05.22.08 Part 3: Yorktown, Virginia to Washington, D.C.; staying with Friends at the Quaker William Penn House

Thursday, 22 May 2008 – Part 3 (2 pm – 6 pm)
Yorktown, Virginia to Washington, D.C.

After a pleasant visit to Yorktown Beach, a crab cake sandwich at the Waterstreet Landing it was back to the Colonial Parkway and onwards to Washington D.C. to check into the next hostel, a Quaker Center on Capital Hill known as the William Penn House. Of course, no parking near it, so I settled to where I knew, and parked in the parking garage by the Renaissance Hotel (9th and M) near the Verizon Center. I of course figured I had the streets of downtown DC figured out with their glorified numbers and letters. Well, I guess I wasn’t paying attention to the SE, NE, NW, SW additions as I got lost. I wound up walking 20+ blocks somewhere else with luggage. Uggh. I finally broke down and took a cab. Was very pleased to find a nice historic D.C. styled house – clean, friendly, and warm where I’d be lodging. A bit pricier for a hostel than I’m used to, $40 a bunk/night but for D.C. you can’t find safer and cleaner in a warm friendly atmosphere. Cool to find a Ouija Board game in the common room, that rocked. Plus Quaker prayer meet 8 am in the morning, free breakfast at 8:30, what a combination! Got my bunk ready, met the staff, showered, and was soon off to the final National Geographic Society affairs I was invited to – National Geographic Live on the Afghanistan Treasures and a private reception party. Afterwards, if time, I was going to D.C.’s infamous “Goth Prom”. So making sure I dressed dual purpose, I set off for the National Geographic Society.

William Penn House * A Quaker Center on Capital Hill * http://www.wmpennhouse.org/ * 515 East Capital Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 * 202.543.5560

William Penn House

One of D.C.’s most comfortable and heartwarming hostels is the William Penn House within walking distance of the Capitol and the National Mall. A little on the spendy side of hostels, at $40 a bunk, it still is one of D.C.’s most economic lodging alternatives for the out-of-state or international traveller. The William Penn House has been hosted by Friends and other advocates for peace and social justice since 1966 as a meeting ground for learning, teaching, and speaking to government officials regarding national policies. Its proximity to the Capitol and the headquarters of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) this historic, four-story row house is a powerful grounding place for activists. While an international hostel, it serves also as a place to learn: with adult programs for advocacy training, urban studies, spiritual development, and human rights. Its a place to worship each morning at 7:30 with a free breakfast afterwards. Its a Place to Grow – with youth programs such as the Quaker Youth Seminar (bi-annual) where Quaker high school students from across the country converge to engage in dialogue, learning, community, service, and sightseeing; FCNL Lobbying Weekend – each spring when college students come to learn how to lobby for better public policy; the Washington Quaker Workcamps where young people from the DC area join workcaps for spiritual experience of community service where participants address social concerns in concrete ways and break down barriers to community; and a Place to Stay – a hostel with ability to house up to 30 people in clean, shared, comfortable rooms. There is a living room / common room with a great library, comfortable couches, and two dining rooms. Each day a simple breakfast is provided, and several bathrooms and shower rooms through the house. This Quaker house also offers meeting facilities, a place to work for interns and fellows wishing to serve in DC working with others living in community and furthering Quaker values. I very much enjoyed my time and friendship with those i shared the house with during my visit. I’ll definitely be back. Thank you. Rating 5 stars out of 5. Visited 5/22-23/2008.

