_The Streets of George Town and Some of the Happenings_
The houses had no numbers, but the streets had descriptive names. Along
the river, Wapping, changing to The Keys and East to West Landing where
all the busy loading and unloading of vessels took place. Just above
there running west off Water Street for a short distance was Cherry Lane
(now Grace Street). What a pretty name! Once a fashionable neighborhood,
later on a slum.
Running north and south there was first Fishing Lane which became East
Lane and finally settled down to Congress Street and is now
Twenty-first.
Then the Main Street up from the ferry, called Water Street until it got
to Bridge running east and west where was the Square, also called the
Center of the Town. Then Water Street became High and Bridge continued
on its way as the Falls Street--both names typical, as one was climbing
a hill and the other was the road to The Little Falls. Duck Lane became
Market (33rd) Street; Bridge (M) Street; Frederick (34th) Street, for it
was the road out to Frederick Town, forty miles away; Potomac Street,
for the river; Fayette Street, certainly named in honor of the Marquis,
but in that age of young democracy, de la was dropped from de la
Fayette. Then there was Montgomery (28th) Street, Greene (29th) Street,
and Washington (30th) Street, all named for Generals of the Revolution.
Running the other way were Gay, Dunbarton, Beall, West, Stoddert, this,
for a long time was known as Back Street. West of High Street (Wisconsin
Avenue) the streets became First, Second, Third, etc. Twenty-seventh
Street, after being New Street for one block and Mill Street for
another, finally was named for President Monroe. Madison had a street
named for him too, but it was so far out, about 9th, in the far western
corner, that it never amounted to much.
But the street that intrigues me most is Gay. There were two of them for
a while, the one that is now N, and another, way up near the college,
which was renamed in honor of General Lingan, after his tragic death.
Who was Gay Street named for? It wasn't a local celebrity, for Baltimore
also had a Gay Street, still has, way down in its old section. There was
somebody the people of that generation admired and wished to
commemorate.
Could it possibly have been the English poet, John Gay, (1685-1732)
whose best known piece "The Beggar's Opera" was said to have made "The
Rich gay and Gay rich"? He was buried in Westminster Abbey. His epitaph
was by Alexander Pope, followed by Gay's own mocking couplet, "Life is a
jest, and all things show it. I thought so once and now I know it."
The Beggar's Opera for a time drove Italian Opera off the English stage
(1728) by its caricature of Sir Robert Walpole, Prime Minister of George
II. These people were British subjects, you know, when these streets
were named.
Somewhere in these quaint little streets in the early days before 1800,
in one of these little brick houses, two stories with dormer windows,
which the architects nowadays call the George Town Type, lived a couple
named McDonald who had marital difficulties, for in an old newspaper is
this advertisement:
Whereas my wife, Mary McDonald, has left me without any just cause
or impediment. She is about fifty years of age, lame in her right
leg and snivels a little. It is supposed she went off with one
Robert Joiner, an ill-looking fellow. If she returns to the arms of
her disconsolate husband, she shall be received and no questions
asked.
There was another advertisement:
Alexander McDonald, taylor, removed from Bridge Street to High
Street, two or three gentlemen can be accomodated with board and
lodging.
I wonder if Robert Joiner, with whom Mary eloped, was one of those two
or three gentlemen, and what fascination she had that was strong enough
to overcome all those physical disabilities her "disconsolate husband"
enumerated!
