Here’s the Thursday edition of “In the Paper” for May 17th, 1912.

front page of the Washington Times – May 17th, 1912

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Also of interest in this edition is Roosevelt being sure of his nomination.

front page of the Washington Times – May 16th, 1912

back page of the Washington Times – May 16th, 1912

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Here is another excellent photo of Pennsylvania Ave., also from the 1920s. We did a little Googling for this one too and came across it here.

view down Pennsylvania Ave. NW

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This is a cool old photo that we dug up via Google. We found it here. It appears to be some time in the 1920s, looking down Pennsylvania Ave. towards the Capitol.

winter driving in DC

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Taft and Roosevelt were battling it out for the Presidency in 1912. Here’s the front page of the Washington Times for May 15th, 101 years ago today.

front page of the Washington Times – May 15th, 1912

back page of the Washington Times – May 15th, 1912

The post May 15th, 1912: Taft Depressed By Poor Showing, May Quit Race appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Here is the second day of our “In the Paper” installment for this week. Here is the evening edition of the Washington Times from exactly 101 years ago.

front page of the Washington Times – May 14th, 1912

back page of the Washington Times – May 14th, 1912

The post May 14th, 1912: House Concurs in Direct Elections of Senators appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This week, we’re going to post the front and back page of the Washington Times from the week of May 13th, 1912, exactly 101 years ago today. Why didn’t we do 100 years? Because May 13th, 1912 was a Monday and May 13, 1913 was a Tuesday. We wanted to do a full week. Click on the images to see a larger version and read the paper.

front page of the Washington Times – May 13th, 1912

back page of the Washington Times – May 13th, 1912

The post May 13th, 1912: Boy’s Body Recovered From Potomac appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Oh, it’s been too long since we posted some bathing beauties. Well, today we post pie-eating bathing beauties.

July 31, 1921. Washington, D.C. “Pie eating contest at Tidal Basin bathing beach.” In the back row: the blurry but unmistakable facial contours of Iola Swinnerton. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

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Sylvia Altman (Washington Post)

This is an interesting article that we came across, published in the Washington Post on February 10th, 1924.

A 10-year-old student in high school! She is Sylvia Altman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Altman, 612 Otis place northwest. The girl will not be 11 years old until June, and she entered Central high school February 1.

Besides being able to enter high school she is an accomplished musician and expects to make her debut in this art the latter part of this month also at Central High school.

When she graduated from the Park View school January 31, her report card showed that she stood “excellent” in every subject.

She was born in Buffalo and came to this city with her parents several years ago. When 12 months old Sylvia had shown no inclination to walk, but one day while her mother was in the kitchen the baby pulled herself up on her feet and without trouble of any kind, walked into the kitchen, almost throwing her mother into a panic.

When 14 months old she began to talk and soon had a vocabulary of nearly 100 words. At 18 1/2 months she expressed her thoughts in full sentences, using a vocabulary of about 300 words. Her school education began when she was 3 years old, in the kindergarten. At the age of 3 1/2 years Sylvia was able to read the first and second readers used in the public schools.

…

From early childhood she has been fond of reading. Fairy tales were fer favorites at first, but as years went on she changed her reading to more serious literature. At the age of 7 years she had read nearly 700 books. Her favorite authors at present are Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Booth Tarkington. “They present so much of real life that one can’t help liking them,” she declared.

Sylvia Altman in 1926 (Washington Post)

The mental strength of the young lady seems to grow with her years. At the age of 9 years she took an intelligence test, which showed that she had the mental ability of high school students entering the third year of their course.

In music she has shown unusual ability. She is attending Washington College of Music five times a week for piano instruction, harmony, composition, ear training and history of music. She intends going to college when her high school course is complete.

Though busy with her studies, she finds time to help her mother in house work and to play. She assists her two younger brothers, Julius, aged 8 years, who, having skipped the 1 B and 2 B grades, is in the 4 B grade and who has completed a year’s course in violin study in three months, and Elmer, 6 years old, who is in the second grade. She is fond of the “movies” and plays with dolls. She weighs five and one-quarters pounds over normal.

Young Sylvia ended up graduating from Central High School in 1926 at the age of 13. Pretty impressive.

