How It All Started
Back in 1995, Mary Rowse, a resident on Morrison Street NW and a member of Historic Chevy Chase DC, got the idea to purchase a bronze historic house plaque from Erie Landmark Company. It was widely admired, and other individual homeowners followed suit over the next few years. Then, in 2007, to mark the centennial of the community’s 1907 founding, the Chevy Chase Citizens’ Association and Historic Chevy Chase DC organized a group order. Since then, more than 230 homeowners have purchased these beautiful commemorative plaques that display community pride as well as some historically significant architecture. Thanks are due to the dedicated coordination of two Chevy Chase DC residents who manage it all — Evelyn Wrin and Jordan Benderly.
About the Plaque Design
While most homes in Chevy Chase DC were built between 1907 and 1940, there is no specific age of home or particular background required to order a house plaque. While they follow a similar design, there is some flexibility in what you wish to celebrate about your home.
Each has “Chevy Chase, DC, Est. 1907” along the bottom panel and the construction year in the center. Other information is tailored to an individual home, such as the builder’s or the architect’s name, or if the house was originally a catalog home. We can help you locate this basic information for use on your plaque.
The Cost of a Plaque
We have continued to order from the Erie Landmark Company as these plaques are beautifully custom made. They are oval in shape and are bronze with a black finish. Plaques measure 8 inches by 12 inches. The basic cost is $302, less a 15% historic-group discount of $45.30, bringing the cost to $256.70. Shipping ranges from $8 to $23, depending on the number of plaques shipped together.
How to Order a House Plaque for Your Chevy Chase DC Home
To order a plaque for your home, or for more information, contact Evelyn Wrin at (202) 244-5744 or by email at evbobwrin@verizon.net; or Jordan Benderly at (202) 905-4920 or by email at jordan@longandfoster.com.