A man in Boston wanted a wife, and had his advertisement copied from
_The Boston Sentinel_ into a George Town newspaper:
Wanted--A wife: Enquire of the Printer. April 23, 1801. Be pleased
to inform applicants, that the advertiser wishes the lady to be
neither too old nor too young. Taking 25 for a central point, she
must not be more than 7 years distant either way. If of a sulky or
fretful disposition; if sluttish, lazy, proud, ostentatious or
deceitful, or of an ill state of health, she must have a pretty
large share of property to recommend her. If on the contrary, she be
of a cheerful, contented temper; of affable manners and benevolent
to the poor; if in the habit of being attentive to her household
when business commands attention, and gay and careless when pleasure
is the pursuit; and of sound health and good constitution (for such
only can produce strong and vigorous children), she need not
possess a cent. If well-read, so much the better, provided she is
not too fond of her book to neglect overseeing her affairs and
suffering the hole in her stocking to go unmended. She must not be a
pedant or a scold but must know enough of books to distinguish
between a volume of history and a novel; and have sufficient spirit
to prevent being imposed upon. Communication addressed to A. B. and
left at the composing room, if originating in honorable intentions
will be attended to with secrecy, honor and punctuality, and should
the interview succeed, the advertiser will faithfully describe his
situation and prospects.
Was this paragon discovered in old George Town and taken to Boston for
keeps? No one knows.
But this might easily have been so, as witness these advertisements of
the plays being shown in George Town in 1790, for on July 21 this
appears: "The Theatre of this Town was opened by Mr. McGrath's Company
of Comedians, with the celebrated comedy The Miser. This Company is by
far the best that ever visited this town." Then on August 12 there was
"The Beggars Opera and A Comedy of two acts, Barnaby Brittle or a Wife
at her Wits End. Also in August Mr. McGrath's Company of Comedians gave
The Tragedy of Douglas and Garrick's Comedy of Two Acts called The Lying
Valet."
The curtain will rise at 7 o'clock Tickets at three quarters of a
dollar each to be had at Mr. Suter's and Mrs. White's Taverns and at
this Printing Office.
Another evening will be presented the "Tragedy of Jane Shore. Between
the play and the farce a humorous dissertation of Jealousy to be
delivered by Mr. McGrath to which will be added a farce called Cross
Purposes, or Which is the Man. The doors to be opened at half past five
and the curtain to rise at half past six."
For attendance at these performances and other social events, the ladies
and gentlemen of George Town were naturally interested in this
advertisement in the paper:
BY FASHIONS WE LIVE
JOHN JONES
Hair dresser for Ladies and Gentlemen. Begs leave to inform Ladies
and Gentlemen of George Town and its vicinage that he intends
carrying on his profession in all its different branches and
fashions; he also carries on the Cushion, Perriwig, Curls, Braids,
false curls and Gentlemen's Bandoe making. The highest price given
for human hair.
George Town, at this time, was even favored by the presence of one of
the greatest portrait painters of his time, Gilbert Stuart. About 1803
he spent two years here. He painted Jefferson and the men who followed
him in the Presidency up through John Quincy Adams. He had, of course,
previously been much at Mount Vernon while doing his famous portraits of
General Washington. It is said that Washington was the only person in
whose presence Stuart was ever embarrassed.
There were drawing teachers and dancing masters. "Mr. Carle, dancing
master, may be spoke with on school days at Mrs. White's Tavern."
"Dancing School of J. B. Duclaviacq at his dancing room back of Mr.
Turner's Counting House."
Perhaps it was one of these two which advertised, "A night
Dancing-School for the Reception of Gentlemen who are not at leisure to
attend in the Day-time; will be kept the evenings of the School days;
The Price to each Scholar will be Four dollars. A subscription is lodged
with Mr. Peter Casanave."
Gaming at cards at private balls and parties and toddy at dinner date
back to the earliest knowledge of society in this vicinity. Card
playing, horse-racing and other sports were fashionable and popular and
had not abated in 1800 when the Government came.
In chronicles of Sir Augustus Foster, the British Minister in 1805 he
notes the balls in Georgetown "Cards for everybody, loo for the
girls--brag for the men."
But all was not play, for in the _Times_ and _Potowmack Packet_ is this
newsnote:
On the 13th inst. a daughter of Mr. Aaron Haynes of this town, a
young miss in the tenth year of her age, spun 50 knots of good linen
yarn, from sun-rise to sunset. An example of industry, highly
honorable to herself and well worthy of imitation.
And speaking of youth here is an interesting item:
This day were baptized three male children (the uncommon gift of
Providence at one birth) by the names of George Washington, John
Adams, Benjamin Franklin.
