Preserving the Historic Police and Fire Call Boxes of the McLean Gardens Neighborhood in Washington, DC
Evalyn Walsh McLean
Evalyn and her husband, Edward, were the original owners of the Hope Diamond, and lived in splendor at Friendship Estate until it was demolished in 1942 for McLean Gardens.
Friendship Estate
What is now the neighborhood of McLean Gardens in Washington DC is the former site of Friendship, the country estate for two generations of the McLean family. from 1898-1942. Our call boxes have been transformed into art that honors Evalyn Walsh McLean, Friendship Estate, and the Hope Diamond.
The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond (previously “Le bleu de France”) is a large, 45.52 carats (9.10 g),deep-blue diamond, housed in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C.
The Call Boxes: Transformation into Art
Restoration of the two call boxes took more than just “a slap of paint.” Artistic contributions to transform our call boxes were made by Michael Knud Ross, who restored them; Frank Arkwright, who painted them royal blue and gilded the gold leaf designs; little b design, who designed the brass backplates with the historical text for the call boxes; and Gelberg Signs, who fabricated and installed the artwork and backplates. Now, instead of rusty, obsolete eyesores, these call boxes are public art displays which celebrate the rich history of the surrounding community, the McLeans, and the Hope Diamond.
Donate to Preserve DC History
Donations are needed to maintain the call boxes and keep the non-profit committee running. Want to help? Please donate via check made out to Art on Call Committee. It should be sent to: Treasurer, Art on Call Committee, 3551 – 39th Street, NW, #B-512, Washington, DC 20016.
We are a registered 501c3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible as applicable by law.
Our Donors
Heartfelt thanks to all individuals who donated to the restoration project. Please see our list of donors, who have been essential to this restoration project.
