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CCHS’ New Placenames Book Sells Out on First Day

Additional books now available for purchase

The first shipment of the new local history book released by the Chevy Chase Historical Society on May 1 sold out on the first day. Additional copies of the book, The Placenames of Chevy Chase, Maryland, are now available for sale at CCHS headquarters on the lower level of the Chevy Chase Library, 8005 Connecticut Avenue.  

The Placenames of Chevy Chase, Maryland was researched and written by long-time Chevy Chase residents and CCHS members Joan Marsh and Frances Stickles. Both published authors in their own right before they wrote Placenames, Marsh and Stickles brought a combined 100 years of living in Chevy Chase to their work as researchers, historians and residents of the neighborhoods they bring to life in the book.

The co-authors say they originally intended to produce a book of historical photographs, culled from the substantial collection assembled by CCHS photograph curator Eleanor Ford.  But as work on the book proceeded, they realized the fascinating stories behind the pictures demanded a fuller explanation of the stories behind them. The result: a richly illustrated volume with numerous short anecdotes describing life in the streetcar from the 1890s until today.

The co-authors say they enjoyed getting to know some of the characters of early Chevy Chase -- Jessie Claude, the Village’s colorful postmistress for 40 years; Minnie Brooke, a leading suffragist and postcard publisher; World War II hero James Devereaux; and David Fairchild, instrumental in bringing the famous Japanese cherry trees to Washington.

The co-authors are now enjoying the reaction of local residents who’ve bought and read their book.

“I’m already halfway through it and didn’t expect it to be so interesting,” one resident told Marsh and Stickles.

“I just loved it – not a single footnote!” said another Placenames fan.           

“I drive by places in Chevy Chase whose details I never noticed before and now can appreciate, thanks to your book,” said another.

For many readers, Placenames has stirred memories of their own, making them ideal candidates to give oral histories themselves to the Historical Society’s archives.

Meanwhile, the lively volume that recounts much of what’s happened in Chevy Chase so far can be purchased at the CCHS Archive and Research Center on the lower level of the Chevy Chase Library for $16 for members; $20, including tax for non-members. The Center is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or by appointment at 301/656-6141.