Washington, D.C

Mysterious island used as brothel outside Washington, D.C. lists for $2.1M

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2022

Mysterious island used as brothel outside Washington, D.C. lists for $2.1M

A mysterious Chesapeake Bay island as soon as used as a brothel has hit the marketplace for $2.1 million.

Generally known as Tippity Wichity Island — a 90-minute drive from Washington D.C. — the 5-acre enclave is understood for its shady, but colourful previous.

The present homeowners, Gail and John Harmon, advised Insider they believed the island served as a brothel after the Civil Battle and was operated by a soldier named Capt. Henry Howgate.

Information present Howgate was one of many first residents of Tippity Wichity Island, in response to the itemizing from Sotheby’s. The itemizing provides Howgate bought it in 1879.

Howgate had a prolonged rap sheet, which included convictions for fraud and embezzlement, in response to an article printed in 1895 by The Information.

In the meantime, the Harmons bought the island as a timeshare within the Seventies for $125,000, once they and one other couple noticed an advert within the categorised part of a neighborhood newspaper, the Washingtonian. The Harmons had been on the hunt for a trip house by the water once they moved to Washington for a navy dedication on the time, they stated.

An aerial view of Tippity Wichity Island.

Townsend Visuals

The home is surrounded by greenery. — The cottage on the island is surrounded by lush greenery.

The advert caught their eye, which included a quote from William Shakespeare’s play, “Richard II,” that learn: “This different Eden, demi-paradise, This fortress constructed by Nature for herself.”

“[We] had been blown away by how fantastic it was,” Gail Harmon stated of the primary time they visited the island.

For 30 years, the 2 {couples} alternated weekends — till the opposite pair determined to promote their share to the Harmons practically a decade in the past, they advised Insider.

Earlier than its use as a trip retreat, it had a wholly totally different objective.

The living area comes with a woodburning fireplace. — The residing space comes with a woodburning hearth.

A covered gazebo for outdoor dining. — A coated gazebo for outside eating.

One of three bedrooms. — Considered one of three bedrooms.

Passing Tippity Wichity Island on a Potomac River cruise in 2017, Jody Argo Schroath, an editor of Chesapeake Bay Journal, reported how locals believed the title suggests a bordello was constructed on the island after the Civil Battle.

“It’s a corruption of the title ‘Tippling and Witchery Island,’ named for a home of ill-repute positioned there following the Civil Battle,” Schroath wrote within the column.

In the meantime, a good friend advised Gail that the island might have additionally served as an unlawful distillery throughout the Prohibition Space within the Nineteen Twenties. The good friend revealed that their father would import casks of whiskey to the island throughout that interval.

“It was an ideal place to fulfill your purchasers,” she stated. “If the federal authorities got here up the river, you might go roll off the again.”

A five-minute boat journey from the mainland, and with an electrical system that holds a backup generator, the island might additionally function a full-time residence.

The package deal features a three-bedroom cottage with an open-plan residing and eating room, in addition to a wood-burning range. Different options embody a dock, a seashore, a launch space for kayaks and canoes, and a heated outside swimming pool.

“Washington, D.C., was nonetheless a small outpost within the 1800s,” David DeSantis, the dealer on the itemizing, advised Insider. “It was the wilderness. There was loads of piracy on the water, it was type of a lawless atmosphere.”

“By present requirements of what individuals consider within the US as beachfront summer season properties, that is nonetheless fairly modest,” DeSantis added. “Nevertheless it’s obtained loads of attraction. The home is extra like an ‘expanded cottage.’ It’s not like residing in a mansion on an island. You might flip it into that should you needed to however that’s not their vibe.”

Because the Harmons are nearing 80, they stated age performed an element of their resolution to lastly promote their beloved island.

“It’s bittersweet,” Gail stated.

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Washington, D.C

Independence Day Celebrations Around DC (2024)

Published

14 mins ago

July 1, 2024

Press Room

Independence Day Celebrations Around DC (2024)

Fourth of July at the Archives
Where: National Archives | National Mall, DC
When: July 4, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Catch the annual dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the National Archives . It starts at 10am, but doors open at 9am. Get there early to get a good seat and enjoy entertainment by the Experience Band and Show. After that, celebrate like it’s 1776! There will be lots of fun family activities,…meet historic figures, do some arts & crafts, and sign the Declaration of Independence yourself!

