Author Archives: Ghosts of DC
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)
By the way, the company has been around since it’s founding in 1848. President James K. Polk signed the Congressional act creating the company on July 8th, 1848. The company went on to install gas lights in the House and Senate chambers, followed by the lighting in the White House and down Pennsylvania Avenue.
By 1856, Washington Gas had grown to include nearly 1,700 customers, more than 30 miles of gas mains, and about 500 street lights.
Related articles
- Need a Gas Range circa 1916? (ghostsofdc.org)
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!
Potomac Bathing Beach Beauties
I’m sorry, but I’m being very liberal with the word “beauties.” Yeesh. Nevertheless, they look like they’re having a great time hanging out at the old Tidal Basin bathing beach. That would be an absolutely nasty place to swim today.
Potomac bathing beauties (1920)
Thanks Shorpy!
Related articles
- Bathing Suit Police at the Tidal Basin (ghostsofdc.org)
- The Annual Washington Bathing Beach Beauty Show (ghostsofdc.org)
Basketball and the Charleston
I’ll leave you with this last photo from 1926. This is a great way to end your Friday. This was taken in the old Columbia Heights Arcade. Vivian Marinelli is teaching these guys the Charleston … I suppose for dexterity? You can buy some of photos of this on Amazon.
Basketball and learning the Charleston (1926)
Enjoy your evening and stay out of trouble. If you’re lucky enough to have the long weekend … relax and have a good time!
Related articles
- Back when Columbia Heights had a professional basketball team (newcolumbiaheights.blogspot.com)
Why Is It Named U Street?
Ben's Chili Bowl (Wikipedia)
I took a fair bit of time to do a little research into how U street got its name. After some research, it was abundantly clear that this wouldn’t be a short post.
This is an area of D.C. that has a rich history, went through some rough times, but has risen to become the core of the city’s renaissance. The story of U street might not be as obvious as you think, and it will definitely surprise you.
I also came across some excellent archival footage of U street in its heyday. The really interesting stuff doesn’t start until about 45 seconds into the film, but it’s worth the wait. I think you’ll like it.
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