I have often written about street cars and their importance on Capitol Hill, so it will come as no surprise that I (along with a number of other THIH writers) were out on the first day that the new H Street Streetcar was in operation. Below, a few pictures – and because I do write about history – a little piece of that, too.
Eastern High School’s band arriving at the corner of 13th and H Streets NE. They played a vibrant mix of go-go and popular music while the crowd grew in size and the VIPs arrived. Photo by María Helena Carey
The Eastern High School color guard along with the band, entertain the growing crowd. Photo by María Helena Carey
Flanked by a healthy crowd of VIPs and the media, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton speaks at the inauguration of the streetcar while DC Mayor Muriel Bowser looks on happily. Photo by María Helena Carey.
DDOT director Leif Dormsjo speaks at the DC Streetcar inauguration, 2/27/16. Photo by María Helena Carey.
A large and diverse crowd listens to the speeches. Photo by María Helena Carey
The moment so many waited for: boarding the Streetcar for the first time. Photo by María Helena Carey
A new view – how it looks over the shoulder of the driver, while driving west on H Street. (RSP)
Unfortunately, another sure-to-be popular view: The streetcar is stuck behind someone who hasn’t pulled fully into their parking space. (RSP)
Inside, it was crowded – but the mood was good, especially when the Capitol Hillbillies got on for a brief concert (RSP)
Ward 6 councilmember Charles Allen and ANC 6A chair Phil Toomajian smile with their little ones. Photo by María Helena Carey
Passing another streetcar at the foot of the Hopscotch bridge. (RSP)
Taking photos aboard the streetcar was irresistible. Photo by María Helena Carey
Another new entrant on H Street: Nando’s Peri-Peri. (RSP)
And finally, in the ‘nothing new under the sun’ category – an article from the October 26, 1861, National Republican bemoaning the fact that it has taken six years to build a street railway in Washington. Note: It would take a further year before the streetcars became a reality. (LOC)
Soon to be a familiar sight, inaugural riders wait for the car to turn around and pick us all up at the Benning and 25th stop. Photo by María Helena Carey.