She went on to New York University and graduated in 1930 at the age of 17, at the time, the youngest graduate ever from the school.

Sylvia and her brothers went on to musical success as a trio. The Post wrote about the family on July 19th, 1931.

Genius is the word to apply to a 17-year-old girl and her two young brothers, originally of Washington, who are earning fame on the radio and in the New York musical world.

The three, Sylvia Altman, 17 years old, pianist; Julian [sic], 15 years old, violinist, and Elmer, 13 1/2 years old, are visiting Mrs. Sophie Simon, of 1116 Seventh street northwest.

Sylvia graduated from the Park View School at the age of 10 and from Central at 13 and graduated from New York University last June with honors. She is the youngest person to graduate from the university. She was one of the first children ever to broadcast, starting at the age of 10, making her debut over Station WCAP here. At the university she directed her studies toward a bachelor of science degree and majored in psychology, music and English. She recently was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa key.

Her musical education has covered eight years. During this time she has won a number of scholarships. She is studying music at present with Ernest Hutcheson, dean of the Julliard Musical Foundation. She is well known to audiences who tune in on “The Children’s Hour,” “Toddy Party,” “Empire Builders” and “Universal Series.” She played the part of Tilly Toddy for 39 weeks and was a piano soloist in the Gold Medal Trio in “The Children’s Hour.”

She has been received by Presidents Coolidge and Hoover and has been a congressional guest of honor at a luncheon in the National Capital. She has a large number of medals and trophies and a Steinway grand piano as a gift.

Julian, who has the distinction of being the youngest high school graduate in New York City, completed the four-year course at Haaren High School this year, with a gold medal for excellent in music. He has won six gold medals as first prize for his musical ability. He is an outstanding athlete, having won medals in swimming, running, jumping and boxing. He also won a prize for his work in amateur photography.

Julian, a member of the WJZ Gold Medal Trio, has been broadcasting with his sister for several years, as well as filling musical arrangements in company with Milton J. Gross, of the National Broadcasting Co. Sylvia and Julian appeared in Keith’s vaudeville.

Elmer, who is studying the cello, takes part in the following radio programs: “The Lady Next Door,” The Children’s Hour,” “Uncle Don” and “The Adventures of Helen and Mary.”

The children live in New York with their mother, Mrs. Jeanette Altman, at Gainsborough Studios, 222 Central Park South.

These have to be some of the most accomplished children you’ve ever read about. Makes you feel like you haven’t really done that much with your life.

Julian, Sylvia and Elmer Altman in 1931 (Washington Post)

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This photo was taken on March 15th, 1920 at the State, War, and Navy Building. It shows a group of press cameramen, posing in front of the building.

cameramen posing in front of the State, War, and Navy Building

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GoDCer Gail wrote in the other day about Cardozo High School (i.e., old Central High School) and wanted to know if we had some more photos of the school. We did dig up a few more, so here they are. Hope you enjoy them Gail!

Central High School stadium in the 1910s

Central High School in the 1910s

Central High School football game – May 5th, 1920

Central High School pageant between 1915 and 1923

Central High School swimming pool around 1910

Photograph shows young men practicing rowing on stationary machines in a gynmasium as others wait their turn to practice. Pictured rowing are: Stanley Durkee, Arthur Dorton, Ronald Collauday, Donald Kline, William Stewart and Elkin Hale. (1919)

Central High School assembly around 1900 (Frances Benjamin Johnston)

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That’s a really long title, but this is an awesome old photograph of Washington, from the air, taken on August 29th, 1924.

Washington, DC from the air in 1924

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These are a couple great photos of Chevy Chase Country Club in the 1920s, thanks to the Library of Congress.

Chevy Chase Club in the 1920s

Chevy Chase Club in the 1920s

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Here is a terrific photograph from the Library of Congress, showing a traffic policeman at 14th and Pennsylvania, making use of a rearview mirror. The photo was taken some time in the 1920s.

Policeman using mirror to direct traffic at 14th St. and Pennsylvania Avenue

The post Excellent Photo of Traffic Cop at 14th and Penn. appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is the Smith Transfer and Storage Company, formerly at 1313 U St., where the Ellington Apartment Building sits today. This photo was taken sometime between 1910 and 1920.

