Carusi's Saloon was a social venue in Washington, D.C. that operated during the 19th century. According to the White House Historical Association, it was a popular destination that hosted notable inaugural balls for several American presidents.
History
The venue was founded and operated by Gaetano Carusi, a Sicilian and member of the U.S. Marine Band. In 1837, it was located at 11th and C Streets NW in Washington. The venue remained popular into the late 1850s but eventually ceased standard operations around that time.
Notable performances
- In 1841, the inaugural ball for President William Henry Harrison took place at Carusi's.
- In 1843, Polish officer Gaspar Tochman gave a lecture at Carusi's. He was described as a "patriot" who lectured on the tenuous relationship between Poland and the partitioning powers at the time. The Baltimore Sun described his reception in Washington as "glowing."
- In 1853, Thackeray gave lectures on English humorists at Carusi's. The Washington Star described his performance as being monotone.
- Abraham Lincoln attended a minstrel show by the Ethiopian Serenaders at Carusi's.
See also
References
- ^ "Italy in the White House: Carusi's Saloon Menu". Whitehousehistory. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- CHRISTIAN, R. (2016). William Metzerott and the D.C. Music Trade. Washington History, 28(2), 54–63.
- Tindall, W., 1914. STANDARD HISTORY OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON: FROM A STUDY OF THE ORIGINAL SOURCES, H. W. Crew & Co. Knoxville, TN. p. 503. – via Google Books.
- "MAJOR TOCHMAN'S LECTURE: POLISH REVOLUTION OF 1830". The Sun. Baltimore. January 31, 1843. p. 1.
- "MAJOR TOCHMAN". The Sun. Baltimore. November 17, 1843. p. 4.
- "THACKERAY IN WASHINGTON". The New York Times. June 21, 1881. p. 2.
- Epstein, D. M. (2009). The Lincolns: Portrait of a Marriage. United States: Random House Publishing Group.
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