Lips That Touch Liquor Shall Not Touch Ours
December 10th, 1913 — Over 4,000 Temperance movement and Prohibition supporters marched in Washington, demanding a new constitutional amendment banning alcohol consumption in the United States. A demonstration of this size had never been seen before.
They marched to the Capitol, where Congressman Richard Hobson from Alabama and Senator Morris Sheppard of Texas greeted them. The two introduced legislation to their respective chambers of Congress.
Ron Paul Jacks a Double, More Beach Babes and the History of Constitution Avenue
Did you enjoy how we ended last week? I thought it was important to teach you the history of U street (you really clicked “Why Is It Named U Street?”).
Stinson SM-6000 Tri-Motors
Well, this week you learned that Ron Paul had a pretty sweet swing in 1983. I also shared with you more Washington bathing beach babes (have you had enough?). Let’s not forget, now you know the history of Constitution Avenue’s name (and that it was almost named Jefferson Avenue). Poor Congressman Henry Cooper. He proposed the grand new name, but never lived to see the street signs change.
You also now know that one of the first express air routes flew through Washington and JFK was human like the rest of us and screwed up on camera.
So, when you’re knocked back a DC Brau or Old Fashioned this evening — at our last IWCT, Smith Commons, of course — make sure you regale your spouse, date, friends or dude sitting next to you with all this great history you’ve learned.
There are a ton of D.C. blogs out there, but none as educational as this.
Here’s a great photo to leave you with … Union Station in 1908, the year it was built.
Ron Paul Crushes a Double in Congressional Baseball
Ron Paul crushes double
This is awesome and appears to be the latest minor D.C. Internet meme. Well, I love baseball and I love D.C., so I want to share this with those of you who haven’t seen it yet (if you haven’t seen this, you don’t surf the Interwebs enough).
Ron Paul is the only player in the history of the Congressional baseball game to hit a home run over the fence. He also killed it in this game, going 2 for 3. Below you can watch him stroke a double. Not bad for a 47-year-old doctor from Texas.
Gas for Lighting and Heating: Buy Now, Pay Later
Here’s an old advertisement from the Washington Times. This ad for gas lighting and heating ran in the March 2nd, 1906 newspaper. You could choose to have gas fixtures installed throughout your home and have the entire cost amortized over the course of the year … kind of like the deals Best Buy offers these days (no interest financing for 18 months!).
Washington Gas Light Co. advertisement (1906)
Ludington Airlines Sets New World Passenger Mark
Almost 80 years ago, Washington had an express airline with service to New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. At cruising speed, Ludington Airlines was able to get you up to the New York City within two hours — an astonishing feat at the time.
Stinson SM-6000 Tri-Motors (edcoatescollection.com)
Brothers Charles and Nicholas Ludington founded their eponymous airline in 1930, based out of Philadelphia. The brothers put over a million dollars into the business with the goal of operating hourly plane service between the major east coast cities.
Senator John F. Kennedy Outtakes
Here’s an interesting video I came across on YouTube. I’m not quite sure what year this is from, but I’m guessing it’s somewhere in the mid-1950s. It’s fascinating to watch the former Senator and President messing up on camera.
Why Is It Named Constitution Avenue?
Henry A. Cooper
Not too long ago, the main drag through Washington, on the north side of the Mall, adhered to the structured naming convention of this city. It was B St. NW.
Wisconsin Congressman Henry A. Cooper didn’t feel the name suited a central and important boulevard in the nation’s capital. The Mall was undergoing significant redevelopment and Cooper put forth a bill to give the thoroughfare a more impressive name.
Blaine Mansion: Pizza and Good Beer Today
Blaine Mansion (1900)
Here’s a great color photo courtesy the D.C. Public Library Flickr photostream. It was taken, just at the turn of the century.
The house was built in 1881 and was the home of James G. Blaine, former Speaker of the House, Senator, and twice the Secretary of State. His LinkedIn resume would look pretty sweet.
Fred and Ethel Mertz Perform at The Mayflower
Here’s a rare film I came across on YouTube.
Fred and Ethel Mertz (William Frawley and Vivian Vance) from I Love Lucy performed “Carolina in the Morning” at the 40th anniversary dinner for the Anti-Defamation League. This was held in the Mayflower Hotel in 1953.
Vista of Monument From Lincoln Memorial
View of Washington Monument (May 5th, 1922)
Here is a nice photograph from 1922. You’re looking at the Washington Monument from within the Lincoln Memorial, which has just opened. The memorial has not yet been formally dedicated — a ceremony attended by Lincoln’s son.
Thanks Shorpy!