Smith Transfer and Storage Co., 13th & U Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C.

The post Smith’s Storage Co., Currently the Ellington Apartments Location appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is a photograph from, what appears to be, Central High School (Cardozo), some time in the 1920s. These young ladies are competing in the low hurdle race.

Women competing in low hurdle race

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Here is a nice photo from the late 1920s of two young women skating on the reflecting pool, with the Lincoln Memorial in the background. I think it’s safe to say, this isn’t something you’re likely to see today.

Abbey Jackson, seated, and Celene DuPuy ice skating on reflecting pool, with Lincoln Memorial in background

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This is an interesting photograph from the 1920s. A policeman is chatting with the driver of a car and he appears to have a young African-American man as a passenger.

policeman having coffee

The post Policeman Loves His Coffee appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

I love this building and I’m so glad we still have it. I’m a little skeptical about what Trump is going to do with it, but … we’ll see. Just don’t turn it into a casino!

Here are two great shots from 1920, thanks to the Library of Congress.

inside the Old Post Office

work being performed on the clock tower

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view of the Franklin School in the 1920s

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This is a map of a very rural Foxhall Crescent in 1921.

1921 map of Foxhall Crescent

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This is a great personal story of a behind-the-scenes man. Francis H. Robinson was a long-time chauffeur for the White House, having arrived in Washington back in 1910. Robinson was originally from Massachusetts, born around 1876, and had been driving vehicles there for about two decades when Taft came calling.

The original chauffeur, George Robinson, was dismissed at the request of the President in July 1910 and Francis stepped in as his replacement. Abel Long became the head chauffeur, having come to the White House on a strong recommendation from the Pierce-Arrow company.

Francis H. Robinson (December 27th, 1919)

Long became sick in June of 1911 and Francis was then promoted to head chauffeur. He pushed for a raise to coincide with his promotion, but he was block by Taft’s aide, Archibald Butt (the man who tragically went down with the Titanic ten months later). He had to accept the $125 a month salary.

Washington Times – October 31st, 1919

Robinson, or “Robby” as he was known to his colleagues, was witness to an incredible amount of history, having served as official chauffeur for six presidents. Arriving with the first automobile during Taft’s administration, he continued to serve under Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover and Roosevelt.

Well over twenty decades behind the wheel, he also drove countless kings, queens, and dignitaries on during their visits to Washington. He was so well-admired that King Albert of Belgium bestowed Robinson with a military ribbon for his service. The medal was personally given by the King to thank Francis for his service during Albert’s visit to the city in 1919.

In the 1920 U.S. Census, Robby was listed as living at 1812 G St. NW with his wife Annue, and his occupation was “Chauffeur, Executive Mansion.” By the early 1930s, his address was listed as 733 22nd St. NW.

Francis H. Robinson in the 1920 U.S. Census

Here’s a great shot of Robinson driving President and Mrs. Wilson.

President and Mrs. Wilson (March 20th, 1920)

The history of the automobile at the White House is an interesting one. The automobile really came of age and started becoming a reliable enough mode of transportation at the turn of the century, during Teddy Roosevelt’s Administration. However, President Roosevelt preferred the rougher, 19th-century mode of transportation, riding his own horse around Washington and the countryside. On occasion, he would borrow a car to speedily take him somewhere, but he never ordered an official White House motor vehicle.

His successor, President Taft, was the first to order an official motor vehicle for the White House (which happened to be steam-powered).

An amusing article from the New York Evening Post on January 7th, 1928, mentions the driving preferences of each president. Coolidge preferred to ride in a closed car and not be bothered by the wind. He was also known to require the driver to follow the speed limit, strictly. This proclivity to slow-pedal it really irritated the drivers behind him, as the Secret Service would not permit tailing vehicles to pass the President.

His successor, Woodrow Wilson, was more sedate in his taste, taking a closed car and following most speed limits.

President Harding, on the other hand, was the wildest of them all. He opted for the closed car, but it was impossible for any vehicle to go fast enough for his taste.

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This is a rather strange photo. It’s of the Republican Congressional baseball team parading around the field at American League Park.

The photo was taken on May 3rd, 1926.

