Jaybird's Jottings

Cherry Trees Update

My trip to the Tidal Basin on Saturday told me that an enjoyable time can be had even if the blooms are not at peak.

Now, all eyes on the perfect day, which for me is peak and blue skies, or just not overcast.

The good news for that?

David Coleman’s photos from yesterday sure do look like they’re in peak.   With no storms forecasted, that says to me, it should be great viewing all week long.

The not so good news?

If you’re coming from San Francisco, you’ll know what the forecasters mean by “a marine pattern.”   Trapped moisture along the coast means cooler/foggy mornings, then better in the pm.

Capital Weather Gang agrees and also allows for periods of sun even in the morning, such as right now as the rising sun is blinding me.

So it’s looking good this week, perhaps Thursday and Friday are the best bets, but the next three days should have some good periods.

Good luck!

 

 

 

 

 

Cherry Trees

So, are you an east side of the Tidal Basin fan, or west?

I’m going with the west, which I took in this morning.

The blooms are not yet in peak, but great weather today.   

 

Teaism Now Brewing in Old Town

From 1869 to 1916, on the north side of Old Town Alexandria, where Trader Joe’s and other stores and townhomes now lie, the Robert Portner Company brewed Tivoli beer.

This week, next door to Trader Joe’s, and on the site of the company’s plant, another company has begun their brewing operation.  We’re talking the new "Teaism" restaurant at 682 N. St Asaph, which swung open their doors on Thursday.

Ruben Hernandez, the restaurant’s seasoned manager, said the company is excited to be in Alexandria and Old Town.   With the infusion (sorry, I couldn't resist) of new residents on the north side, and more to come at Potomac Yard, and the growing knowledge tea is better health-wise, "Teaism" is well situated for their own long stay.  

The fact they don’t serve coffee may seem odd, but the company, with three locations in the District, has a proven track record without it.    They've also decided to not offer free wifi.   Not everyone will put down their smart phones while they sip and dine there, but with Teaism's philosophy and décor, the invitation to relax is certainly there.  

As can be expected, their operation here is not yet at full speed.  I wanted to try their Apple Gingerbread, but they had not yet stocked the item.     A cashier was receiving on-the-job training.  

A spiffy new bar awaits in the back.   Hernandez said they are working hard to get through the city’s hoops for the liquor license.

Bamboo shoots line the dining room, a space larger than I expected.   Like a customer eating breakfast told me yesterday, the place could use some flowers.

"Teaism" is a most welcome addition to this part of Alexandria.   Hurry over, but then relax, unwind and untether.   

A new era of brewing has begun in Old Town.

 

National Colonial Farm and Marshall Hall

Piscataway Park, part of the National Park Service, was established in 1961 as a pilot project in the use of easements to protect parklands from obtrusive urban expansion. Today, Piscataway Park covers approximately 5,000 acres and stretches for six miles from Piscataway Creek to Marshall Hall on the Potomac River.  - National Park Service

 

Each year, hundreds of thousands visit Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home and farm ten miles south of the nation’s capital.   We locals, who count escort trips with friends and families, can tally more than a handful of visits.

How many of us, however, have taken in the view of the estate and grounds from the other side of the river?   

The answer lies in the route you take.   For birds and boats, just one mile.  Otherwise, from George and Martha’s place, a 25-mile roundabout drive.

Of course, one would want more of a reason than just that unique photo op and view to take such a trip.  

Enter Piscataway Park, home to the “National Colonial Farm,” which lies directly across the river from Mount Vernon in Prince George’s County, Maryland.   Fostered by the "Accokeek Foundation," one of the nation’s first land trusts, this living history museum invites visitors to learn about land conservation, historic preservation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship.   

The Park’s walking trail has about a dozen stops, and includes the education center, the farm, museum garden, a chestnut grove and native tree arboretum.  The farm is set up to reflect life for a tobacco planting family in Maryland in the 1770s.

