In the past, large traveling shows were an important part of American life. No matter where you lived, at least once a year a fair or a circus would set up in an empty lot and bring a whiff of the outside world to you. Washington D.C. was no exception in this regard. And for […]
What with it being Veterans Day, and thus time for a rerun, it is appropriate to celebrate the man who followed John Philip Sousa. So, once more, the story of Francisco Fanciulli.
Yesterday morning, a whole slew of Hill residents, both young and old, gathered at Congressional Cemetery to pay tribute to one of the Hill’s favorite sons: John Philip Sousa. Born 159 years ago yesterday, he continues to exert a great influence on the Marine Band that he led for so many years: the band that […]
A while back, I wrote about the Statue of Freedom that tops the Capitol building. I did not, however, delve into a story that I had heard about it, nor did I do so when I wrote my book on urban legends. To be honest, I was not sure that there was any truth to it, […]
It has been a busy weekend for me, what with Halloween coming, as well as preparing for a number of book talks related to my latest book on urban legends and the historic lore of Washington, DC. So, here is a repeat of one of my favorite Capitol Hill ghost stories for you.