1926: Margaret moved to DC to work for the American Federation of Labor (AFL) where she met Florence. They both worked @ AFL until they retired & are credited w significant contributions to labor movement, including advancing women’s rights in the workplace & child labor laws.
-
-
Show this thread
-
Margaret & Florence purchased the house & 20 acres of land in 1933. They dubbed it, “the Calvert Estate,” in tribute to Florence’s distinguished lineage – her mother was a direct descendant of Sir George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore of Maryland.
Show this thread -
The 5,000 square-foot house consisted of four stories that included a large attic & basement for storage. The porch was one of the women’s favorite places to sit & listen to the small stream trickling across their land.pic.twitter.com/BV2zmVL84a
Show this thread -
Margaret & Florence had been living on their estate for 15 years when
@USDOTFHWA acquired 742 acres around them for a research facility. Being proactive, they made an agreement to an upfront purchase of their property, but they could remain living there until they passed away.Show this thread -
1950s: CIA Director Dulles began looking for a location for a new HQ building, one that would offer a campus-like setting, afford security, & privacy. The land surrounding the Calvert Estate fit the bill.
Show this thread -
1973: Florence passed away, at age 95. CIA DDA at the time, Harry Fitzwater, grew concerned for Margret’s safety and health & instructed CIA security officers to check on her & make sure she was alright.pic.twitter.com/8Q6lcX2wZe
Show this thread -
1980s: Margaret, a pacifist, opened her home to Sandinistas from Nicaragua, while CIA had been authorized to support to the Contras. More than once, Sandinistas arrived at the CIA’s main entrance only to be redirected to the Calvert Estate.
Show this thread -
1984: Managers of the New HQ Building construction project inquired about the feasibility of infringing slightly upon Margaret’s property to expand some roadwork around Headquarters. Respecting her privacy, the CIA’s Office of General Counsel responded with a firm ‘no.’pic.twitter.com/enaG8ttfqe
Show this thread -
Margaret did visit CIA HQ once, in 1984, when she was the guest of honor at a lunch w Director Casey. Over the years, several Agency officers also befriended her & would stop by to help w yard work & grocery shopping. On holidays, DDA Fitzwater would bring her holiday meals.pic.twitter.com/PfQcflKf0U
Show this thread -
Margaret suffered a stroke & passed away at the age of 92 on November 7, 1986—over 25 years after CIA began operating out of Langley.pic.twitter.com/USscBkpaBt
Show this thread -
Over the next several years, while the numerous proposals for what to do with the property were debated & funding applied for, CIA Security Protective Officers (SPOs) slowly took over the main house & brought with them their K-9 unit.
Show this thread -
In 2003, the house underwent a complete renovation to become a state-of-the-art conference center. No rooms were added during the restoration & the foundation was untouched, although the porch was enclosed.pic.twitter.com/IpuOsjz1ae
Show this thread -
Margaret & Florence built their lives together in the house for over 50 years. Memories of the women & the house are forever ingrained in our history. Today CIA employees enjoy using the quiet & historic space for conferences & meetings. http://bit.ly/2FhrYEX pic.twitter.com/12cmYReX8W
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
-
Beautiful home. I imagine these two “roommates” of 53 years were happy there. :) Thanks for the post, CIA.
-
-
I’m thinking they had 53 years together in that wonderful house, with some kindly CIA folks helping them out in their golden years. Sounds pretty good to me. :)
-
Also, tbh, I was reminded of family friends of the same generation who lived a similar life. They described themselves as “roommates” for decades — that was the social lie they had to live with back then. It worked for lesbians, but it must have been a burden and a sadness.
- 1 more reply
New conversation -
-
-
Thank you that was a fascinating read, those 2 ladies of the Calvert Estate must have been living in the most secure and safest house in the U.S after the White House of course. Is it open to the general public?
- 1 more reply
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.