Historic Takoma Newsletters

Historic Takoma publishes a newsletter three times a year containing articles and announcements regarding Historic Takoma's activities, events in the Takoma community, and historical stories from the past.
  • Spring 2014
    • Bringing Local Radio to Takoma
    • WMATA Goes Forward with Development at Metro
    • Sam Abbott's Legacy Lives On
    • Takoma Park Commemorates 30 Years Nuclear Free
    • "Hula on the Radio" Benefit Concert Rocks The House

  • Fall 2012
    • Welcome to Our New Home: Time to Celebrate
    • North Takoma House and Garden Tour Scores Big with Visitors
    • Watch this Space and Enjoy Takoma History
    • Behind the Scenes: The Tour Docents
    • Garlic Mustard Be Gone! Work Day at Historic Gardens
    • Do You Know Who Lived In Your House In 1940?

  • Spring 2012
    • House & Garden Tour Set for Sunday, May 6
    • Reviving an 80-year-old DC Legacy
    • Building Update: Last Round of Major Construction
    • Takoma Park History in Words and Pictures
    • 2012 Board of Directors Adds Two New Faces

  • Fall 2010
    • A Successful 2010 House and Garden Tour
    • New HTI Officers and Directors Elected for 2010
    • Dorothy Barnes — Volunteer Superhero and Grand Marshal
    • Walking Tour of Old Takoma
    • Historic Photos for Council Chambers
    • Takoma Theatre Update
    • Flower Theater Protected
    • Houses Threatened with Demolition
    • HPC Budget Money Restored Thanks to HTI Members
    • Allen Theater Burns Down
    • Fourth Grade Tours
    • New and Renewed Members

  • Fall 2009
    • Update on HTI Building at 7328 Carroll Ave.
    • Takoma Theater Defended
    • HTI Brings Local History to the Silver Foxes
    • Arcadia Book Photos Needed
    • Historic Takoma Inc., 2008 Annual Report
    • Takoma History File at Takoma Library

  • December 2008
    • Groundbreaking for Takoma Park Fire Station Renovation
    • Update on HTI Building at 7328 Carroll Ave.
    • City Council Declares November 24th B.F. Gilbert Day
    • A New Poster in Town: The Colors of Takoma Park
    • Happenings in the Historic District
      Montgomery College Updates its Master Plan; New Restaurarnt, Avenue Over, Planned

  • August 2008
    • 2008 House and Garden Tour a Show Stopper
    • Progress on Building Renovation
    • What’s New In The Historic Districts
      Ecco Park 235, Carroll Avenue, NW; 6901 Laurel Avenue; Urciolo Properties in-fill development; Montgomery College Facilities Master Plan; Traffic circles at Takoma Junction; Streetscaping on Carroll Ave.
    • HTI 2007 Annual Report

  • April 2008
    • Progress on Building Renovation
    • What’s New In The Historic Districts
      Ecco Park 235 Carroll Ave., NW; Douglas Development project, Willow and Maple St., NW; 7112 Chestnut St., NW; New Testament Church, 4th and Butternut Sts., NW; Takoma Park Baptist Church rental houses, Piney Branch Rd., NW; Electrik Maid/Friedrich’s Cleaners’ sign, 268 Carroll St, NW; Fibrex windows in DC historic districts; 6901 Laurel Ave, Urciolo in-fill development; 36 Philadelphia Ave.; 7321 Takoma Ave.; 7131 Carroll Ave.; Middle East Cuisine; Fire Station re-construction, Carroll and Philadelphia Aves.
    • HTI Fighting for Landmark Designation for Historic Falkland Apartments in Silver Spring
    • Traffic Circle at the Junction

  • December 2007
    • Fabulous Fall Festival
    • WMATA Board, DC/MD Officials Ignore Community Concerns
    • What Does Historic Takoma As An Organization Do?
    • Façade Repair at 7328 Carroll Making Great Progress

  • April 2007
    • 2007 House & Garden Tour, Sunday, May 6th
    • Improvements to HTI’s New Building
    • Annual Meeting a Success, Four Dynamic New Members Added to the HTI Board
    • What’s Happening in Takoma Park’s Historic Districts
      Historic Windows Preserved; Douglas Development Project; Urciolo Project; Historic Takoma Theatre

  • December 2006
    • Finally! A Permanent Home for HTI
    • Huge Turnout at WMATA Compact Hearing on Proposed Metro Development
    • Ecco Park - A Different Sort of Proposed Development
    • New National Park Service Historic Preservation Website
    • Tips on Researching the History of Your House
    • What’s Happening in Takoma Park’s Historic Districts
      Cady-Lee House; Thomas-Siegler Carriage House

