandy Schmidt is curating part of to be a bigger celebration. Members anniversary with the John Philip the show, which runs from Septem- of the Sousa family will be in atten- Sousa 150th birthday tribute on Nov. ber 11th through November 12. Call dance along with the Benjamin 6th. The Lodge is proposing a major the Gatehouse for details. Ω French Masonic Lodge. Ω landscape addition next year. Ω

Nat. Amer. Museum to Open Preservation Workshop Vault Photo Search Corollary Celebration Here Seminar on Conservation Matters Restoration Work Needs Guide

September 23rd marks the open- The National Preservation Insti- Good restoration work relies on ing of the Smithsonian’s Museum tute will return to Congressional an accurate knowledge of what used of the American Indian. We intend Cemetery on September 13 to offer to be. The Association hopes to re- to celebrate the new museum with a its second regional cemetery preser- store the Williams Vault this sum- weekend tribute to Native Ameri- vation seminar and workshop. The mer, but we have no photographs of cans who died while in Washington seminar discusses current issues in what it used to look like. If you representing their people and are documenting graveyards, preserva- have any old photos of Congres- interred at Congressional. Several tion efforts, and conservation tech- sional Cemetery, especially of the tribal chiefs will attend to offer me- niques. The registration deadline is brick vaults, please contact our morial services and consecrate the August 16th. Call NPI for more in- gatehouse and be part of the restora- Lummi Tribe Healing Poles. Ω formation at 703-765-0100. Ω tion team. Ω