If you’re game, continue over to Marshall Hall, also managed by Piscataway Park.    As noted by the fading interpretive marker there, the building (c . 1725), or what’s left of it, is a good example of early 18^th Century Maryland colonial architecture.

The history behind the Marshall House and this part of the park is fascinating.    Quite frankly, I was surprised only to see just the one marker, which provides a mere sketch.  

The Marshall Hall Foundation website provides an excellent primer.  The Marshall family owned the property for many years.    In 1785, Dr. Thomas Marshall crossed the river via ferry to dine with the Washingtons, and on one occasion, stayed overnight. 

An almost century-long commercial era began in 1889 when the Mount Vernon and Marshall Hall Steamboat Company operated the “Charles Macalester,” which ran twice a day and evenings in summer from SW DC to Mount Vernon and Marshall Hall.     The Marshall Hall Amusement Park was a forerunner to theme parks such as King’s Dominion and Busch Gardens.

Scott Moore’s website has some great photos and info on the DC-Mount Vernon-Marshall Hall entertainment cruises.  In the 1940s, the “S.S. Mount Vernon” replaced the “City of Washington.”  The river voyage started at Pier 4 on Maine Avenue.   

“A little history, a lot of fun,” might have been the cruise line’s motto.   With business booming, the park added a roller coaster, new rides, a Ferris Wheel, a shooting gallery and arcade in 1958.  And get this - 185 slot machines were also installed.   

In 1969, a new set of investors tried to “jump the shark,” so to speak.    Their grand plan was for a Disney-like park to be called “Spirit of America.”   When they started cutting trees, preservationists intervened.   In 1974, the National Park Service purchased the 446 acres.  

Eight years later, an arsonist’s fire took away almost everything.   Paul Hodge’s article (“Fire Destroys Historic Mansion”) in the Washington Post touched on the history of the site, which goes back to 1650 when William Marshall of London secured a patent for the 500 acres.   His descendants bought the land from the Piscataway Indians.  

The view of Mount Vernon is not what we expected.   Your best bet is the pier at the farm. 

If you go, say a quiet hello to the fishermen (catfish, perch).   Their relaxed state of mind reflects the peaceful beauty found in this part of our area.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finding Francis Scott Key: Woodley Mansion

After graduating from St John’s, Key began his career as a lawyer in Georgetown in 1805.   A year later, his uncle, Philip Barton Key, whose watchful eye as a mentor had guided Key in Annapolis, turned over his practice to his nephew.  

Although he disagreed with his father’s brother’s politics, Key owed him a lot.   In addition to his wealthy clients, Philip introduced Francis to the upper crust of Washington society.   Social events at Woodley, Philip’s mansion with a commanding view of Georgetown and the new Federal city, were the talk of the town.

Al Kilborne, author of “Woodley and its Residents,” and a history teacher at Maret, described their relationship.

Philip Barton Key and Francis Scott Key were more than uncle and nephew.  It was in PBK's law offices that FSC apprenticed, and when PBK decided to run for Congress, he turned his legal practice over to FSK.   FSK was frequently at Woodley.  He was there when John Randolph of Roanoke had the seizure that changed Randolph’s life.  Key also etched his initials into a window pane that was mistakenly broken up and discarded during a renovation.  

Philip Barton Key was a fascinating figure.    After fighting as a Loyalist in the American Revolution, he received a first class education in London.   Returning to the States in 1789, he married Ann Plater and built the Woodley mansion in 1801.   Key was the only Loyalist to move beyond the taint of fighting against his fellow countrymen.   He served as a Federal judge and as a Congressman.  In his biography of FSK, Delplaine calls Philip Barton Key, “a man of sterling character and winning personality.”

Located at 3000 Cathedral Avenue in Woodley Park, the Federal style house overlooks the city and surrounding area, a view blocked by trees.    During the Key’s time, however, the cleared away land below made for a remarkable panoramic view.  