  • August 2006
    • Home Sweet Home at the Junction
    • What’s Happening In Takoma Park’s Historic Districts
      Carroll Ave Metro corridor and Laurel Ave Old Town shopping area; Carroll and Maple Ave, D.C.; Urciolo’s Takoma Metro Shopping Center; Takoma Park Historic District Pamphlet Now Available; 7001 Carroll Development Update; 7112 Chestnut St., NW:
    • Lee Jordan — A Hall of Famer from Takoma Park
    • Independence Day in Takoma Park — An Award Winning Occasion with a Rich History
    • Battleground National Cemetery Named to D.C. Preservation League List of Most Endangered Places

  • April 2006
    • Debate Continues On Proposed Development at Takoma Metro Site
    • What’s Happening In Takoma Park’s Historic Districts
      7001-7003 Carroll Ave, corner of Carroll and Westmoreland Aves.; 505 Tulip Ave.; Closing in on a Permanent Home for Historic Takoma and the Archives; Takoma Park Fire Station; 7118 Carroll Ave.; Maple and Willow Aves. behind CVS (Jemal Field); Takoma Theater
    • New HTI Life Members
    • Art McMurdie Restoration Award goes to Jackie Braitman

  • April 2005
    • City Council Recognizes Historic Takoma’s 25 Years of Service
    • HTI News
      New Board Members; Recent Additions to Our Archives; Art McMurdie Restoration Award presented to Jerome Ernst; New Life Members
    • Protecting Our Beloved Boundary Stone

  • March 2004
    • New HTI Officers and Directors Elected for 2004
    • Act Now to Save Maryland’s Heritage Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program!
    • Montgomery County HPC Dealing with Record Number of Violations
    • Flashing CVS Sign Violates Historic Aesthetic
    • HTI News
      HTI Supports OTBA Main Street Applications; WAH Ignores Community Concerns; HTI Sponsors Bungalow Nation Book Signing; Historic Cemetery Inventory
    • Takoma a Part of "America on the Move"
    • Goodman Houses Headed for National Register
    • Maintenance of Old Town Gazebo
    • Outreach to Neighborhood Associations
    • From The Archives: Recollections of the 1893 Fire

  • November 2003
    • On the Streets With HTI in DC and Maryland
    • Teardowns and Mansionization
    • Concern over Interior Renovation at Sligo Adventist Church
    • HTI News
      WAH Expansion — Update; Historic Takoma Joins OTBA; Mark’s Kitchen Benefit —Update; HTI Comments on Area Issues, Impact on Historic Community and Sites
    • Period Baseball Game at Rockville’s Jeb Stuart Days
    • "Capital Palaces" Highlighted in Takoma Theater Presentation
    • Did You Know . . .? That the first Takoma Park rail station was a three-sided shelter built in 1883. . .
    • Takoma Park’s African-American Heritage Explored

  • September 2003
    • Adventist Hospital Expansion Raises Neighborhood Concerns
    • Saving the Maryland Heritage Rehabilitation Tax Credit —AGAIN!!
    • Fourth Grade Walking Tour from HTI Education Committee
    • HTI Walking Tour of Takoma DC & Takoma Park, MD
    • HTI News
      HTI Board Extends Thanks to Departing Directors; 2003 House Tour A Big Success; Takoma Auto Clinic Fence — Update; City Makes Improvements at Thomas-Siegler Carriage House; Forested Lot on Hancock Ave.Threatened; HTI Board Resolution on Historic Building at 6901 Laurel Ave.; Laurel Avenue Streetscape Project in Old Town—Update

  • April 2003
    • Maryland Rehabilitation Tax Credit Saved!
    • Letters From Our Members . . .
    • Boundary Stone Update
    • HTI News
      HTI Forms New Publications Committee; Laurel Avenue Streetscape Project; Metropolitan Branch Trail—Update; Takoma Auto Clinic Fence&mdashUpdate; New Walter Reed Master Plan; Other Local Preservation Issues; Fire Damages 7321 Takoma Ave.; City of Takoma Park Facade Advisory Board
    • Did You Know . . .? that B. F. Gilbert's original name for his new community was Tacoma?
    • Takoma Tennis Courts Rededication in Memory of Henry H. Kennedy, Sr.
    • Preserve America—New White House Initiative
    • Historic Military Road School Threatened
    • Establishment of Takoma Memorial Community Park
    • Just Say "No" to Vinyl: Preserve Historic Wooden Windows

