McLean Gardens in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Woodley Inn
In the late nineteenth century, a rural retreat called the Woodley Inn rose near what became Massachusetts Avenue and 38th Street. Before the advent of air conditioning, wealthy families summered on the heights overlooking the city to escape the humidity of Washington. The Chevy Chase Hunt occasionally led off from the Woodley Inn, following packs of imported fox hounds. The inn burned down in a spectacular fire in February 1910. Its 35 guests, mostly women and children, escaped in their night clothes. The Tenleytown fire fighting brigade lacked ladders that could reach the third floor of the wooden building. A resident of the tower had to climb to the ground using rope made from sheets and blankets. Ironically, firemen were not summoned using this callbox, which would most likely have been the closest to the inn. Even in 1910, callboxes were already beginning to be outpaced by technology. The $41,000 fire, which started in the kitchen or basement, was reported by telephone.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Disasters. In addition, it is included in the DC, Art on Call series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1910.
Location.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Nourse Farm (a few steps from this marker); Cathedral Heights Business District (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Earthquake Update (about 600 feet away); Why Are These Stones Here? (about 600 feet away); All Hallows Guild (about 600 feet away); The Road to Fort Duquesne (about 800 feet away); Washington National Cathedral (approx. 0.2 miles away); Herb Cottage (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Other markers no longer nearby. Twisted Pinnacles! (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed); Damage Alert! (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Damage Alert! (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Damage Alert! (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed);
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 485 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
