Archive for 'History'

Developer gives old school renewed hope

Developer gives old school renewed hope

By Derrick Perkins Years after developer William Cromley went to City Hall for a permit to demolish the former Carver Nursery School, he’s returning and asking for permission to expand the neighborhood landmark. If Cromley receives [...]

Alexandria archaeologists dig up possible slaughterhouse

Alexandria archaeologists dig up possible slaughterhouse

By Derrick Perkins Archaeologists are poring over a massive, brick-lined hole not far from Jefferson-Houston School, containing what might be the most interesting — and surprising — find in recent memory. Local historians believe the uncovered [...]

Carver Nursery School supporters refuse to give up efforts to save building

Carver Nursery School supporters refuse to give up efforts to save building

By Derrick Perkins Residents-turned-preservationists remain committed to saving the former Carver Nursery School even after the deadline has come and gone, but owner William Cromley has yet to see a viable proposal cross his desk. The [...]

Developer weighs giving preservationists more time

Developer weighs giving preservationists more time

By Derrick Perkins Though the former Carver Nursery School building is about to revert to William Cromley’s control, the developer is poised to give community activists another chance to preserve the Parker-Gray neighborhood property. There’s just [...]

Clock is ticking on efforts to save Carver Nursery School

Clock is ticking on efforts to save Carver Nursery School

By Derrick Perkins Time is running short for residents and preservationists hoping to spare a Parker-Gray neighborhood landmark from redevelopment. The Carver Nursery School has sat largely untouched for a little more than two years while [...]

Life after emancipation in Alexandria

Life after emancipation in Alexandria

By Derrick Perkins When former President Abraham Lincoln made good on his promise to emancipate slaves in rebel-held territory 150 years ago, the burgeoning population of contrabands in Alexandria likely greeted the news with equal parts [...]

Local man’s quest to recognize black Revolutionary War patriots poised for passage

Local man’s quest to recognize black Revolutionary War patriots poised for passage

By Derrick Perkins Maurice Barboza’s dogged fight to pay tribute to black patriots of the Revolutionary War hinges on a massive defense bill being negotiated in Congress. After years of gathering support for the memorial project, [...]

From slaughterhouse to schoolhouse

From slaughterhouse to schoolhouse

By Derrick Perkins It’s not quite striking pay dirt, but archeologists combing over the future site of the re-imagined Jefferson-Houston School may have found the remains of a long-buried slaughterhouse. An archeological survey conducted by URS, [...]

Wartime tragedy fuels tale of the high seas

Wartime tragedy fuels tale of the high seas

By Derrick Perkins Local author Stephen Hayes’ first novel isn’t strictly a Vietnam War story, but the tale is born from his time serving on a swift boat a continent away more than 40 years ago. [...]

Author documents life and times of gun-toting prosecutor

Author documents life and times of gun-toting prosecutor

By Derrick Perkins After scaring up a compendium of local ghost stories and detailing the Port City’s history in the District, Alexandria newshound Michael Lee Pope has turned to Northern Virginia’s seedy past in his latest [...]