Growing the Village

The antiques, paintings, the history that fill 319 East Capitol Street SE might require two museums to hold a regular public display.

However, attendees of Capitol Hill Village’s April 20 “Growing the Village” fundraiser merely wandered about the home’s floors, and up and down stairs, to enjoy the enormous collection of furniture, books, paintings and other artwork. Some found it a little overwhelming to take in everything, and did a second go-round.

Capitol Hill Village members Frank Guzzetta and Paul Manville have lived in the three-story home for nearly 30 years. The gathering at Frank and Paul’s home was the annual CHV fundraiser for the Stephen C. Rogers Memorial Fund, which covers most of the costs of lower-income members, who pay deeply-discounted fees.

Steve Rogers, a founding member of the Village, wanted Village membership to reflect the economic diversity of our neighborhood. The fund was created upon Rogers’ death. This spring’s fundraiser at the history-laden Guzetta-Manville home raised $33,000.

“Sunday’s philanthropic effort will enable us to proceed to that vision,” said Advisor to the CHV Board Gail Kohn, “to grow our Capitol Hill village, enable us to increase our portion of low-income members.”

“And Sunday afternoon, everyone had fun while raising money, observing together this incredible collection,” she said, adding “It was like an art history class. Every piece of furniture had a story.”

Asked about his own treasures, Frank talks fondly about the height of his career as President and CEO of Marshall Fields (the company, not just the Chicago store). And he proudly showed a Collector's Edition of The Marshall Field’s Cookbook which he had published as he retired. Filled with stories of the Midwest shopper’s first department store that opened in 1856, it also offers most popular recipes of the Midwest’s first department store restaurant, opening in 1890. And the signature dish of Marshall Fields, Frank says, is Mrs. Herring’s Chicken Potpie. During the holiday seasons, the store’s Walnut Room served 3,500 pies a week. The recipe is long, so anyone who wants a copy, notify the office by calling 202.543.1778 and we’ll send you one.

View photos from the gathering on the CHV Facebook page.