In an article in the Washington Post, Kilborne calls Woodley, “the most illustrious house in Washington after the White House and the Vice President’s home at Naval Observatory.”  Since 1952, the mansion has been home to the Maret School.  Founded in 1911, the school is “an independent, coeducational, K–12, college preparatory day school located on a single campus.”   

In his book, Kilborne details Woodley’s residents.   The list is a slice of “Who’s Who?” of Washington’s highest-ranking power players and includes a pair of Presidents, Secretaries of War, State and the Treasury, two Senators, two Generals including George C. Patton, and of course, Philip Barton Key.  

FDR and Eleanor visited frequently.  State secrets were whispered here, and on the afternoon of December 7, 1941, an aide handed Secretary of War Henry Stimson the phone.   On the other end was President Roosevelt, who asked, "Have you heard the news?"

In a most gracious offer, Kilborne showed me inside, and pointed out some specific places Key would have stood while visiting his aunt and uncle.   One is the fireplace in the middle room.  Above hangs a lovely portrait of Philip’s wife.    In the foyer, he points to a window by the staircase where Key etched his initials (as noted, the potential artifact was tossed).  I know he spent a dozen years researching his book, including conversations with descendants, but I have to ask.

"That sounds like one of those apocryphal stories."

"No, no, he said.  "Etching one's initials was a common practise back then."

We also spoke with a Maret student who conducted some research on the portrait, and I learned others helped with the research for the "Woodley Calendar 2012."  

On that calendar, August 14 reads:  “1814 - View From Woodley.   The White House, the Capitol, and the Treasury Building can be seen burning against the night sky.”

Philip Barton Key was likely at home that night and would have witnessed the British burning of Washington (All is forgiven Mr. Prime Minister).   Kilborne and I discussed the possibility that Francis had joined him there.  

We’ll never know for sure, but we do know the nephew had a date with fate outside Baltimore, and would soon have a view of another British attack.

Note:  Many thanks to Al Kilborne.   A more gracious host you will not find.   I also thank the staff at Maret who let us interrupt their concentration.   In particular, my apologies to one teacher who showed diplomacy when a stranger and the history teacher entered her classroom.  The former even had the gall to ask her students, “Where was Francis Scott Key when he wrote the National Anthem?”

Of course, they gave the correct answer…

 

 

Spring Baseball Books

The return of the swallows to Capistrano.   Bill Veeck’s bat on a ball.    Birds and blooms.

They all say springtime, but with less than a month to Opening Day, let’s make it a grand slam with talk of some new baseball books.

One title getting some attention is, “The Summer of '68: The Season That Changed Baseball--and America.”  The author is Tim Wendel, a SABR member who lives in Northern Virginia.  Haven’t read this one, but it is getting great reviews. 

I sometimes wince at titles like that, but you can’t get much more rocky than 1968.    I was twelve.   The thing is, for me, it’s one of those memory holes.   The boob tube as a panacea seems to have worked.  I have few memories of all the trouble, and can only recall watching Hawaii Five-O, the Apollo missions and the World Series.

Speaking of looking back at baseball seasons, Jeff Dolman, a self-described “Strat-o-Matic fanatic,” is doing just that.  A Red Sox fan living in Culver City, California, he is more of a shape-shifter.  At his blog, “1924 And You Are There,” he replayed that season.  Simultaneously, he reported the results through Vinny Spanelli and Cal Buttertworth, two fictional characters, and also posted vintage photographs.    Dolman also published a book on the season.

His next creative effort looks even better.   Seemingly enamored with the Giants, he’s embarked on the 1958 season.  The twist this time is what he calls a “Season Long Whowunit.”   He writes, "I have no idea how this season and format will play out, but I can guarantee it will be amusing, entertaining, and different."

Hoping Jeff doesn’t mind, here’s a sample of his writing:  (Editor note:  Don’t read if eating).

