Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of the District of Columbia
Encyclopedia
The Association of the Oldest Inhabitants of the District of Columbia (AOI) is the oldest civic organization in Washington, D.C.
, representing long-term citizens of the city. The association is dedicated to the District's history and heritage as well as promoting ideas to improve the future of Washington for its residents.
It was founded by a number of the District's earliest residents, including Benjamin Ogle Tayloe, Peter Force and J. Carroll Brent together with 28 other prominent Washingtonians, on December 7, 1865 — a time of great changes to the city and its population following the American Civil War
. The AOI predates the merger of the District of Columbia's separate political entities into a single government (see Washington County, D.C.
). Originally members had to be at least 50 years old and have resided in the District for 40 years. Currently, AOI members must be at least 40 years old and must have lived, worked, or operated a business in the District for at least 20 years or be descended from someone who meets these qualifications. Persons not meeting these qualifications may become Associate Members (all privileges except cannot hold office).
The association became incorporated in 1903. From 1911 until its demolition in 1956 the AOI met in the Old Union Engine House at 19th and H Streets, N.W. Over the years the AOI has supported many important civic initiatives including construction of the District Building, the installation of modern city street lighting, and the adoption of Washington's flag
in 1938. The AOI opposed a new flag design in 2002. In support of both the L'Enfant and McMillan Plans, they have campaigned for the reopening of closed streets, including Pennsylvania Avenue
in front of the White House
and provide testimony at planning hearings when either of the major plans are threatened. On January 29, 2005, a statue of Alexander Robey Shepherd
(territorial governor from 1873 to 1874) was returned to downtown Washington due to the association's efforts. The AOI has commissioned a biographical, commemorative plaque to be placed at the base of the statue (located on the NE corner of the John A. Wilson (District) Building) sometime in 2010.
On July 4, 1920, the AOI invited members of a parallel African-American orgranization, The Association of the Oldest Inhabitants (Colored), Incorporated to a joint meeting to recognize the District of Columbia's fallen veterans of the Great War (1917-1918, World War I). While the AOI (Colored), Inc., was incorporated in 1914 and remained an active, vibrant organization well into the 1970s, many of its records have not been located and the active AOI has made it their mission to help locate and preserve the records of their parallel organization.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, representing long-term citizens of the city. The association is dedicated to the District's history and heritage as well as promoting ideas to improve the future of Washington for its residents.
It was founded by a number of the District's earliest residents, including Benjamin Ogle Tayloe, Peter Force and J. Carroll Brent together with 28 other prominent Washingtonians, on December 7, 1865 — a time of great changes to the city and its population following the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. The AOI predates the merger of the District of Columbia's separate political entities into a single government (see Washington County, D.C.
Washington County, D.C.
The County of Washington was one of the five political entities contained within the geographic region comprising what was originally the 100-square-mile District of Columbia. These were the City of Alexandria, the County of Alexandria, Georgetown, the City of Washington, and the County of...
). Originally members had to be at least 50 years old and have resided in the District for 40 years. Currently, AOI members must be at least 40 years old and must have lived, worked, or operated a business in the District for at least 20 years or be descended from someone who meets these qualifications. Persons not meeting these qualifications may become Associate Members (all privileges except cannot hold office).
The association became incorporated in 1903. From 1911 until its demolition in 1956 the AOI met in the Old Union Engine House at 19th and H Streets, N.W. Over the years the AOI has supported many important civic initiatives including construction of the District Building, the installation of modern city street lighting, and the adoption of Washington's flag
Flag of Washington, D.C.
The flag of the District of Columbia, USA, consists of three red stars above two red bars on a white background. It is based on the design of the coat of arms of George Washington, first used to identify the family in the twelfth century, when one of George Washington's ancestors took possession of...
in 1938. The AOI opposed a new flag design in 2002. In support of both the L'Enfant and McMillan Plans, they have campaigned for the reopening of closed streets, including Pennsylvania Avenue
Pennsylvania Avenue
Pennsylvania Avenue is a street in Washington, D.C. that joins the White House and the United States Capitol. Called "America's Main Street", it is the location of official parades and processions, as well as protest marches...
in front of the White House
White House
The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical...
and provide testimony at planning hearings when either of the major plans are threatened. On January 29, 2005, a statue of Alexander Robey Shepherd
Alexander Robey Shepherd
Alexander Robey Shepherd , better known as Boss Shepherd, was one of the most controversial and influential civic leaders in the history of Washington, D.C., and one of the most powerful big-city political bosses of the Gilded Age. He was head of the DC Board of Public Works from 1871 to 1873 and...
(territorial governor from 1873 to 1874) was returned to downtown Washington due to the association's efforts. The AOI has commissioned a biographical, commemorative plaque to be placed at the base of the statue (located on the NE corner of the John A. Wilson (District) Building) sometime in 2010.
On July 4, 1920, the AOI invited members of a parallel African-American orgranization, The Association of the Oldest Inhabitants (Colored), Incorporated to a joint meeting to recognize the District of Columbia's fallen veterans of the Great War (1917-1918, World War I). While the AOI (Colored), Inc., was incorporated in 1914 and remained an active, vibrant organization well into the 1970s, many of its records have not been located and the active AOI has made it their mission to help locate and preserve the records of their parallel organization.