Sculpture at DC's former ‘Dave Thomas Circle' honors Mamie ‘Peanut' Johnson
Florida Avenue and New York Avenue in Northeast D.C. was the site of “Dave Thomas Circle” – an intersection with a Wendy’s in its center. The traffic backups were legendary, and not even a Frosty could make it better.
The District has worked for years to untangle the intersection. The final piece of the puzzle was put into place Tuesday.
The intersection is now home to Mamie “Peanut” Johnson Plaza, honoring the longtime D.C. resident who was the first female pitcher in the Negro Leagues. A red sculpture depicts Johnson’s signature curveball pitch.
“No better way to demonstrate our appreciation than to make this park, but also have a piece of art in her honor,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
Traffic is moving, D.C. Department of Transportation Director Sharon Kershbaum said.
“Just in terms of flow, we actually see a reduction around the entire intersection of around 14% of travel times because it just works better,” she said.
After safety updates, fewer people are running red lights, Kershbaum said.
“I think we’re finished, and I think, again, the plaza and the space has been one of the biggest wins of all,” she said.
In addition to her legacy as an athlete, Johnson was a nurse at Sibley Hospital for 30 years.
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