LeDroit Park in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Prettiest Place
Worthy Ambition
— LeDroit Park/Bloomingdale Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 23, 2017
Before there was a LeDroit Park, map engraver David McClelland owned a mansion on the property across Rhode Island Avenue. When the Civil War broke out in April 1861, McClelland possessed a detailed map of Washington that suddenly had great strategic value. He offered to sell his map and its copper printing plates to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, but his asking price was too high. So Stanton sent soldiers here to confiscate the map. Eventually McClelland settled for less than half of the requested fee.
In 1925 the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the World, a fraternal society, bought McClelland's house for its headquarters (later replaced by the United Planning Organization). When few social venues admitted African Americans, the Elks lodge and its extensive lawns drew neighbors to dances and outdoor band concerts. "Lord, that was the prettiest place," recalled a former LeDroit Park resident who attended concerts there as a girl. "I never wanted to leave." After the Elks moved next door in the 1960s, a Safeway replaced their former lodge. The Safeway closed in 1998.
Acclaimed sociologist E. Franklin Frazier, author of The Negro Family in the United States, lived at 220 Rhode Island Avenue until his death in 1962. The Howard University faculty member became the first African American to head the American Sociological Society in 1948.
Frazier's sister-in-law, artist Hilda Wilkinson Brown, lived at 237 Rhode Island Avenue from 1934 until her death in 1981. Her husband Schley operated a medical practice from their home. Brown established the art program at nearby Miner Teachers College and often painted the neighborhood. Her niece, artist Lilian Thomas Burwell, later lived in the house.
Erected 2015 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 15.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the LeDroit Park/Bloomingdale Heritage Trail series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1861.
Location. 38° 54.825′ N, 77° 0.945′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in LeDroit Park. Marker is at the intersection of 3rd Street Northwest and Florida Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling north on 3rd Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 251 Florida Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Elks Columbia Lodge No. 85 (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line);
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 23, 2017
Also see . . . Elks Columbia Lodge No. 85, African American Heritage Trail. (Submitted on February 17, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 22, 2020
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 287 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on March 8, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on February 22, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.