The Old Post Office Pavilion (photo: Reed)
How the Old Post Office Pavilion looked in 1911. Free tours of the 315 ft. tower are available daily.
I was strolling along Pennsylvania Avenue taking photographs when I was struck by the beautiful flowing flags in front of the majestic Old Post Office Pavilion. Built in 1899, it houses a little known gem: the view from the clock tower. Take a free tour of the tower and get an unparalleled 360 degree view.
After snapping a few photographs, I continued on Pennsylvania Avenue where I found Dave enjoying an afternoon cigar break from his job in IT at the EPA. He’s a ten-year veteran of the agency and walks the talk of technology. “That’s an Archos,” he told me pointing at a handheld device he was browsing. I hadn’t heard about them, but here is a picture of one of the models.
I offered Dave the ten bucks and he refused and suggested that I give it to someone more deserving. “I’ve actually read about you I think in the Washington Post,” Dave said. “Or somebody doing the same thing here in DC.” I am pretty sure it’s just me doing it every day in DC. If there is someone else out there…drop me a note! We should meet up and exchange $10!
Dave enjoying a cigar on a beautiful autumn day. (photo: Reed)
I sat down next to Dave and let my back have a break from the weight I was carrying around in my backpack. It was a gorgeous day and I was thrilled to take a minute and just soak in the serenity from Dave’s shaded vantage point along Pennsylvania Avenue.
I talked to him a little more and convinced him to take the $10. I’m getting better at this! He said that he wouldn’t keep the money though; he preferred to give it someone else.
This is the handheld device Dave was using.
I found out that he’s married and a father to two boys. One is in high school and the other is away at college. “He claims it is going fine,” he says about the college freshman.
About this time a beggar walked up and asked for some money. We were both silent and I was wondering if Dave would give him the $10. Would I reach into my pocket and give him a few dollars. But we both somewhat automatically shook our heads no and said that we were unable to help and he walked away. Actually we were both able to help, but we didn’t. This has happened before and I think it is interesting from a psychological point of view. It’s a challenge to analyze this issue fairly in a city like Washington where you get asked probably two or three times a day minimum for money.
Dave could give George A. from Day 201 a run for the money in a Santa Claus beard competition. (photo: Reed)
th. “He always has a friendly hello,” Dave said. “Every time I walk by him for almost two years; and he only ever asked for money once. He just says hello.”
I knew Dave needed to get back to work so I headed on my way. Later that evening I went for a run and visited with John, the man who holds the signs in front of the Vatican’s embassy here in Washington. He was doing well. He has a new banner that he is holding and somebody hacked his website too he told me. It was good to see him. All in all, a great day.
UPDATE: 10/28/2010
Check out the comment below from Dave sharing what happened to the $10. I got a very nice email from him as well today where he said something that I want to share: “I’ve said it to many people on many occasions but I don’t think I’ve ever meant it quite as much: keep up the good work.” That means a lot to me. Thanks Dave!
Year of Giving 
Just to finish the story, I ran into the homeless man I had talked about the next day. I’ve seen Rick several times a week for the last couple of years. He’s always seems cheerful and greets me with “Hey, Mister Cigar” when he sees me.
Just to elaborate on Reed’s comment, the reason I wanted to pass the money on to him is that, as I said to Reed, as many times as we’ve shaken hands or chatted, he has never asked for money.
The one time that I did give him money, he didn’t really ask for it. Instead he asked if I would buy a couple of bottles of water. During the summer he apparently would buy a case of water to sell to the tourists. Unfortunately, the day he approached me had turned out to be cool and most of the case was left.
Working at Federal Triangle, I see a lot of street people. While they are all needy, I rarely give any of them money. Instead I’ll buy water from Rick, even though we have a cooler in our office. Or I’ll get my shoes shined, even though I could do as good a job myself. Or I’ll buy a copy of Street Sense, even though the City Paper or Express has more information for free. I think supporting those who try to do something besides just ask for money is important.
Peace,
Dave
Sometimes people do need the cash, but we have a general $2.00 rule in our family circle. Keep $2.00 on you where it is easy to reach (w/o having to go through a wallet, etc.). If someone asks for help or is standing w/a sign stating they are homeless and hungry, giving the $2.00 won’t hurt us.