Members of the Republican baseball team of the House of Representatives parading around the field at American League Park

Don’t forget to watch Ron Paul crank a double in 1983. More importantly, watch the video to see the awesome Houston Astros uniform he’s wearing.

The post Republican Congressional Baseball Team Riding an Elephant … Seriously appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is an awesome photograph of Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department in 1922, on their motorcycles. (I’d hate to be the guy riding in the sidecar.) The photo was taken on April 26th, 1922.

Photograph shows a group of motorcycle policemen, from left to right: “Sergt. J.E. Boyle, L.F. Reilly, W.D. Vaughn, F.S. Tyser, L.D. Redman, D.E. Gailmore, G.P. Waite, R.H. Mansfield, G.M. Little, A. Shockey, W.C. Lewis, [and] Capt. J.A. Abbott” with view of the U.S. Capitol in the background.

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I love these old crowd shots. You can pick out some fascinating faces and some ghostly ones.

Fans outside Griffith Stadium on October 10th, 1924

This photograph is from October 10th, 1924 and the team just won the World Series, beating the New York Giants by one run in the 12th inning of game 7.

Check out this guy’s face.

Senators fan

How about these two African-American men in a sea of white faces?

two fans

The post Ghostly Image of Fans Waiting for 1924 Washington Senators appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Times sure were different. Check out this photo of a massive crowd pushing their way into the White House. They’re all waiting just to shake the hand of President Calvin Coolidge.

Visitors waiting in line to shake hands with the President (circa 1921)

The post Visitors Wait For Hours to Shake President Coolidge’s Hand appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

For over 30 years, the O’s were our default baseball team. So I think it’s okay if we share this photograph of the 1921 Baltimore Orioles. At the time, they were Class AA in the International League.

1921 Baltimore Orioles

Plus, this is a really amazing photo.

The post The 1921 Baltimore Orioles appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Check out this awesome photo of “The Senator” … this was a Pennsylvania Railroad train from back in 1929. Thanks Shorpy!

The Pennsylvania Railroad’s “The Senator” in 1929

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I love when this stuff happens. GoDCer Steve did a little Googling and came up with this amazing piece of Internet gold. Remember Marjorie Morris? The intrepid young Washingtonian, noted for her adventures in Chevy Chase? We wrote some more about her here and here.

Marjorie Morris Sinclair interview

Also, the Cleveland Park Historical Society has a pretty cool website that you should check out.

The post A GoDCer Finds the “Whoopee” Party Girl! appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Any idea what this is and where it is (or was)? GoDCer Christina sent this along yesterday and wants everyone’s help in identifying it. So, put your thoughts in the comments below.

what is this?

The post Hey GoDCers, Please Help … Where Is This? appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

For our 900th post (OMG!), we are sharing this series of amazing old photos of People’s Drug Store No. 3. This store was at 14th and U and the photographs are from the 1920s. We love Shorpy.

Washington, D.C., circa 1920. “Peoples Drug Store, 14th & U.” A nighttime view of the store. Your headquarters for “tar bags.”

Washington, D.C., circa 1920. “People’s Drug Store, 14th and U.” Your Hypo-Cod headquarters. National Photo Co. Collection glass negative.

Washington circa 1920. “People’s Drug Store, interior, 14th and U streets.” We’re happy to report that this branch upholds People’s reputation as a purveyor of such household essentials as Glemby Hair Nets, hot water bottles and scary black rubber gloves. National Photo Company glass negative.

Washington circa 1920. “People’s Drug Store, 14th and U.” Another view of the drug emporium seen in the previous post. National Photo Co.

I can’t believe GoDC is now at 900 posts. That’s ridiculous … and pretty awesome. Thanks to all of you for following and supporting us!

The post OMG 900th Post! … People’s Drug in the 1920s appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is such a cool shot of the Lincoln Memorial only a few years after it was dedicated (with Robert Todd Lincoln in attendance).

Washington, D.C., circa 1926. “National Delivery Association, Lincoln Memorial.” National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

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We love digging through old newspaper classifieds to see these apartment listings. Check out a few of the ones we found this weekend.

How about a nice apartment in Dupont Circle for $125 a month? This one is the Rocksboro Apartment building at 1717 R St. NW on June 9th, 1961

1717 R St. NW – June 9th, 1961

How about a place on Meridian Hill near 16th and Fuller? This one is from the Park Meridian at 2637 16th St. NW, published in the Washington Post on Monday, May 30th, 1966.

