P 202 .B8 C8 Copy 2 l/l^ i PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS SECURED IN THE NORTHERN SECTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AN ADDRESS BY WILLIAM VAN ZANDT COX 5 y/ vr H PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS SECURED IN THE NORTHERN SECTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA BY THE BRIGHTWOOD AVENUE CITIZENS' ASSOCIATION AN ADDRESS BY WILLIAM VAN ZANDT COX At the Presentation of a Flag to the New Fire Engine House No. 13, Brightwood, D. C, August 6, 1897. WASHINGTON, D. C. PRESS OF W. F. ROBERTS 1808 hx^oz '..^C ,<■'■/ 'J AN ADDRESS OF WELCOME, Including Some Remarks of a Historical Character on the Improvements of the Northern Section of THE District of Columbia. BY WILLIAM VAN ZANDT COX. T the request of our executive committee, I have come all the way from the capital of the State of Tennes- see, where I was sent to represent the District of Columbia at the Tennessee Centennial Exposition by the District Commissioners, to make an address of welcome. It is therefore my happy privilege, as well as my duty, as president of the Brightwood Avenue Citizens' Asso- ciation and chairman of its executive committee, to extend to each of you a sincere and hearty welcome to the shady hills of Brightwood. This is a proud day for our Association. We celebrate today the completion of a new fire-engine house, and we rejoice that it is to be under the charge of Foreman John Sherman and his brave associate fire-fighters, Donaldson, Smith, Beall, Nelson, Bernhardt, Covington, and Metz, whom we also welcome to their new field of activity. That you may thoroughly appreciate the condition of this community, let me say, that less than a decade ago Brightwood was almost as inaccessible as Rock Creek Park is today — which, as you know, Mr. Commissioner, is but little better known than when prehistoric men chipped their stone axes in the quarries along its banks. In those days, unless we had horses to go to Washington we had either to walk or ride in a rickety stage-coach, with torn and flying curtains, known as the " Red Bird," which a curious old negro occasionally drove up and down the road. This means of transportation was so irregular, expensive, and tedious that I have seen some of our dignified and elderly members, with coats and vests under their arms, start out in the morning for the city, ahead of the coach, and at night, cool and calm, precede it into Bright wood. In 1889 a venturesome capitalist extended the street railroad from Rock Creek Road to this village, and equipped it to his satisfaction with the discarded horses and bobtail cars of the Metropolitan Line. Although there was no certainty of reach- ing our destination, we all loyally patronized the improved method of transportation, claiming it to be superior to the "Red Bird." At first, being humanitarians, it was a pleasure to alight and help the fearless driver lift the car on the track and assist him push it and the balky horses up the hills; but as time rolled on and the roads grew muddy it became a trifle monotonous and irksome and our sympathy gradually disap- peared, until finally we became so callous that when the car got off the track (which it did on the least provocation) it was allowed to remain off and run in the middle of the road. Disgust then took the place of sympathy and rapidly increased against cars, horses, and company. Finally, unable to stand any longer what was facetiously called the "G. O. P." (get out and push) line, we organized on March 17, 1891, this asso- ciation for the purpose of securing better transportation facilities to and from Washington. Men were found who were willing to furnish the necessary capital to build an electric road. A bill was gotten through the House of Representatives and was about to pass the Senate, when some shrewd business men of Washington came to us one day when we were at the Capitol urging legislation and offered to save us all the trouble and worry of constructing and equipping the road. This we permitted them to do, and, I might add, although they have extended the road several miles beyond us, I have failed to hear, thus far, that they regret having come to our rescue. Improvements have followed on every side ; houses that had been without tenants for years were occupied. Brightwood Park, which was a corn field when I moved here, began to 5 build up until now it has a hundred houses. The advantage of early occupying Brightwood avenue was pointed out to the Washington Gaslight Company by our members, and that cor- poration was prevailed upon to extend its mains to and beyond us. Potomac water was piped from Fort Reno reservoir, more than four miles distant ; the postal facilities were improved, " the man and the sulky" disappearing, and we now have three mails daily, handled by our electric railroad. In the morning we read the papers at the breakfast table like our