  • February 2003
    • Preserving NE #2, Takoma's Oldest Monument
    • HTI Expands Board
    • Save The Heritage Tax Credit!
    • Donations to Archives
    • Houses by Sears
    • Did You Know. . .? that the first Takoma Park Folk Festival was held to raise money for the Takoma Theater?
    • HTO News
      Aquatic Center Ground Breaking; Metropolitan Branch Bike Trail;Rededication of B&O Station in Silver Spring; Takoma Auto Clinic Fence Hearing; Demolition by Neglect Law; Takoma Fire Station Design
    • Make Sure Your Will Works

  • October 1999
    • HTI Archives Have A New Home!
    • President’s Message: Check Your Attics and Basements!
    • Around Town
      In Memorium: Allan Marsh; D.C. HPD Gains Momentum on Enforcement; Most of the King Farm Complex to be Destroyed; 7316/7318 Carroll Avenue
    • HTI News
      Takoma Park Book to be Reprinted; United Way Campaign Contributors, Please Designate #8361; Happy Birthday Montgomery County!; HTI Participates in Folk and Street Festivals
    • The Way We Were: Takoma Park After The War: Part Three
    • HTI Business
      Thanks!; Dog Days Cleanup

  • July 1999
    • Historic Takoma Celebrates its 20th Anniversary
    • Around Town
      Co-Housing Project Reviewed; Demolition by Neglect; Historic Designation for the Davis Warner Inn; Doug Harbit Joins HPC
    • HTI News
      John Urciolo Donates Space for HTI Archives; Museum Open Sundays; Preservation Award from MPI; Shakespeare in the Park; History Day Festivities; Fourth Grade Tours; Gardens Being Developed at Museum
    • HTI Business
      Thanks to the people and organizations who performed outstanding service to the organization
    • The Way We Were: Takoma Park After The War: Part Two,

  • April 1999
    • Major Improvements Planned for Thomas-Siegler Property
    • Around Town
      Sligo Creek Cabin Demolished; Billboard Bus Shelters Deferred for Historic District; Economic Development Strategies CAC
    • HTI News
      United Way Campaign Successful for HTI; HTI Endorses Doug Harbit for HPC; HTI Incorporates in DC; Matching Gift Programs Available; HTI Assists Local Student; Budget Approved; Special Recognition
    • Upcoming Events
      Student Program Planned; Dinky Line Tour; Open House Planned for DC Members; History Day Celebration
    • The Way We Were: Takoma Park After The War: Part One
    • From the Archives: The names of Takoma, DC’s streets today are not the same as when Benjamin Gilbert laid out his first land purchase.

  • January 1999
    • Owners to Grant Easement to HTI on Davis Warner Inn
    • President’s Message: Takoma, MD and Takoma, DC—Strength in Unity
    • Around Town
      Friends of Old Takoma Established; HTI Becomes Member of Economic Advisory Committee; HTI Members Contribute Generously to Phil Vogel Fund; Happy Birthday, HTI!; HTI Launches Restoration Award; HTI Receives Grant Funds for Book; Annual Meeting Held and Board Members Elected
    • HTI Committee News
      Archives: Funds Needed to Complete Archives Project; Education: Carriage Research Underway; Musuem: Halloween Festivities
    • HTI Member News

  • October 1998
    • Carriage House Museum to Get Horse and Carriage!
    • President’s Message: Citizens Need More Clout in Development Decisions
    • Around Town
      CVS Makes Minor Design Changes; HTI Appointed Member of MPAG; HTI a Member of Takoma Junction Committee; Silver Spring Historical Society is Forming; B&O Train Station
    • History Day Celebration
    • At the Archives: Consultant Helps Get HTI’s Documents Organized
    • Daytripper, Offbeat Baltimore
    • HTI Business News
      City Approves HTI CDBG Grant; HTI Supports July 4 Parade; New Membership Premium Available!; Happy Birthday Montgomery County!; United Way/CFC Contributors, Please Note; Maryland Increases Preservation Tax Credit to 25%; Sauerbrey Would Cut Historic Preservation Funding; Special Recognition; Welome New Members
    • In Memorium Phil Vogel

  • March 1998
    • HTI Recommends Urban Streetscape for CVS Project
    • HTI Needs Events Manager to Join Board of Directors
    • Around Town
      Gateway Area in Need of Improvement; Takoma Junction; HTI Sponsors DC Preservation League Seminar
    • A Look Back: Historic Preservation in Takoma Park. Part 4, 1990-1994
    • Museum News
      Museum Development Plans Make Progress; Consultant's Report; Advisory Group Convened; SMA Conference
    • New at HTI
      HTI Joins DC Groups; HTI Wins Two Grants; HTI Plans Victorian Garden
    • Resource File: Historic Preservation Ordinance Requirements in Montgomery County
    • Annual Meeting Concludes an Eventful Year
    • From the Archives Ordinance No. XIV-1890 Tramps