Park Meridian advertisement – May 30th, 1966

Here are two older ones from July 3rd, 1932. These are ads for the Leland at 2012 O St. NW.

2012 O St. NW – July 3rd, 1932

2012 O St. NW – July 3rd, 1932

How about something from Georgetown, this time from May 14th, 1924.

Kew Gardens – May 14th, 1924

Now for something a little more contemporary. This is an ad for the Chastleton on August 1st, 1990.

Chastleton advertisement – August 1st, 1990

Here’s another great building and this advertisement is from September 24th, 1939.

Sedgewick Gardens advertisement – September 24th, 1939

The post Awesome Old Apartment Listings For Rent appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

For a cool $6.5 mil, this beauty of a home can be yours. Seriously though, this is an amazing house with nine bedrooms and over 8,000 square feet. It dates back to 1928 and has been on the market for almost a year. A house like this comes on the market once in a generation, and there aren’t too many people who can drop that amount of money on a home. (When Google decides to buy Ghosts of DC, I will buy a similar house in Kalorama.)

2446 Belmont Road NW

So, let’s do our first real estate version of “If Walls Could Talk.” Also, no disclosure necessary, because this isn’t sponsored by the real estate agent (though I wouldn’t be opposed to that in the future, provided that the property was interesting). I’ve biked by this a number of times and Mrs. Ghost and I were exploring Kalorama to find a cool home to write about. But, if you are the agent (or know the agent), I would love a tour of the home. Somebody put the word out and email me.

Building permit for brick dwelling

The first mention in the newspaper of the property is on March 4th, 1928. The following was listed in the Washington Post that day.

F. B. Moran McConihe, to erect two-story and basement brick and hollow tile dwelling, 2446 Belmont road northwest; estimated cost, $50,000.

I’m pretty sure the powder room costs that amount today.

For sale

Want to be the first resident of 2446 Belmont Road? If you saw the following advertisement in the Washington Post on December 28th, 1928, you might have had that chance. I’m pretty sure the first resident did see this ad.

advertisement for 2446 Belmont Road – December 28th, 1928 (Washington Post)

It was still on the market in the late spring of the following year, when this ad ran on May 12th, 1929 in the Washington Post.

2446 Belmont Road advertisement – May 12th, 1929 (Washington Post)

Captain Charles Maddox, a military radio pioneer

Captain Charles H. Maddox

On September 24th, 1964, the Washington Post published an obituary for Charles Maddox, long-time resident (over three decades) of 2446 Belmont Rd. NW.

Capt. Charles Hamilton Maddox (USN-Ret.), who was a pioneer in the uses of radio on naval ships and aircraft and a veteran of both World Wars, died of pneumonia Tuesday at Bethesda Naval Hospital. He was 78.

In 1912, Capt. Maddox designed and tested in flight the first successful radio equipment used in naval aircraft.

During World War I, he served on the staff of the Pacific Fleet commander as radio officer and was radio superintendent for the San Francisco district. He also served as a radio officer with naval forces operating in the Atlantic.

…

Capt. Maddox, a native of Hamilton, Ont., was a member of the 1909 class of the United States Naval Academy and later attended Harvard Graduate School of Applied Science and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was a life member of the Institute of Radio Engineers.

In the Washington area, he was a member of the Army and Navy Club, the Metropolitan Club and the Chevy Chase Country Club. He also was active in the New York Yacht Club.

It’s unclear to me how a military man could afford such a massive and opulent home.

Muriel Maddox

The other family member frequently mentioned in the newspaper was his young daughter, Muriel. Below is a drawing she did, published by the Washington Post on October 4th, 1931.

“A Windy Day” by Muriel Maddox (Washington Post)

Muriel Maddox – November 21st, 1949 (Washington Post)

Muriel ended up to be quite a beautiful woman, a young Washington debutante in 1940 (when those social events were still fashionable). Her social debut was in August of that year, up in Newport, Rhode Island, where the family had a second home (wow, how much money did this guy have?).