America’s Pastime
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: July 4, 11:05am (and July 3)
Admission: Ticket prices vary
A day at the ballpark is about as all-American as it gets when it comes to sports, and you can experience it and celebrate the holiday at Nationals Park. The July 4th game against the Mets is part of the Patriotic Series, when the Nats wear their red, white, and blue. And, FYI, the evening of July 3, and there will be post-game Freedom Fireworks, plus more promos for the rest of the games.

Root for the Baysox (& Firrworks)
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: July 3, 6:35pm
Admission: Starts at $10
For baseball on a smaller scale, the Bowie Baysox are hosting an Independence Day Celebration at their July 3 game against the Richmond FLying Squirrels. Enjoy the action on the field and fire works afterwards.

National Independence Day Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, 7th-17th Streets | DC
When: July 4, 11:45am
Admission: Free
Many national holidays get a parade in DC, and July 4th is no exception. Scores of spectators always line the Constitution Avenue sidewalks to watch the procession celebrating Independence Day as it make its way from 7th to 17th Street. Marching bands, floats, giant balloons, equestrian groups, drill teams, and military units will be among the pageantry. Stake out your spot along the route early, as this event attracts hundreds of thousands of viewers every year.

4th of July in the District
Where: 13th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW | Downtown DC
When: July 4, 5-10:30pm
Admission: Free
Join Mayor Muriel Bowser for the second annual 4th of July in the District Concert featuring performances by the United States Air Force Band with Gavin Degraw and more acts to follow with live broadcast nationally on CNN. There will also be family friendly activities, food trucks, and more. The concert is free and seating is first come, first serve.

A Capitol Fourth
Where: West Lawn on the Capitol | Capitol Hill, DC
When: July 4, 8pm; gates open at 3pm
Admission: Free
The annual Independence Day concert at the Capitol airs live on PBS, but you can see the musical pageantry in person. Alfonso Rabiro will be hosting this year’s show, which will include performances by Alfonso Ribiero, Sheila E, Smokey Robinson, Darren Criss, Fantasia, the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Band, the Joint Armed Forces Chorus, and many more exciting acts. (KFDC Tip: Enjoy the show with less crowds at the dress rehearsal on July 3 – same time and place!)

Fireworks on the Mall
Where: National Mall, DC
When: July 4, 9pm
Admission: Free
The grand finale of the day: Shortly after 9pm, the sky above the National Mall will explode with color when the amazing iconic fireworks display begins. Fireworks will be launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool area, but you can find a place on or off the Mall to watch them (see tips below for a list of places to view them).

An American Celebration
Where: Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon, VA
When: July 4, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $26/adult, $13/age 6-11, free/5 & under
The home of George Washington salutes the first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of made-for-daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event. Visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired over the Potomac River. The event also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for new citizens, military reenactments, a special wreathlaying ceremony, a performance by the National concert band and more live entertainment, and a chance to meet General Washington himself. See the full schedule of events here and read more about Mount Vernon here.

Family Day: Summer Party
Where: Capitol Jewish Museum | Downtown DC
When: July 4, 9:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
The museum invites you to join them before the fireworks for specialty crafts, music, food, and fun. Learn about Jewish Revolutionary War history from friends at National Museum of American Jewish Military History. Connect and celebrate a tradition for your home with mezuzah activities. They’ll also have themed crafts and activities and classic outdoor games and music on the newly opened 3rd floor terrace. Plus, build a goodie bag to enjoy during the fireworks!

Fourth at the Wharf
Where: The District Wharf | Southwest DC
When: July 4, 5-10pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy the Fourth of July at The Wharf with a free celebration on District Pier. The celebration includes music, a bar for adults, and spectacular views of the annual fireworks launched from the National Mall. They also offer a VIP fireworks viewing experience benefitting the USO that gives you exclusive access to the Dockmaster Building on the tip of District Pie, complete with two complimentary drink tickets (additional beverages for purchase), all-American light fare, DJ, games, photo station, and a raffle. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.

