Sunday, February 28, 2010

State Avenues

I'm about to confess something that I probably shouldn't because it's a little bit embarrassing, but hey, people confess all sorts of things on their blogs.  So here goes: I have a secret fascination with the streets in D.C. that are named after states.  I have been actively trying to find them, and I know all sorts of interesting little facts about them.  Not to bore you, but here are some examples:
--All but two are Avenues.  Ohio Drive and California Street are the exceptions.
--Georgia Avenue used to be a little street in Southeast D.C. (which is now Potomac Avenue).  It was relocated to Northwest when a Congressman from Georgia lobbied for a more impressive street for Georgia.
--Florida Avenue used to be called Boundary Street because it was the northern boundary of the City of Washington back when the City and the rest of the District, Washington County, were distinct.

Not too long ago, I decided to document my search for the state streets by taking pictures of all of them.  (I told you it was weird . . . )  I obviously want to have a set of 50 when I'm all finished.  I've got about 10 already, most of which are pretty close to my house.  Tennessee was this morning's accomplishment.  Of the others, I know where most of the streets are; it's just a matter of being in the right place with a camera and traffic conditions being such that trying to get the picture won't cause an accident.

But for a few states, I don't know where the corresponding streets are.  If you know where I can find any of these, please let me know!
--Arkansas Avenue
--Illinois Avenue
--Iowa Avenue
--Mississippi Avenue
--Montana Avenue
--North Dakota Avenue
--Oklahoma Avenue
--Oregon Avenue
--Texas Avenue
--Utah Avenue

8 comments:

  1. Catching up from Friday Follow...I'm your newest follower! Love for you to come visit me!

    ~Shelley @ Shelley's Swag

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  2. A big collage on a canvas would be great when you get all the shots. FUN!

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  3. That was one of the things I enjoyed about visiting D.C. I hope you find all the streets you are looking for.

    Thanks for linking up with Friday Follow! I am now your blog follower. It is a pleasure to meet ya and have a great week!

    ~ Lynn
    http://www.middayescapades.com

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  4. I LOVE that idea Seersucker Scrapper! I've been trying to think about what to do with all of the pictures--an album seemed a little boring, but a collage could be really cool! Thanks for the suggestion!!

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  5. oh, i agree a big collage your be awesome!
    new Friday Follower here! stopping by a little late ;)
    btw, love the look of your blog!

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  6. Wow....We must be related, because I think this is such a fun idea! If I lived in DC I would totally be helping you photograph street signs named after states.

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  7. Thanks Tracie! I'm glad you all don't think I'm as nuts as my friends seem to!

    A funny postscript to this is that my friend just called last night to let me know that she's buying a house in Northwest D.C. When I asked her where it is, she said between Oregon and Utah Avenues. I was more excited about the streets than the house, which I guess makes me a bad friend. So there's two more streets that I've located!

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  8. I don't know if you ever found them all, but Mississippi Avenue is in SE DC ( I grew up there!) If you can find Hart Middle School, it's on Mississippi Avenue :) Hope that helps!

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