Muriel ended up making a film debut in “The Men” with Marlon Brando and went on to a few more roles in movies, but never the star. She did, however, find success as a writer of romance novels.

She passed away in 2010 at the age of 89.

Here are a couple other photos of the property.

2446 Belmont Rd. NW

2446 Belmont Rd. NW

The post If Walls Could Talk: 2446 Belmont Rd. … and It’s For Sale! appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

It’s highly likely you have been to the D.C. institution known as Madam’s Organ at 2461 18th St. NW. It anchors the Adams Morgan strip, and has done so since the current patrons were in diapers.

It’s been a while since our last “If Walls Could Talk” post, so let’s kick it off with the legendary Madam’s Organ.

Madam’s Organ mural

Square 2560, Lot 74

Here is a great map of the area in 1907. The intersection you’re looking at is 18th and Columbia. The building that would eventually become Madam’s Organ is lot number 74.

1907 map of 18th and Columbia

The Hertzberg twins celebrate their birthday

The Washington Post on January 24th, 1907, published the Hertzberg twins’ birthday celebration in the social column. Allan and Lewis lived at 2461 18th St. NW with their parents Julius and Carrie.

Julius had originally come to the United States from Germany in 1896 and worked as a dry goods buyer.

Below is the mention of the birthday celebration.

Masters Lewis and Allan Hertzberg, twin sons of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Hertzberg, were hosts at a very enjoyable birthday anniversary party last evening at their home, 2461 Eighteenth street, northwest. Those present were Mrs. and Miss Altman, of New York; Mr. and Mrs. H. Hollander, Mrs. L Heilbrun, Mrs. T. Salomon, Mrs. L Hertzberg, of Baltimore; Misses Blanche Hollander, Clara Price, Florence Price, Helen Sanger, Sophie Sanger, Lillian Heilbrun, Bertha Greenberg, Pauline Kuntz, Julia Salomon, and Theresa Karger, and Messrs. Irvin Harold Price, Louis Greenberg, and Del Reliance. A vocal and instrumental programme was given by Master Allen and Master Lewis.

The vocal programme seems rather odd, given that in the 1910 U.S. Census, the boys were listed as four years old, which would mean they were one at this party.

Hertzberg family in the 1910 U.S. Census

Dear Santa

This is a touching one from 1928. This was a Washington Post letter to Santa Claus competition held prior to Christmas of that year. First prize was $20, awarded to Charles Fugitt of 521 Shepherd St. NW. Fourth prize that year ($1) was given to Norman Rosenburg of 2461 18th St. NW.

Norman Rosenburg – November 25th, 1928 (Washington Post)

This is the letter he wrote, published in the newspaper on November 25th, 1928.

Editor of The Post:

“Why I Know There Is a Santa Claus.”

When Christmas comes, of course we always think of Christmas trees, presents, holidays, parties, but when you think hard the first thing that comes in your mind is Santa Claus. For the benefit of those who can not believe me, I will try to make them understand. When we turn on our radio around Christmas we always hear Santa. The radio, which is heard the world over, could never lie. Don’t we write letters and generally get what we ask for> Don’t we all know that Santa comes down the chimney late at night and surprises us? Many books have stories about Santa’s reindeer, his home, his ways, his adventures. Aren’t they written in black and white for everyone to see, by famous writers? Indeed, those who do not believe in Santa Claus, in my estimation, lose most of the joy that live gives.

The radio definitely doesn’t lie, and neither does the Internet.

Man nearly killed in mystery attack

This is a super sketchy story we dug up in the Washington Post from March 16th, 1930. The title says it all.

Severely injured when he apparently was “taken for a ride,” John Byroades, 42 years old, of 2461 Eighteenth street northwest, was dumped out unconscious at Emergency Hospital at 11:15 o’clock last night by an unidentified motorist, who gave an incoherent, mysterious story and ran out to disappear in his waiting automobile.

Byroades, identified only from personal effects in his clothes, was reported by hospital attendants in dying condition, with possible internal injuries and numerous injuries on the head. Belief was expressed that he would not regain consciousness.

The motorist lugged the injured man from his machine, dropped him to the flor [sic] of the emergency room at the hospital, and mumbled a few words to the effect that Byroades had been riding along Wilson boulevard near Clarendon, Va., with ostensible friends when an attack was made, and that Byroades was beaten and then slung out of the machine to the roadway. He was rushed out without making his own identity known.

