Dupont Circle
—Diverse Visions, One Neighborhood —
Front:
Police Call Boxes such as this one (originally painted blue) were installed in the District after the Civil War. Officers on foot patrol used this secure telegraph system to contact the station, accessing the box with a now highly collectible "gold key." This system was used until the late 1970s when it was abandoned in favor of more modern communication methods.
Across 23rd St. and Rock Creek lies Georgetown. Predating Washington, DC, Georgetown was incorporated in 1752. It became part of the new District of Columbia in 1791, but remained a separate city until 1871.
Built in the 1930s, the gas station at 23rd and P Sts. (1930s) was the first commercial structure in DC to comply with new design regulations requiring that the design reflect its neighbors; note the Church of the Pilgrim (above) at 2201 P St. The gas station replaced the Washington Riding Academy, which opened 1888 when this area was still sparsely developed.
Where 23rd St. becomes Florida Ave., above P St., President George Washington's coach-and-four forded Rock Creek on his way to or from Mt. Vernon from New York or Philadelphia when they were the seat of the Federal Government.
DC painter/teacher Tom Wagner grew up in Pennsylvania's coal mining region, whose "ravaged topography's interplay
with man and nature appears as recurring themes in his work. Dupont Circle inspired him with its "happy, lush topography."
Artist ¦ Tom Wagner
Tour guide, map and artist information for all 22 boxes available at: www.DupontCircleCallBox.com
Reverse:
Dupont Circle
Art on Call
The Dupont Circle Art on Call project explores neighborhood history and local fire and police events. It also celebrates our diverse political, artistic and intellectual community by presenting original artwork by 22 local artists featuring the hub of our neighborhood. Dupont Circle and the beautiful fountains designed by Daniel Chester French.
Art on Call is a program of Cultural Tourism DC with support from
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
District Department of Transportation
This call box is sponsored by:
The Mansion on O Street
Dupont Circle Art on Call Corporate Sponsor
PNC Bank
This community project also supported by
Dupont Circle Association and the Dupont Circle Conservancy, Inc.
and generous donations from community residents and businesses.
See all 22 Dupont Circle Call Boxes!
Development Committee Members:
Marilyn
Newton, Chair
Michael Beidler
Phil Carney
Elaine Faye
Carol Galaty
Bill Glew
Gil Hill
Steve Hoglund
Maureen Lynch
Gary McLeod
Amanda McNally
James H. Mears
Gerald Allen Schwinn
Tour guide, map and artist information available at: www.DupontCircleCallBox.com
Graphic design coursesy of: e-lanestudio
Fabrication: Gelberg Signs
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