The house that occupies the Customliner site in Herndon Woods, Virginia.
Photo taken Summer, 2008.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Then ....
(Washington Star, 2/19/55, reprinted with permission from the D.C. Public Library, copyright Washington Post.)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
At Last, The Pictures!
After a brief wait in the DC Public Library's Washingtoniana Division, I was permitted entry into the back rooms to view the authentic pages of the Evening Star.
In order to handle the documents, I had to store all my worldly possessions (except camera) in a locker and sign a copyright approval form, which was then approved by the librarian. I was instructed in the art of turning the ancient newspaper pages to avoid tears. (The proper method was a bit like holding a newborn baby.)
Among Home Show ads and a photo of the much-touted "Outdoor Room," was one picture of the Customliner. This would be as close as I would ever get to seeing the subject of this blog in person. That made the trip and the permission forms worthwhile.
Customliner pictures featured above. Below, some other Evening Star photos of interest.
An advertisement for the Home Show's entertainment. One of the musicians, Connie B. Gay, would go on to own radio station WGAY, a Washington-area easy-listening station for many years.
(Washington Star, Feb. 18, 1955, reprinted with permission of the D.C. Public Library, copyright Washington Post)
Other Home Show attractions included a canine fashion show and a live wedding ceremony! (Washington Star, Feb. 18, 1955, reprinted with permission of the D.C. Public Library, copyright Washington Post)
In order to handle the documents, I had to store all my worldly possessions (except camera) in a locker and sign a copyright approval form, which was then approved by the librarian. I was instructed in the art of turning the ancient newspaper pages to avoid tears. (The proper method was a bit like holding a newborn baby.)
Among Home Show ads and a photo of the much-touted "Outdoor Room," was one picture of the Customliner. This would be as close as I would ever get to seeing the subject of this blog in person. That made the trip and the permission forms worthwhile.
Customliner pictures featured above. Below, some other Evening Star photos of interest.
An advertisement for the Home Show's entertainment. One of the musicians, Connie B. Gay, would go on to own radio station WGAY, a Washington-area easy-listening station for many years.
(Washington Star, Feb. 18, 1955, reprinted with permission of the D.C. Public Library, copyright Washington Post)
Other Home Show attractions included a canine fashion show and a live wedding ceremony! (Washington Star, Feb. 18, 1955, reprinted with permission of the D.C. Public Library, copyright Washington Post)
Monday, February 23, 2009
54 Years Ago This Week
More than a half-century ago this week, the 1955 Washington Home Show was well under way. Newsworthy highlights included:
February 19 - Opening day meant coverage from two area radio stations. Listen to four hours of music broadcast live from the show by Fred Fiske of WWDC. Join Johnny Batchelder for the official opening and interviews on WRC.
February 19 - 27, 10:30 pm nightly - Let off a little steam at the evening square dance festival. You could be invited onstage to practice your steps with local professional and amateur square dance teams! Prefer to watch? You'll be treated to "unique, unrehearsed square dances by some of the most able square dancers in the metropolitan Washington area."
Sources:
Radio Highlights
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Feb 19, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post
page 21.
Square Dancing At Home Show
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Feb 20, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post pg. G2
February 19 - Opening day meant coverage from two area radio stations. Listen to four hours of music broadcast live from the show by Fred Fiske of WWDC. Join Johnny Batchelder for the official opening and interviews on WRC.
February 19 - 27, 10:30 pm nightly - Let off a little steam at the evening square dance festival. You could be invited onstage to practice your steps with local professional and amateur square dance teams! Prefer to watch? You'll be treated to "unique, unrehearsed square dances by some of the most able square dancers in the metropolitan Washington area."
Sources:
Radio Highlights
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Feb 19, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post
page 21.
Square Dancing At Home Show
The Washington Post and Times Herald (1954-1959); Feb 20, 1955; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The Washington Post pg. G2
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Hope in the Star
The photo librarian at the DC Public Library reports that there are images of the Washington Home Show in the February, 1955 editions of the old Evening Star newspaper. She says if I can supply her with the dates and pages where the images appear, she can locate the original edition from the library's collection.
Little did I know that John, a resourceful follower of this serial, looked up Home Show images in the Evening Star on his own. Even more exciting, he believes one of the homes pictured may be the Customliner! John, thanks again for adding so much to the quest.
Next up: an appointment at the library.
Little did I know that John, a resourceful follower of this serial, looked up Home Show images in the Evening Star on his own. Even more exciting, he believes one of the homes pictured may be the Customliner! John, thanks again for adding so much to the quest.
Next up: an appointment at the library.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Check-In
I contacted the photo librarian at the D.C. Public Library today. She's going to review the library's collection from the now-defunct Evening Star newspaper to see if there are any from the 1955 Washington Home Show.
I also placed an ad on a local online site, looking for anyone willing to share their photos of the Herndon Woods area in the 1950s. Maybe a long shot, but worth trying.
We'll see what happens.
I also placed an ad on a local online site, looking for anyone willing to share their photos of the Herndon Woods area in the 1950s. Maybe a long shot, but worth trying.
We'll see what happens.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A New Take on the Image Search
Having looked at selections of Fifties clip art online this evening, I've come to the conclusion that it just doesn't fit the mood of what I've written here so far. I've got to find pictures of Herndon Woods, the actual Customliner itself, and even the '55 Home Show!
Tonight, I applied for membership in some online groups. Hopefully, I can post some ads seeking people who might have such photos in their collections. Tomorrow, I'll get back in touch with the photo librarian at the D.C. Public Library. And then, see if I can locate the last owners of the Customliner.
Just when I thought I was out of ideas ...
Tonight, I applied for membership in some online groups. Hopefully, I can post some ads seeking people who might have such photos in their collections. Tomorrow, I'll get back in touch with the photo librarian at the D.C. Public Library. And then, see if I can locate the last owners of the Customliner.
Just when I thought I was out of ideas ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)