Then this sad and interesting advertisement:
With regret and shame the subscriber finds himself under the
necessity of advertising his wife. Although it is practised by some
white people, yet he, though black, blushes at the thought of
declaring to the world that his wife has run away. But disagreeable
as it is, he does by these presents make known that Lucy, his wife,
has eloped from his bed and board and forbids all persons harbouring
or trusting her, as he will pay no debts of her contracting after
this date.
Prince Hull.
On June 30, 1790 there was this announcement in the newspaper:
The gentlemen who have subscribed to celebrate the Anniversary of
American Independency will be pleased to attend at Mrs. White's
Tavern at Four O' clock tomorrow afternoon to choose Managers to
regulate the proceedings of that day.
Scheme of a Lottery:
To raise the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred and Nine Dollars for
the purpose of finishing the Church between George Town and
Bladensburgh, called Rock Creek Church.
All prizes not demanded in six months after the drawing, will be
deemed generous contributions.
3000 Tickets at Two dollars each.
As the above is laudable it is expected that it will meet with
approbation and support of the public. As soon as the tickets are
sold the drawing will commence at Mr. John Suter's at George Town
and the Prizes paid immediately thereafter on application to Thomas
Beall Treasurer, in specie.
MANAGERS
Col. Wm. Deakins Robert Peter
Benj. Stoddert John Peter
Brooke Beall Bernard O'Neil
John Threlkeld Anthony Hollmead
Thomas Cramphin Col. George Beall
Thomas Beall of George
Treasurer
_The Times and Potowmack Packet._ November 25, 1789.
Five years before in September 1784 in the _Maryland Gazette_ there was
an advertisement for the George Town Academy lottery:
Scheme of a lottery for raising $1,400 to be applied to the
purchasing a house for the use of the George Town Academy.
The right education of youth is an object of such vast importance of
freedom and happiness that there needs no strength of reasoning to
recommend the above scheme which is meant to promote it to the
patronage and encouragement of a liberal public.
Tickets may be had from Messrs. Robert Peter, William Deakins, Jr.,
Bernard O'Neill, Henry Townsend, John P. Boucher, Benj. Stoddert,
Robt. Philips, Sam'l Davidson, Brooke Beall, and Dr. Walter Smith at
George Town;
Wm. D. Beall at Bladensburg, Henry Lyles, Alexandria; Thomas
Clagett, at Piscataway, Abraham Faw and Patrick Sim Smith,
Frederick-town, and David Stewart and Cumberland Dugan and Mr.
Henderson at Baltimore.
David Crawford, Upper Marlboro; Alexander Clagett, Hager's Town.
The drawing will commence at George Town as soon as the tickets are
all sold.
Managers are Robt. Peter
Benj. Stoddert
Wm. Deakins, Jr.
Who will faithfully execute the trust reposed in them.
Henry Stouffer advertised in 1789 his Stage to Annapolis, three times a
week which took six or seven hours at the farthest. And in the same
paper the Annapolis Packet run by Edward Thomas (of course by water)
goes twice a week charging 7 shillings, 6 pence.
In the _Impartial Observer and Washington Advertiser_ of June 26, 1795:
George Town, Washington and Alexandria Packet--James Bull Master.
Will leave George Town every morning at seven o'clock and call at
this place (City of Washington) on her way to Alexandria. Leave
Alexandria every evening at 4 and call on way to George Town. 17
cents from George Town to Greenleaf Point, 33 to Alexandria.
Passages engaged at Mr. Suter's or Mr. Semmes' Tavern in George
Town; at Mr. Ward's, Greenleaf Point, and Mr. Thomas Porter's Store,
Alexandria.
Ferry boats must not have pendent or any other colour flying or ring
a bell on board so as to affrighten the horses and thereby endanger
the lives of the passengers. Penalty of $20.
_Sentinel of Liberty_, June 27, 1800:
The Stages will leave Light-Lane Number 3 adjoining the Fountain Inn
every day (Monday excepted.)
