He and his dad were in Georgetown, DC, on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025. The weather was in the high 60's that day.
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~Dreams by Langston Hughes~
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
You can read all about Langston Hughes here. The beginning paragraph reads: James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1st, 1901 to May 22nd, 1967) was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, novelist, playwright and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. One of the earliest innovators of the literary form called jazz poetry, Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance.
The sign above is attached to a building that was once "the Dumbarton Theatre opened in 1913, a 460-seat playhouse. This theatre showed movies sometime later. It was designed by architect William Nichols in a Gothic Revival style. Located on Wisconsin Avenue NW in Georgetown, the movie house was renamed the Georgetown Theatre in February 1950. It had been remodeled in 1948 in Streamline Moderne style. The Georgetown Theatre was closed in 1986 and is today used for retail." This information came from a website called Cinema Treasures.
I remember passing this place in the early days of our marriage but we never went inside as we were always heading somewhere else. We used to go to Georgetown a lot in the two years we lived in Alexandria back in the mid-70s and sometimes met up with friends. One of my most favorite memories, however, was taking my parents to a restaurant where my father, who knew no strangers, got to talking with the restaurant's piano player. My dad was also a wonderful piano player, and he really enjoyed listening to this man's music.
I have nothing about this old alley way, other than finding the big old lock on the gate interesting. I was trying to see if it had any significance and couldn't find further information, but did come across this site on other alleys in DC.
A nice mural down one of the side streets. Thanks to seeing the artist's name - Aniekan Udofia - I found this website. This was an interesting place called Crumbs and Whiskers, as you can see below. You can find out more about them if you go to their website here.
It is a charitable organization (another in Los Angeles) and for $25 you can purchase a ticket online to drink coffee and eat snacks with the kitties (coffee and snacks you also have to pay for while there).
They rescue cats, have had thousands adopted and donated thousands of dollars to charity.
I have been to Georgetown several times, as I was born and raised in Washington D.C. Love the mural. And the Langston Hughes poem. I have a lovely poem by him that I saved, must look for it! I would NOT want to be in that alley after dark; horror of horrors! Or maybe I just watch too many true crime shows.
ReplyDeleteThat’s wonderful Ginny, and I would love to see your poem sometime. I agree about the dark alley after dark. Also have watched a lot of crime shows but we would also be trusting our instincts and using common sense :)
DeleteLovely poem by Hughes
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine, I agree :)
DeleteI love that colourful huge mural! The cat cafe is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie, I agree :)
DeleteNice poem.
ReplyDeleteThat alley way is interesting, the mural is also lovely.
Thank you Margaret, I thought so too :)
DeletePoem is very lovely to read. The mural really stands out there
ReplyDeleteI agree, thank you Roentare :)
DeleteLove the quote and poem and the reflection photo.
ReplyDeleteThe mural is beautiful. Take care, have a great week.
Thank you Eileen, a definite favorite of mine. You take care and have a great week also :)
DeleteHe left his mark on the African American diaspora, but has a message for all Americans if they care to listen. After watching that disgusting display in the White House a few days ago, listening doesn’t seem to be in the national character.
ReplyDeleteI was greatly saddened David, have many emotions.I fear where we are heading.
DeleteI think you are already there, Denise.
Delete:*(
DeleteThank your son for all the pictures. It was an interesting tour of Georgetown.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann, I will pass on your thanks to our son.
DeleteThanks for the trip down memory lane. There was a wonderful Italian restaurant there that we went to a couple of times to celebrate something or other. I doubt the canal boats will be up and running with the cuts to National Park staffing. We did a boat ride at Great Falls on the canal years and years ago. Daughter #2 attended Georgetown Univ for grad school and had an apartment nearby so that took us there in the 20teens.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your comment about your time in Georgetown and the boat ride in Great Falls Marcia, and about your daughter - thank you for sharing. You are no doubt correct on the canal’s opening time.
DeleteI had no idea we even had a canal and locks in the US. That's what I get for following narrowboaters in Europe and never thinking to google it--lol! What a great trip! Langston, the old theater, beautiful mural, and of course...the cat cafe! Have a great Sunday. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the many reasons I enjoy blogging Rita, I've found out about many things that I didn't know before. For instance, I didn't know there was a narrowboaters in Europe :))) I shall be checking that out thanks to you. Glad you enjoyed son's photos, I am happy he shares his photos with me to put on here. He likes photography as much as we do. You have a great Sunday too :)
DeleteWhat a thought provoking poem. It is new to me and I thank your son for snapping it so you could share it. Oh the kitty rescue warms my heart
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
Thank you Cecilia, I totally agree about the poem and the kitty rescue. I will pass on your thanks to our son. I always appreciate it when he sends me photos and is happy to share when I ask him if I can put them on here :) Sending hugs!
DeleteI very much liked Langston Hughes.
ReplyDeleteMe too :) and he sounds like a very interesting man. I would like to find out more about him.
DeleteA lovely post and an interesting one.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the photographs too.
Happy Sunday to you Denise.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan, so glad you enjoyed. Happy Sunday to you too my friend and all the best :)
DeleteThis isn't an area I know -- I love seeing the photos.
ReplyDeleteSo glad Jeanie, thank you :)
DeleteThere's something sad about a drained canal. I hope it will be in use again soon.
ReplyDeleteI do too Janice :)
DeleteThat is one of my favourite poems!
ReplyDeleteIt’s lovely isn’t it? Thanks Jenn :)
Deletethe first photo is amazing, I do like refelctions and with the quote on it makes it really special. great idea to have coffee with kitties. love it.. fun and helping them out.. photography runs in your family for sure, I love that mural
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra, I love his photos!
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