city guests and the evening papers are here before they are in many parts of Washington. A deep well was drilled opposite the hotel, supplying to the public excellent water ; the capacity of the public school was doubled, and is now too small for our needs although otherwise it is one of the best equipped school buildings, with as able and as progressive teachers as are to be found anywhere in the District. Streets have been opened, im- proved, widened, and straightened, and are lighted by elec- tricity, gas, and naptha ; sidewalks have been laid ; the police force of this precinct has been largely increased ; and, last of all as well as most important, a trunk sewer is now rapidly ap- proaching completion, a sewer over three miles in length that we have for years struggled to obtain, and finally secured not- withstanding opposition of the strongest kind. If the present generation does not fully appreciate what has been done for their health, the coming generation will bless the name of Dr. C. G. Stone, Austin P. Brown, Edward T. Bates, as well as other members of our executive committee. What a history of achievements for the Brightwood Avenue Citizens' Association ! Few know how much the northern end of the District is indebted to this organization for improvements, and fewer appreciate that fact. But, in addition to those al- ready mentioned. Captain T. W. Lay, John L. Norris, N. E. Robinson, W. E. Nalley, George Field, Claude F. King, Major ly. P. Williams, Daniel Ramey, W. A. Gatley, H. M. Gillman, the lamented Arthur L- Keene, and the late John Saul, deserve special praise%'br the work they so intelligently performed. What have you, let me ask, in Washington to add to your comfort that we country people have not ? One of the most 6 prominent men in Maryland wrote me last week: "The fire company on one side, your new granolithic sidewalk on the other, the rapid approach of the sewer up Brightwood avenue in the foreground, and the city very obviously advancing in blocks in the background make Brightwood one of the most progressive looking suburbs of Washington, and with a better prospect of being urban in the reasonable future than other more speculative localities." Is it strange, therefore, that this association, which has doubled in membership during the past three years, should feel most proud of the record showing what it has done toward making Brightwood the finest suburb of the Capital of the Nation — a suburb that has no equal in this country, so far as I know, in public improvements obtained at public expense ? Such a record, ladies and gentleman, could only be gained by enterprising, intelligent, and public-spirited citizens, organ- ized as an association. It required patience, fixedness of pur- pose, unity of action, and harmony. More than this, we have been fortunate in having active committees, presided over by expert chairmen possessing excellent judgment, and, with a cause worthy of success, how could an association do otherwise than succeed ? Indeed, had it been different, the associa- tion must have long since, like others, disbanded in the face of hopeless opposition and positive failure. It has for some time been the fixed policy of the Brightwood Avenue Citizens' Association to uphold the Commissioners, in questions not only local but general in character, whether extension of streets and sewers, the improvement of Rock Creek Park or the bond bill. The moral support of the community, we believe, is due to the Commissioners. We know them to be friends of every sec- tion of the entire District, and as such should receive the ap- proval of all worthy citizens. Having established a well-de- served reputation, no request of a public character has been made by this Association in recent years that the Commission- ers have not favorably considered. And I desire vu thank you, Mr. Commissioner Wight, and your associates and predeces- sors, your assistants, especially Captains Beach and Burr, FLAG PRESENTATION. Brightwood Citizens Donate a Banner to the Fire Department. >1; Hs * * * * * The exercises in connection with the presentation were of a most attractive character, and were in the nature of a lawn fete, being held in the beatiful grounds of "Emery Place," across the avenue from the engine house. The grounds were illuminated with Chinese lanterns, which added greatly to the beauty of the scene, and the platform in the center, on which the addresses were made, was tastefully decorated with flags, while a band stationed at one side, at stated intervals, rendered airs suitable for the time and place. CHILDREN TOOK PART. Pupils of the Brightwood Public School took part in the exercises, and sang patriotic airs, which were enthusiastically applauded, as was every feature of the program. Invitations had been extended by the committee in charge of the aff"air, and they were pretty generally accepted. The .seats which had been provided