We have seen that Rhode Island Avenue has entered Washington the city as opposed to Washington the capital, and in Part 5 looked a number of “affordable” housing developments. Today, we will look at different aspects of this part of Rhode Island and hopefully end up at 4th Street.

We can start with the local branch of the DC public library. Named for civic activist Watha Daniels, it is emblematic of the effort the city has put into the rebuilding of its library system over the past fifteen years or so. In front of the library entrance stands a sculpture by local artist Craig Kraft, one of the best known neon sculptors of the country. His nearby studio on 9th Street is in one of Washington’s oldest firehouses, built in the 1880s, Station No. 8. In keeping with Washington’s history of segregation,  this was a firehouse for Black firemen only.

The entrance to the Shaw Metro station can be seen behind the sculpture.  Which reminds me that this part of Rhode Island Avenue runs through the DC neighborhood known as Shaw.

You can Google Shaw and learn about it. It could be the subject of books, not just noted in a short blog post. This mural is painted on the wall of The Roasted Bean, a trendy coffee shop I have yet to try.

Speaking of murals, we have several leading to an outdoor beer garden, Electric Cool-Aid, another place I have yet to enter. I think it is a popular place. But not for me.

You see a mural on the inside, on the second floor overlooking the garden, and on the fence enclosing it. Is there more outside art nearby?

Yes, we have a three-dimensional animal, a two-dimensional animal, and a skeleton in the Confederate army?

We also have a very tasteful momument dedicated to Carter Woodson, an African-American historian and Dean of Howard University, who lived in the neighborhood. W.E. DuBois was the first Black man to receive a doctorate from Harvard. Carter Woodson was the second.

One more thing. At Rhode Island and 6th, you will find the Barber of Hell’s Bottom. What is special about this place? It seems that a simple man’s haircut would cost you $95.

Oh, you want to live here but don’t qualify for affordable housing? Try the Bailey

Or the Josephine

A small 900 square foot two bedroom on the first floor of the Josephine is for sale for $600,000.

We have now reached 4th Street NW. It’s three blocks to 3rd Street. Two major diagonals, New Jersey (turn right for the Capitol) and Florida (turn right for Gallaudet University, left for Adams-Mogan) interrupt your walk and there are three gas stations and one Dunkin Donuts at the intersections. Next time, we will pick up at 3rd Street.ll