
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, July 9, 1993                   TAG: 9309030357
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

THE 898 STEPS

IN THE "Chivalry Wasn't Dead" Department:

The Arlington Convention and Visitors Service reports that when the Washington Monument was opened to the public in October 1888, only men were allowed to use the steam elevator to get to the top of the 555 -foot, 5 1/8-inch obelisk.

The elevator, it seems, was considered entirely too hazardous for women and children. Why, to steady the nerves of the brave males making the dangerous ride to the summit, they had to be served beer, wine and cheese.

Of course, if frail womankind and kinder also wanted to enjoy the view from on high, they could get there by climbing the 900 steps.

[Actually, 898 steps, but who would have been counting?]

Now, there. Don't you feel better knowing that the federal government, which built and operates the Washington Monument, has always tried its best to give women and kids a leg up.

by CNB