by Cesse Ip

This Old “Petworth” House (part 2)

This is the second of a series of articles that will showcase some of the unique original features of our Petworth-area houses.

Larry Ray, owner of a rowhouse at 10th and Otis St NW in North Columbia Heights, was kind enough to invite me over to show me his unique old house. His home is one of six rowhouses built in 1898 at that corner.

Larry, who has lived in the house for 22 years, first piqued my interest in his house when he told me that there were three original fireplaces all on the first floor of his home. Two wood-burning and one gas. All feature the original mantles and tiles around the fireplace.

One of the wood-burning mantles still features a small amount of fire damage, as confirmed by his neighbor who grew up in the neighborhood and played in his house as a child in the 1960s.

The entryway of the home boasts the original tiles on the walls. The same tiles were installed in all six of the rowhouses in the complex, and when another was being renovated a few years ago, Larry saved the tiles and reinstalled them in the exterior of his home.

A beautiful dark-stained wood is repeated throughout the house. You can see them on the original door frames that still remain on the first and second floor, the pocket doors between the living and dining room, and the staircase from the first to second floor.

The transoms above the bedrooms throughout the interior of house still open, allowing for air to travel between rooms before air-conditioning was commonplace.

If you or someone you know are willing to have your “old house” featured in an upcoming article, please reach out!