Hosing seagull crap and wiping it off a fence with a giant sponge at the end of a long mop was one thing. Getting it off the Seals Stadium scoreboard was another. Milwaukee was pounding Cincy all afternoon, the only out-of-town game everyone was following, but it was hard to see the actual score with dried hunks of white goop all over it. I ended up watching us beat St. Louis again from the grounds crew alley, and the view was awful. When Mays doubled into the left corner off Mizell to set up the winning rally in the 3rd, all I saw was him swing and tear around the first base bag. I guess that’s exciting enough by itself, but the last thing I wanted to do was crane my neck out more and catch a glimpse of Old Forster working my grandstand section and farting it up.

Maybe I should’ve been nicer to Liz on the phone. It’s tough to fake your mood, though. My local team was 6-2, had first place all to themselves, the city was doing somersaults, and I was a puddle of mess.

 

Another Giants-related book is "The Emerald Diamond: How the Irish Transformed America's Greatest Pastime," by Charlie Rosen.  Great to see he covers Connor and McGraw, and the Giants great Irish players.

I do have one criticism, minor but worth clarifying.     In writing about Jim Mutrie, the author provides a quote attributed to him, as saying, “My boys are not only giants in statue but in baseball ability.”

The author adds, “That is how, why and when the Gothams officially became the Giants.”

There’s been several versions of this story, so it is confusing.    In “The New York Giants,” his once definitive history of the franchise (1952), Frank Graham told us the nickname arose in the summer of 1885 when Mutrie said, “My big fellows! My Giants!”  33 years later, Noel Hynd’s research found a similar Mutrie quote.

Sounded good to all of us, but in the last several years, historians have dug deeper into the origin of the Giants nickname and found better info.

Peter Mancuso sussed all this out in his bio of Mutrie.

The report of this game in one New York newspaper is of particular relevance to a significant piece of baseball history and to part of the Mutrie legend. The game report, which appeared the following day, April 14, in The World, is what gave the New York NL club its permanent nickname "Giants." Although The World's coverage of the game lacks a byline, there is some evidence that the report was written by P. J. Donahue. This game report gives no indication that Mutrie did or said anything to establish the team's new name.

 In fact, there has yet to be found any 19th-century account of Mutrie doing or saying anything that resulted in the name "Giants," despite there being scores of 20th-century accounts claiming that he named the team. More than 30 years later, Mutrie would claim that he had coined the nickname in 1888 by referring to his players as "giants" at an exciting moment during a game. Mutrie may well have used the name "Giants" before or after 1888, but regardless, the team's nickname had been immediately popularized and in common use within weeks of the April 14, 1885 story in The World.[37]

 

Still, this one looks good and right on time for St. Patty’s Day (and damn good title!)

Continuing with the Giants, Roy Kerr, who wrote Roger Connor’s biography last year, will be releasing Buck Ewing: A Baseball Biography this summer.    Kerr is also working on a bio of Dan Brouthers, to be titled Big Dan Brouthers:  19th C. Baseball's Slugging King, which should come out late 2013.   No Giants connection with Brouthers, but take a look at all the black for him at Baseball Reference, as well as his WAR.  What a stud. 

We mentioned Bill Veeck at the start, and he too, is in the lineup.   In fact, with Paul Dickson as the author, Bill Veeck: Baseball’s Greatest Maverick (Walker) could very well be the clean up hitter.

And finally, a silver anniversary for Bill James’s 1982 Baseball Abstract, a book that began the transformation of the way we see baseball.   Chris Jaffe pens an ode to James, who spoke at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston earlier this month.    Many who were inspired by him will speak and attend tomorrow’s SABR Analytics Conference in Phoenix.

We’ve come along way since 1982, and now sit firmly in a Golden Era of baseball books.  

What?  “Moneyball” didn’t win the Oscar for Best Movie?

 

 

 

 

A Sample of Their Yield

Snapped these photos this morning in Old Town.

Your best bet for viewing the Bradford Pear trees is N. Lee, between King and Oronoco.

