What a treasure trove of interesting historic homes! Side by side exist early 19th century manor houses, Federal townhouses, small frame buildings, ornate Italianate bracketed houses, late 19th century press-brick row houses combining Richardsonian Romanesque, Queen Anne, and Eastlakian motif. A delightful early morning bike and start to the day!
On my way back towards the Capitol Building I stopped at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare-related books, manuscripts, art, and artifacts, the building was a collaboration between Paul Cret, a French emigre trained in the Beaux-Arts style, and Henry and Emily Folger, a New York couple who shared a lifelong passion for Shakespeare and collecting.
I was there at 10am (when it opened, of course) after my morning ride. I proceeded to discover an entry to balcony steps to a re-created Shakespeare-like theater where a company of actors were rehearsing one of his plays for showing in a week or so. I sat and watched. I was the ONLY one there. LOL. (no pictures allowed) Also- another 'highlight' ... (shhhh) they have the fanciest restrooms in DC!
Now it was time for the Library of Congress. Being on a bike, or walking, gives you views that, in the past, I wouldn't have noticed, but now, writing a blog for a few, I see interesting views for a picture. Here's one, across from the Library of Congress :
On to the Jefferson Building. Wow! Talk about Italian Renaissance design! Most of my pictures are of the inside.
looking down upon the researchers using the facilities
One of their current exhibitions was on maps, and these were original copies. Very interesting.
Vania (my airbnb host) told me about a neat way to get across to the Capitol Building. There's a tunnel that connects the Library of Congress.
They do an excellent job in providing 10-30 person tours. I hooked up on one of these and really enjoyed our funny guide, a long term Nat'l Park employee. You're outfitted with a headset and can hear all of his descriptions.
This was the original section where both the House and the Senate originally met before additions were made. Each state can have two statues in this room. And, they can swap out one or both of them from time to time. Arkansas was in the process of swapping-in one of Johnny Cash. I ate lunch in the cafe with 5,000 other school kids! This is the biggest school cafeteria I've ever eaten in! LOTS of food and dessert selections and pretty reasonable (probably subsidized) prices.
Remember my post when at The National Museum of American History? The Pocahontas painting was a copy of what's on the wall here :
scenes from Columbus to the Wright brothers surround the Rotunda
Next adventure was to explore south of the Capitol Building and get my sense of direction down before Thursday's trip to the Naval Yard and the Navy Museum and the chapel with John Paul Jones' crypt.
On the way back to home base along the waterfront I discovered Fort Lesley J. McNair, built in 1791. Barbara, have you ever visited this base?
Now, to the waterfront and wharf for a refreshing beer ..
Flying Dog Blood Orange IPA @ Kirwans On The Wharf
Hope you enjoyed this post from another fun day in DC! More tomorrow.
Great pictures and interesting stops. By bike must be the best way to see the city. I remember being at the Air and Space museum when it was loaded with school children . . . as you say OMG!
ReplyDeleteThese photos are great, dad! Loving the look of spring with the pink blossoms
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