Returning, leave Mr. Heiskell's, Alexandria, at 3 o'clock. Mr.
Semmes' at George Town at 5.
There were also stages going out to Rockville and to Frederick.
In later years there was a conveyance running to Rockville spoken of as
"The Hack."
The license tax list discriminated in license value of one-horse chaise
and two-wheel coach.
This thriving town had of course to be regulated and governed, and there
are copies in existence of the ordinances and by-laws for making it safe
and agreeable. One passed on the 20th November 1791, related to "the
going at large of geese and swine" and makes it "lawful to kill any such
and give notice to the Mayor or one of the Aldermen, the offender to be
sent to the public market house where the owner may claim within four
hours, or if no claim in four hours, the finder take and apply to proper
use. All goats running at large shall be forfeited to who ever shall
take them up."
Also on August 4, 1795 an ordinance relating to garbage, glass bottles,
or oyster shells in quantity 30 shillings fine. We are still having
trouble keeping Georgetown neat and clean.
And they had trouble about speeding then as now, for there was passed an
ordinance August 4, 1795 "that any person who shall by galloping, or
otherwise force at an improper speed any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, shall
if a free man, forfeit and pay for every such offence the sum of 15
shillings current money; if an apprentice, servant or a slave the
master or the mistress shall forfeit and pay the sum of 7 shillings and
sixpence."
And in 1807 they passed an ordinance to "more effectually diminish the
number of dogs in Gerogetown as they have become a public nuisance; on
the first dog of the male kind owned by any one person, $1; on the
second, $2; and on all over two, owned by the same person, $5; and on
the first of the female kind, $2; on the second, $4; and on all dogs of
the female kind over and above two, owned by the same person, $10."
Then they passed an ordinance, "that after the first day of May next no
slave shall be permitted to sell any article whatever (other than fruit)
on the Sabboth."
In 1811 the Mayor was ordered to appoint and hire eight men of good
character to keep a night watch at the rate of $150 per annum, one of
them to act as Captain at the rate of $250.
They probably officiated at these events.
Ordinance passed 10th October 1796.
Whereas many respectable inhabitants of Georgetown have complained
that they suffer great inconvenience from the vast concourse of idle
white and black persons that frequently assemble together for the
purpose of fighting cocks, at which time they drink to access,
become riotous, and disturb the quiet and repose of the good
citizens, be it ordained by Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common
Council that any white person or persons or free negro or negroes
who shall presume to fight any game cocks or dunghill fouls within
the jurisdiction of the corporation for any wagers or for diversion
shall for every offense pay $5. Also if having assembled in a
disorderly manner for the purpose of fighting cocks, if they refuse
to disperse, constables shall take such negro or negroes (being
slaves) and give him, her, or them, due correction upon the bare
back in some public part of Georgetown not exceeding 39 strikes.
An ordinance for regulating and licensing hackney carriages, billiard
tables, theatrical and other public amusements.
Another says,
... any person or persons who shall keep or maintain the common
gaming house or open or set up any public gaming table shall forfeit
and pay $20 current money.
Provided always, that licensed billiard tables are not intended
hereby to be prohibited or herein included.
Passed 4th October 1803.
The fire engines and fire buckets heretofore bought by the subscription
of sundry inhabitants of the town have been offered for the use of the
town.
In 1801 the corporation of Georgetown was concerning itself a good deal
with the paving of the streets.
John Mason, Jesse Baley and Wm. H. Dorsey were a committee to report
permanent systems for improving the streets and alleys, whether by
paving or otherwise.
They determined to commence the work at the intersection of Washington
(30th) and Bridge (M) Streets and carry the pavement up along the north
side of Bridge Street to the intersection of High and Water Streets and
thence, after paving with round stone the Center Square to continue it
afterwards along the south of Fall Street ... to remove the earth and
pave 5 ft. wide against the curb stone, where individuals would not
pave, from Washington to High Street and to graduate and pave the Center
Square.
There was a good deal more work of that kind to be done at that time and
John Peter was appointed permanent superintendent.