Georgetown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Hilleary's Smiling Corner

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, October 15, 2016

1. Hilleary's Smiling Corner Marker

Inscription. Welcome to "Hilleary's Smiling Corner," named for Albert and Flora Hilleary, who ran the corner grocery store here from about 1919 to 1961. Like many other corner stores in Georgetown, this was a gathering place for the neighborhood. Children played marbles on the sidewalk, barbershop quartets sang in the store, and hunters met here almost every Friday night to discuss their triumph and smoke cigars.

"Pops" Hilleary was small of stature, but large of heart. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, he gave away groceries to neighbors in need with little expectation of payment. Many people credited Albert and Flora Hilleary with getting them through the Depression.

The store was originally built around 1805, shortly after the Federal government moved to Washington. The exterior remains largely unchanged from the days of "Hilleary's Smiling Corner," but it is now a private home.

Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1805.

Location. 38° 54.758′ N, 77° 4.078′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Georgetown. Marker is at the intersection of Reservoir Road Northwest and 34th Street Northwest

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, on the right when traveling east on Reservoir Road Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3402 Reservoir Road Northwest, Washington DC 20007, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Freed Slave and Future President (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Brinetown and Western High School (about 400 feet away); Mahmoud Yarrow or Yarrow Mamout (about 400 feet away); Daniel Boone Trail Marker (about 400 feet away); Temple of Learning and Talent (about 500 feet away); The Original Georgetown Reservoir (about 600 feet away); Edward Clark Thomson (about 600 feet away); 1667 Wisconsin Ave. NW (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, October 15, 2016

2. Hilleary's Smiling Corner Marker

The reverse of the marker can be seen in this view to the west looking along Reservoir Road, NW. The building in the background is the former "Hilleary's Corner", now a private residence.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 378 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 20, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.