  • December 1997
    • HTI Supports Historic Design for Fire Station
    • What’s New at the Archives
      Takoma Park’s Archives: A Treasure Trove; HTI Applies for Grant; Archives Week Exhibit
    • Around Town
      Silver Spring Train Station to be Moved; Save Our Seminary; Acorn Park; Friends of the Silver Theater; History Consortium; Illegal Addition Removed
    • A Look Back: Historic Preservation in Takoma Park, Part 3: 1985-1989
    • Museum Report
      Thomas-Siegler Museum Has a Busy Second Season!; Strawberry Festival; School Tours; Adventist Heritage Days; Community Open House; Halloween Howl!; Museum Committee Plans
    • Resource File: Reproducing Historic Millwork
    • HTI News: Changes in Leadership and Bylaws
  •  


Dorothy Barnes
Longtime HTI board member and historian Dorothy Barnes was recognized as the City’s top volunteer at the 6th Annual Azalea Awards ceremony. (Fall 2010)
 

Takoma DC Library
The Takoma collection is housed in the recently renovated Takoma DC Public Library. (Fall 2009)

HTI Booth at 2008 street festival
Historic Takoma booth on Carroll Ave. at the 2008 Street Festival. (Dec. 2008)

House and Garden TourLocal potter Maija Hay in her garden with a Tour goer. (Aug. 2008)

7135 Carroll Ave.7135 Carroll Ave., slated to be torn down for the new fire station. (Apr. 2008)

2007 Fall Festival
HTI Board member Caroline Alderson (center), husband Tom (right) and Dave Goldman (left).at the 2007 Fall Festival (Dec. 2007)

Old windows to be restoredSome of the windows being preserved at four houses owned by the Takoma Park Baptist Church (Apr. 2007)

 

Ecco Park Project
The Ecco Park project will be a four-story glass and stone building with small shops and restaurants. (Dec. 2006)

 

Battleground National Cemetery
Flagpole and headstones at Battleground National Cemetery (Aug. 2006)

 

 

Alternative Metro plan
Alternative plan for Metro site proposed by Friends of Takoma Transit (Apr. 2006)

 

7321 Takoma Ave., restored7321 Takoma Ave. beautifully restored and saved for posterity. (Apr. 2005)

 

 

 

Watkins HotelThe Watkins Hotel burned in the 1893 fire. (Mar. 2004)

 

 

 

African-Amderican Conference walking tour
HTI's Diana Kohn speaks to the African-American Preservation Conference walking tour. (Nov. 2003)

 

 

 

View of Washington Adventist Hospital
View of the Washington Adventist Hospital main entrance on Carroll Ave. near Flower Ave.
(Sept. 2003)

 

 

 

Cady-Lee Mansion
The Cady-Lee Mansion was on HTI's 2003 Takoma Park House and Garden Tour.
(Apr. 2003)

 

 

 

Boundary Stone todayThe Boundary Stone today, all restored. Photo courtesy: DDOT (Feb 2003)

 

 

 

Union Chapel
Union Chapel, ca. 1888-1949, Maple and Tulip Avenues. This interdenominational chapel was sold to the newly formed Takoma Park Presbyterian Church in 1893. (Oct. 1999)

 

 

Takoma Elementary School
Takoma Elementary School, Piney Branch Rd. and Dahlia St., NW. It was built in 1901 and educated many students from both Takoma, DC and Takoma Park, MD. It was demolished in the mid-1970s
(Jul. 1999)

 

 

 

Takoma Park Train Station
The Takoma Park Train Station, which was destroyed by arson in 1967. The Metro Station occupies this site today. An image of the train station is the logo of Historic Takoma.
(Apr. 1999)

 

 

 

davis Warner Inn The owners of the Davis Warner Inn granted an easement to HTI. (Jan. 1999)

 

 

 

Essex Trap carriage
Built around the turn of the century, the Essex Trap was the kind of carriage likely to have been used by the early owners of the Carriage House.
(Oct. 1998)

 

 

 

House slated to be razed
One of the three historic houses slated to be moved to make way for the proposed strip mall development. (Mar. 1998)

 

 

 

HTI Independence Day exhibit
Historic Takoma helped to celebrate Independence Day with this exhibit in the Shampoo window.
(Dec. 1997)