 

 

Tweaking the Peak

Steven Colbert would call it “mystiqueness.”

Yes, we’re talking the cherry tree blossoms once again, and the prediction of the peak bloom.  

I thought the next time I wrote something about the pink beauties along the Tidal Basin would be next week when we plan to see them, but the Yoshino blooms are like the Redskins.  Any news is big news.

Yesterday the Capital Weather Gang tweeted:

We think Nat Park Service forecast for peak not early enough given warmth in forecast. wapo.st/yJWvkX

Using past data, meteorologist Jason Samenow predicts the peak bloom dates will be March 18-22.

Last week, Rob DeFeo of the National Weather Service predicated a bloom date of March 24-31.   DeFeo now says 24-28 (Interesting the official site has nothing on this news).

Temps are spiking this week in Washington, with the forecast for highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.  The ten-day shows the well above average temps (mid to high 50s) continuing.

This year’s early and still uncertain blooming period is no doubt frustrating travel agents and self-planners, but perhaps there’s a silver lining.   

In some years, the peak blooming and the best weather day arrive on the weekend.   That’s great in a way, but it means scarce parking, a crush of people on the Metro and the Tidal Basin sidewalks, to say nothing of waiting in long lines for a bite to eat.  

This year, if the long range forecast holds, and the peak is next week, some will go see them this weekend, some during the week, and some the following weekend.   

Of course, we haven’t talked about the spectre of a low-pressure system that swoops down on the capital and blows some of the soft pedals to the ground.

But for now, the ten-day shows none of that.

I tell ya’, this warm winter does make one pause (we’ve had just two inches of snow at National), but comfy weather for this year’s viewing will be a welcomed change for this cherished rite of spring.

 

 

 

Teaism To Open in Old Town Alexandria

Good news Old Town.

Teaism is set to open at 682 N. St. Asaph, opposite Trader Joe’s.

This is their first venture beyond the District and should be a great addition.    We ate there this morning and they said they’re hoping to open this week.

Usually get the Udon noodles with shrimp, but we were early and ate a late breakfast instead.   Their chicken sausage is excellent.

Anyway, a great get for Old Town - healthy, delicious and reasonably priced.

 

 

Relaxing in Leesburg

If there is a word that combines stubborn and stupid, I lived it yesterday afternoon.   Coming back from our trip to Waterford, I could have gone back the same way we came – 15-66-7100 - which worked out fine in avoiding the Beltway.   But with visions of no stoplights, and a different route back, I decided to ignore my wife’s advice about the Beltway  and take 7-28-Beltway (“It’s 2 pm honey, it won’t be bad…”)

Sheer idiocy.

Oh well, before that, Leesburg held out its welcoming arms with two great eating spots.

The first is King Street café.    I tell you, there’s a book out there waiting to be written about all the wonderful cafes in the region.    This one would have to make it.   Outdoors seating that include two rocking chairs on a side porch, great coffee (Guatemalan again!) and service, and a relaxing room with couches and friendly locals.  

That’s where we met Paul Haefner, a Sports Psychology Consultant who specializes in the equestrian occupations.    Super nice guy who echoed my comments about Waterford being a well-kept secret. 

The second establishment is "Doner Bistro" on Harrison Ave.   Our previous lunch spots were the white tablecloth cluster found in the center of town.    Leesburg’s alternate spot is a short walk away at the Market Station.    Across the street lies Doner Bistro.   The funky German atmosphere is a welcome breathe of fresh air.   

The service was slow, but a smooth Pilsner and, “The Doner,” a Turkish-German gyro with all kinds of goodness inside, soothed the hungry beast.  Accenting the mood is umlauts on tap and the owner’s accent.   He’s originally from Hamburg (my Mom's mother grew up there).

He also said they are looking at expanding to DC, possibly Adams-Morgan.

Anyway, we loved Leesburg this go round.  Until the HOT lanes are done, just don’t use the Beltway to get there!