Archaeologists excavating the site of an abandoned Blockbuster store on Washington’s Barracks Row have uncovered the ruins of an ancient Erol’s Video Club (above). This DC-area cult flourished in the late 20th century and involved contemplation of moving images and veneration of magnetized plastic tape.
Sadly, the historic site cannot be preserved for future generations. Redevelopment of the Capitol Hill location is essential to rebuilding America’s vital sidewalk cafe resources. Scholars can take solace in the fact that Erol’s history is preserved in a collection in the Smithsonian Archives.
More:
“The History Behind Erol’s Video Club,” Dan Silverman, Prince of Petworth
“Erol Onaran,” Wikipedia
Bryce Onaran’s logo tattoo
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Short link: http://wp.me/p6sb6-aN8
Photo: Erol’s Video Club, 410 8th Street SE, Washington DC. Download a copy here. Creative Commons license; credit Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com
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Tags: Archaeology, Barracks Row, business, Capitol Hill, Erol's, Erol's Video Club, historic preservation, media, storefronts, stores, video, video rental, videotapes, Washington DC
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