in front of the platform were early filled, and there were a large number of persons standing and pushing their way to the platform to hear what the speak- ers had to say. There were many ladies, in light summer costumes, in attendance, and they appeared to enjoy the festi- vities to the highest degree, while their presence was an in- spiration to the speakers and an added attraction to the re- mainder of the audience. Many were content to simply stroll about the velvety lawns under the yellow glowing Chinese lanterns and watch the effect from the shadows of the trees. Across the way was the engine house, spick and span, illum- inated in honor of the event, doors were wide open for inspec- tion, and the firemen, in their handsome uniforms, in front. During the evening hundreds of persons who had accepted the invitation to be present at the exercises made an inspection of the engine house, the engine itself, looked over the fine horses in their stalls and plied the fire laddies with hundreds of questions concerning the operation of the apparatus and the use of the different objects they saw, the methods of extin- guishing fires and other matters. 12 GUESTS PRESENT. The exercises were begun on the platform in the Kmery Place grounds soon after 7 o'clock. On the platform were : Commissioner John B. Wight, As- sistant Engineer Commissioners Beach and Burr, Chief Parris of the fire department, Governor Stanley of the Soldiers' Home and Assistant Governor Bernard, Dr. A. P. Pardon, Dr. John Lavender, Mr. Andrew I^oeffler, Mr. Lewis P. Shoe- maker, Messrs. Edwin A. Newman, M. A. Ballinger, H. L. Biscoe, Dr. C. G. Stone, Superintendent O'Brien and General Manager Williams of the Brightwood Railway Company, Fore- man Sherman of the Brightwood engine company, and others. After quite an elaborate display of pyrotechnics, an invoca- tion was offered by Rev. H. M. Reed, pastor of Emery Chapel, who asked Divine blessing and guidance on the village and the new acquisition. After this the choir of the chapel of which he is pastor sang several selections. Mr. William V. Cox made the address of welcome which was listened to with the greatest interest by the audience. [It appears elsewhere in this pamphlet] . MR. BATES' REMARKS. After the band had played several tunes Mr. Edward T. Bates made an address on " Our New Engine House," in which he detailed the struggle which had been made for the location of an engine in their midst by the citizens of Brightwood, from start to finish, their efforts being finally crowned with glowing victory, of which the occasion then was an evidence. Patriotism was raised to a higher pitch by the rendition of "Red, White and Blue" by the Brightwood school pupils. Prof. W. E. Nalley, principal, and Master Emery Cox, son of Mr. W. V. Cox, recited " The Star Spangled Banner." The Brightwood school children sang "Hail Columbia," and when the enthusiasm which had been roused by this had somewhat subsided the real feature of the occasion took place. THE PRINCIPAL FEATURE. This was the presentation of the flag to Commissioner Wight by Dr. C. G. Stone, prominently connected with the Bright- wood Citizens' Association, He praised the Commissioners for their action in allowing Brightwood to have the engine house, and declared that no more fitting sign of gratitude, in 13 his opinion, could be shown than by the presentation of the banner of hberty, which he tendered the Commissioner as the representative of fire company No. 13 of Brightwood. Commissioner Wight made a speech of acceptance, brief and to the point. ^ "I can assure the members of the association," he said ' that It IS with the greatest pleasure I accept the flag. I do not know of a more beautiful and appropriate gift on any oc- casion, particularly such a one as this, than is this emblem of hberty and patriotism, which is about to be unfurled." NUMBER 13 NOT UNLUCKY. He referred to the fact that the number of the engine house was 13, but he was certain, he said, it was not an unlucky num- ber, as was proven by the number of original stars in the flag and that of the colonies. He stated that he was proud of Brightwood. as in it could be seen the development of the city Chief Parris received the flag and immediately turned it over to Foreman Sherman of the engine company. An exhibition drill, at a signal from Chairman Cox of the association, was given by the fire company, and round after round of applause was evoked when the flag was at last floating from the staff of the engine house.