The hurts received by Byroades indicated that he had been the victim in a terrific mauling. His clothes were badly torn.

Arlington County autorities [sic] early today had not received any reports of the crime, other than that Byroades was in the hospital, where Policeman Will Thompson was dispatched to investigate.

There wasn’t much else about the case in the newspaper. The only other fact reported in another article was that Byroades spent time that evening drinking in an I St. speakeasy. According to him, he was drinking with some friends when they decided to head to another notorious roadhouse in Silver Spring. He ended up being brutally beaten, breaking three ribs, fracturing his skull and was robbed of $200.

Toys for every child

Charles Lazarus, the founder of Toys “R” Us started out with a small store at 2461 18th St. NW. He had returned from World War II, and in 1948, at the age of 25, saw an opportunity to capitalize on the growing baby boom with a store to capture this market, Children’s Bargain Town.

So, every time you order another round at Madams Organ, think about all the happy children who used to roam the building, looking for new toys.

Baby Supermart advertisement – November 4th, 1954 (Washington Post and Times Herald)

Today, 2461 18th St. NW is one of the more popular late-night destinations in the rowdy Adams Morgan neighborhood. Far from it’s days as a store where you could buy a crib.

Madam’s Organ

The post If Walls Could Talk: Madam’s Organ appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This photograph appears to be taken from Blaine Mansion sometime during the 1920s, looking east over Dupont Circle. You can see the Cairo Building in the background.

Dupont Circle looking east

The post View of Dupont Circle from Blaine Mansion appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Wow … another amazing shot. This one is colorized from 1921, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston. Incredible details.

White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. Southeast garden, spring 1921

Thank you Library of Congress!

The post Southeast Garden at the White House in 1921 appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Another beautiful shot down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the Capitol. This photo was taken in 1920.

Washington, D.C., circa 1920. “Fealy’s Corner, 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.” Dr. Martin Fealy’s pharmacy at 1024 Pennsylvania Avenue S.E. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

Below is a view from the same area today using Google Street View.

The post Excellent View Down Pennsylvania Ave. in 1920 appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

If you lived in D.C. in the 1980s, seeing a police chase screaming down K St., or any other major thoroughfare, was not a rare occurrence.

So, out of the thousands of chases mentioned in the newspaper archives, we have selected three to share in our next “Three Things …” post.

1. Rum runners crash into Library of Congress

Bootleggers and rum runners. Washington had its fair share in the Roaring Twenties. Below is an article we came across from March 11, 1928 about a wild police chase of rum runners, through the streets of D.C.

Speeding at 70 miles an hour through Southeast Washington streets early yesterday morning, an alleged rum runner, closely pursued by police, lost control of his machine, which crashed into the stone wall surrounding the Library of Congress. Unhurt, the driver of the car and his companion jumped and fled, but were captured. Two hundred and forty half-gallon jars of corn whisky were confiscated, police said.

Those held are Robert Thomas Burgess, 32 years old, charged with reckless driving, illegal possession and transportation of liquor, and Patrick E. Foley, transporting and possessing.

They were captured by Sergt. George M. Little, member of the police flying squadron, and Robert F. Cornett, Federal dry agent, who was recently exonerated by a Baltimore Federal court in the killing of Gundlach, St. Marys County, Md., farmer.

The chase began when the “dry” squad stationed themselves at the District line, on the Marlboro pike, to await the arrival of the suspected liquor car. In a previous skirmish, the machine had escaped, Sergt. Little had said.

Their quarry flashed past at a high rate of speed, and the police car swung into pursuit, which led through Alabama avenue to Good Hope road, and Naylor road to Pennsylvania avenue southeast.

Swerving to avoid wrecking a milk wagon at Second and B streets, the driver of the fleeing car lost control and it plunged into the wall, from which it glanced to an electric light pole, about 200 feet distant. Mowing down the pole the automobile again collided with the wall, and bounded back into the street, where it came to a stop against the curbing.

run runners wreck at the Library of Congress (Washington Post)

2. An 80-mile-an-hour chase from Chevy Chase Circle

Six months before D-Day, a wild police chase through from Chevy Chase to Georgia Ave., NW, ended in a massive crash and fireball. Behind the wheel was a young man in the navy from Bainbridge, Maryland. Below is the report in the Washington Post on January 7th, 1944.