Neighborhood Parades & Celebrations
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: Most on July 4, times vary
Admission: Free
Keep it close to home at a community celebration. You likely are aware of July 4th events taking place in your neighborhood or nearby, but if you’re still looking for a hyperlocal fête, here are some that are known to be good ones: Capitol Hill (we can vouch it’s great from many years attending), Palisades, Takoma Park, College Park, Great Falls, McLean.

July 4th Celebration
Where: Armed Forces Retirement Home | Petworth, DC
When: July 4, 4-9:30pm
Admission: Free
All are welcome to join the 10th annual July 4th Celebration at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Enjoy live entertainment, bouncy fun, a kids’ scooter parade and contest, activities for all ages, and views of the evening fireworks on the National Mall. Concessions will also be for sale and plentiful.

4th of July Picnic
Where: Greenbelt Baptist Church | Greenbelt, MD
When: July 4, 4-7pm
Admission: Free
All are invited to join the Greenbelt Baptist Church for their annual 4th of July celebration. There will be food, games, music face painting, moon bouncing, and more. Stop by on the way to Buddy Attik lake where there will be fireworks in the evening.

Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration
Where: Great Meadow | The Plains, VA
When: July 4, 5pm
Admission: $50/car
Great Meadow, a 74-acre park and home of the Virginia Gold Cup races, is bringing back its famous fireworks show and activities for the 34th year a couple of days ahead of the 4th. Join for family games like cornhole toss, sack races, face painting, tug-of war, and more. Bring a picnic or purchase food on site — there will be food trucks and a beer garden. A spectacular fireworks display gets underway at dusk. BYO blankets and chairs for comfortable viewing (no umbrellas or tents, unless in reserved tailgate spaces.)

July 4th Fest
Where: Six Flags | Bowie, MD
When: July 4-6
Admission: Starts at $35
With amusement park fun thrown into the mix, Six Flags’ celebration will be pretty epic for kids. Along with all of the ongoing fun throughout the venue, there will also be fireworks, music, and lots of Coca Cola (sponsors of the event) on Independence Day and two days leading up to the holiday.

More July 4th Tips!
* Find off-the-Mall suggestions for viewing the fireworks.
* If you’re headed into DC, take public transportation! Cannot stress enough what a bad idea it would be to drive.
* Eater DC has a round-up of restaurants celebrating July 4th.
* For more activities during the long weekend following the 4th, see the KFDC Summer Guide.

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Washington, D.C

No charges in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

Published

7 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Press Room

No charges in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

Family presses for justice after charges dropped in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

D.C.’s top prosecutor has declined to press charges in a death investigation involving two men who got into a fight outside of a restaurant.

WASHINGTON – D.C.’s top prosecutor has declined to press charges in a death investigation involving two men who got into a fight outside of a restaurant.

They say the evidence wasn’t there but the family of the man who died disagrees and is continuing their search for justice.

It was 2 a.m. on Feb. 2 when a fight broke out between a man and 41-year-old Virginia Tech Executive Vivek Taneja. It was all caught on camera,

Prosecutors say it’s unclear whether it was a punch or him falling to the ground but Taneja would later die from his injuries.

FOX 5 obtained video of the fight through the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In it, Tanaja is seen sitting in a courtyard with two women.

Then, a man in gray, who the Washington Post is reporting was a former Arlington police officer, is walking and then stops and starts talking to the three of them.

It appears a verbal altercation begins, with the two women trying to separate the men. Then, punches are thrown. Taneja winds up unconscious on the ground, unconscious.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Victim dies after assault in Northwest, death ruled as a homicide: police

In a letter announcing that they’re declining to press charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who called this death tragic, indicated they believe it was Taneja who threw the first punch in the scuffle and didn’t think charges applied, adding that they’d have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the other man was not acting in self-defense.

While the U.S. Attorney says they investigated this thoroughly, family, and attorneys representing Vivek Taneja have requested a different team of prosecutors review the case.

They also challenge the conclusion that Taneja threw the first punch, and think more investigating needs to be done to add additional context to what happened leading up to the video.

The U.S. Attorney’s office declined further comment beyond the letter notifying that they weren’t pressing charges.

FOX 5’s David Kaplan will have more at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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