Living Room / Common Room

Communal dining room

Dorm room

Dorm room

Custom House

Custom House ca 1720 – [NPS Monument marker sign ] “… collectors are hereby empowered to demand, secure, and receive all … the duties, customes, and imposts … with full power to go on board any boat, ship, or other vessel, or into any house … where he shall have just cause to suspect any fraud … collectors … shall .. in Aprill and October … render a true and just account upon oath, and make payment … of money as they … shall receive and collect for the duties … “ [An Act for Ports &c, April 16, 1691, Virginia Legislative Assembly]. In 1691, Virginia’s colonial legislature passed “An Act for Ports”, in an effort to better regulate trade for the collection of import and export fees and duties. The act called for the creation of several ports, including Yorktown, and the appointment of Collector of Ports by the royal governor. During Yorktown’s peak as a commercial port in the mid-1700s, Richard Ambler, and later his son, Jacquelin, served as collector of ports. In 1721, Richard Ambler built this large, brick storehouse and from here he and his son handled their collector duties. Ship captains recently arriving and merchants arranging for transport of goods would convene at Ambler’s storehouse to complete the required paperwork and pay the assessed fees. The outbreak of the American Revolution brought an end to many port activities, including the collection of customs. In 1776, Virginia militia troops were using the custom house for barracks and two years later, Jacquelin Ambler sold the property. In 1924, the Comte de Grasse Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution purchased the Custom House and restored it five years later. Today the Customs house still continues in use as a Chapter House and Museum.

Yorktown waterfront

Yorktown Waterfront Union Port and Supply Depot [City Monument marker sign ] “1862 Peninsular Campaign” In Spring 1862, The Confederate heavy artillery batteries on the bluffs of Yorktown, as well as those positioned along the waterfront on both sides of the York River, effectively blocked the US Navy’s attempt to bypass Magruder’s 2nd Peninsula Defensive line. The waterfront fortifications were built by Maj. Gen. John Bankhead Magruder’s Army of the Peninsula and Confederate naval personnel. The earthworks on Yorktown’s inland perimeter were mostly constructed atop the British defenses from the 1781 siege. On the night of May 3-4, 1862, the Confederate Army abandoned the 2nd Defensive line. Gen. Joseph E Johnston, CSA, believed that the confederate positions could not withstand Maj. Gen George B McClellan’s USA elaborately prepared bombardment with heavy siege guns. The Confederate army was prevented from evacuating its heavy equipment and artillery via the York River because McClellan’s Siege Battery #1 comprised of 100-200 pound Parrot Siege cannon, had already bombarded the waterfront. The Confederate evacuations suddenly converted Yorktown into a busy port supporting the Union advance on Richmond. Members of the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery retrieved the ordinance from the siege batteries around the town, and troops assembled at Yorktown to be transported up river to the Federal base at White House on the Pamunkey River, a tributary of the York River. As the Peninsula Campaign continued casualties from the battles around Richmond were transported to Yorktown which became a major hospital area. Following the 1862 Peninsula Campaign, Yorktown became a Union garrison and headquarters for a federally held district which includes WIlliamsburg and Glouchester Point. Its waterfront area was an active port for Union forces until the summer of 1864 when the Union army established a supply base at City Point on the James river during the Petersburg Campaign.

Medical House

Medical Shop (reconstructed) [Nation Park Service Monument marker sign ] “I must … request that your Lordship will inform me of the reason of Dr. Griffin’s confinement on Board of one of your Prison ships.” [Governor Thomas Nelson Jr to General Charles Lord Cornwallis, September 25, 1781] Dr Corbin Griffin was a prominent Yorktown physician active in the American Revolutionary War serving as a surgeon for Union Forces. During the siege of Yorktown, he was imprisoned on a British ship anchored in the York river. During his confinement, his “cellar down the watter side” was pilfered by sailors from the British sloop Bonneta while other British troops took items from his medical shop.

Waterstreet Landing * #17 Water Street, Yorktown, Virginia * 757.886.5890
A quaint “diner-like” restaurant right on the beach with full view of the York river, sunbathers, and beach-goers. Of course, no shirt no service, no uncovered beachware at this establishment. Beer and soda, sandwiches, and family dining with a view of the York River from every seat. They boast specialty sandwiches, gourmet pizza, fresh seafood, steak, and homemade desserts serving lunch and dinner. During my visit, I had a pretty delicious Norfolk Crabcake sandwich, so was quite satisfied myself. Rating 3.75 stars out of 5. Visited 5/22/08.