ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONAL RESOLUTION
25-108
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
September 19, 2023
To recognize and honor the life and accomplishments of Hayden Wetzel .
WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel was born in Evansville, Indiana on May 28, 1950 and
graduated from Wasbash College in 1972;
WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel is survived by his wife of 44 years, 3 children, and 4
grandchildren;
WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel worked for the U .S. Department of Commerce for 31 years
and retired in 2004;
WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel served as a licensed tour guide and historian for almost 2
decades and lived in Brookland in Ward 5;
WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel volunteered with the DC Preservation League and
researched historical sites for 15 landmark nominations including sites in Ward 5;
WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel originally became interested in animal control when he
researched the topic for the historic preservation of the Randall Recreation Center built in 1912 that served as the city pound;
WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel authored the book Mangy Curs and Stone Horses: Animal
Control in the District of Columbia From the Beginnings to About 1940 which told of how these animals were treated in the District from 1971 to the early 1940s;
WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel also authored History of the Friends Meeting of Washington:
The Four Chronological Histories, and Collected Other Studies and Two Studies on the History of Southwest Washington, D.C. Buzzard Point, and Urban Renewal Parks;
WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel was the campaign organizer for former Mayor Anthony
Williams and hosted a Q&A session at his home for Mayor Williams on the campaign trail;
WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel was the third longest living resident on his block in
Brookland at the time he passed away; ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel passed away on June 21, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Hayden Wetzel is loved by his family, neighbors, and community, and his
spirit lives on in his work and advocacy for protecting DC’s historic landmarks.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Hayden Wetzel Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 2023”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia honors Hayden Wetzel for his years of
dedication to his community, family, and friends where he was a leader and pillar of the
community.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.