— JVaskmg-^on Star, August y, 1897 M BRIGHTWOOD'S NEW FLAG. The presentation of a handsome new flag to the fire depart- ment of Brightwood last evening was an interesting affair. It was an event in which all the residents of that beautiful and thriving suburb of the National Capital are deeply interested, and they were all there to do honor to the occasion, not only the male portion of the population, but the ladies in great num- bers, their presence lending additional charm and interest to the ceremony. The exercises preceding the raising of the new flag over the new engine house were held on the beautiful lawn of the Emery Mansion, immediately opposite the engine house, on Bright- wood avenue. The mansion is now occupied by Mr. William V. Cox, the president of the Brightwood Citizens' Association, who kindly tendered the use of the grounds for the occasion. Near the center of the lawn, which was illuminated by hun- dreds of Chinese lanterns, was erected a large platform, on which the exercises preliminary to the raising of the flag were held. The stand, which was profusely decorated with the national colors in flags and bunting, was brilliantly lighted by electric lights, and a hundred or more Chinese lanterns. Across the avenue, immediately in front of the stand, was the new engine, handsomely decorated and brightly lighted up. It was, indeed, a gala occasion, one which will long be re- membered by the residents of Brightwood. Everything that could be done by the arrangements committee for the enter- tainment of the home folks and visitors was done. This feature of the evening's entertainment was, of course, a most decided success. In front of the platform were chairs and benches for the accommodation of the audience, but five hundred seats did not accommodate one thousand or more persons, the overflow being quite content to stand. The exercises were opened with prayer by Rev. H. M. Reed, pastor of Emery Chapel, before which, however, was a display of fireworks. An interesting and wholly unexpected incident was the exhibition drill by the fire department, which took place on signal from Mr. William V. Cox, the chairman of the meeting. It was given just after the speech of acceptance by Commissioner Wight, and reflected great credit on Foreman Sherman and his corps of fire laddies. 15 Following the prayer by the Rev. Dr. Reed the choir of Emery Chapel sang several patriotic airs. On the platform with President Cox were Commissioner John B. Wight, Gov. Stanley, of Soldiers' Home; R. F. Bernard, deputy governor Soldiers' Home; Col. Devoe, L. R. Shoe- maker, Dr. A. P. Fardon, Thomas O'Brien, superintendent Brightwood Railway Company ; Charles P. Williams, general manager Brightwood Railway Company; Andrew Loefler, Ed. A. Newman, Capt. Townsend, H. h. Biscoe, M. A. Ballinger, president Columbia Heights Citizens' Association; Austin P. Brown, Dr. W. B. Tiudall, Mr. Brooks, Mr. King, Dr. John Lowndes, Mr. E. E. Raniey, Mr. C. C. Lancaster. The address of welcome was made by Mr. W.V. Cox, presi- dent of the Brightwood Citizens' Association, who, in a few appropriate remarks, extended a cordial welcome to all. Mr. Edward T. Bates, who spoke of " Our New Engine house," gave a brief history of station No. 13 and the erection of the building. The pupils of the Brightwood public school, under the direc- tion of Prof. W. E. Nalley, principal of the school, accom- panied by the band of the Second Regiment, National Guard, sang "Red, White and Blue," in splendid style. Master Emery Cox, son of President Cox, recited the "Star Spangled Banner" The honor of presenting the flag devolved on Dr. C. B. Stone, one of the most prominent and active members of the Bright- wood Citizens' Association. It was the gift, he said, of the residents of the northwest section of the District. After commending the Commissioners for all they had done for Brightwood, in behalf of the residents and the citizens' as- sociation, he presented the flag to Commissioner Wight, rep- resenting the District authorities. Commissioner Wight accepted the flag in a brief speech. In conclusion he referred to the establishment of the fire station. It is No. 13, which number, he said, some people considered unlucky. He did not, however, for he remembered that when our beautiful flag was first unfurled, it had only thirteen stars on it, and that flag surely was never unlucky. At the conclusion of the exercises an open meeting of the association was held, and addresses were delivered by Messrs. Louis P. Shoemaker, Austin P. Brown and C. C. Lancaster. Commissioner Wight visited the engine house. He was met by Foreman Sherman, who made the laddies give an exhibition of the promptness with which they can respond to the fire alarm. Before leaving the firemen were introduced to Mr. Wight by Foreman Sherman. i6 At the close of the meeting of the association, the distin- guished visitors were entertained at lunch by President Cox at the Brightwood Hotel. The committee of arrangements was composed of the follow- ing gentlemen : W. V. Cox, chairman; C. F. King, Thomas O'Brien, C. G. Stone, M. D., Austin P. Brown, and Edward T. Bates. — Washington Times, August y, 1897. LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 014 366 288 3 | A LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 366 288 3 •