An 80-mile-an-hour chase involving police scout cars and an automobile stolen from an undertaking firm, ended early yesterday when the auto, driven by a young sailor, crashed into the brick columns of a bus barn at Georgia ave. and V St. nw., and caught fire.

The sailor, Charles Steven Thornburg, attached to the Naval Training Center at Bainbridge, Md., suffered a broken leg, possible skull fracture and internal injuries. His condition as described as critical at Garfield Hospital.

The chase began when police observed the car at Chevy Chase Circle. They started pursuit and reported via two-way radio to Charles Clay, jr., police radio dispatcher. Clay assigned other scout cars to the chase, and the speeding car was later seen at Georgia ave. and Peabody st. nw.

The chase continued south to Park rd. as reports were flashed to Clay, who dispatched other scout cars to the vicinity with instructions to block the street. Finally reaching V st., the auto piled up against the brick columns. Segments of the radiator flew off and broke a plate glass window across the street at 2113 Georgia ave. Fire apparatus and an ambulance were dispatched there.

The wrecked sedan was stolen from Joseph Gawler’s Sons, Inc., 1756 Pennsylvania ave. nw, police said.

police chase wreck – January 7th, 1944 (Washington Post)

3. Officer Rainey chases ‘em down on his Harley

Officer Maurice A. Rainey, Park Policeman, gives you two chases here for the price of one. The first was a report we found in the Washington Post from October 2nd, 1921.

Park Policeman M.A. Rainey, who was reprimanded by Judge Mattingly in the Police court early in the week for alleged “wild west tactics” in bringing a speeding motorist to a halt, was yesterday commended for his work by Col. C.O. Sherrill, superintendent of public buildings and grounds.

Col. Sherrill conducted an investigation into the incident, and after a hearing in his office yesterday stated that Rainey’s “actions were beyond criticism and were most admirable.” He expressed his appreciation of the aid given Rainey in making the arrest by Serg. F. Wilson, Gen. Pershing’s chauffeur, and Park Policemen C.D. Fortner and O.E. Morgan.

Rainey’s second major chase, as reported by the papers was on Sunday, February 26th, 1922.

An exciting chase between Park Policeman Maurice A. Rainey, stationed on the speedway, and an alleged bootleg automobile through the streets of the northwestern section, early Sunday, resulted in the machine crashing into a tree at Twenty-sixth street and New York avenue northwest, wrecking it. The alleged bootleggers escaped. The bootleggers threw a quantity of Scotch whisky, Rainey declared, from the the speeding machine. The wrecked car was confiscated by the police and revenue agents. When the bootleggers jumped from the machine Rainey abandoned his motorcycle and gave chase on foot, but was outdistanced by the negroes.

Officer Rainey is pictured in the photograph below, posing on his sweet Harley, in front of the White House. He’s no Officer Sprinkle, but still … pretty cool.

At the White House gates. “M.A. Rainey, October 5, 1922.” National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

The post Three Wild Police Chases on the Streets of D.C. appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is an old image of the Mayflower Hotel on Connecticut Ave., some time in the mid to late 1920s.

The Mayflower Hotel (Library of Congress)

The post The Mayflower Hotel appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This absolutely horrifying.

Some of you may not know this, but in 1928 (and a number of other times in the 1920s), the Ku Klux Klan was permitted to parade down Pennsylvania Ave. Hard to believe, I know.

The post Dark Days of the Ku Klux Klan Parading Down Pennsylvania Avenue appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Margaret Gorman in 1921 (Library of Congress)

You may not know this, but the First Miss America was a born and raised Washingtonian. The beauty pageant might be seen as completely irrelevant and anachronistic today, but there was a time when it was a really big deal. And, our own Margaret Gorman held the inaugural title of Miss America.

Margaret was the young, 16-year-old daughter of Michael J. Gorman, the executive clerk to the Secretary of Agriculture. The family lived in a rented home at 3015 Cambridge Place (Trulia real estate listing) in Georgetown, close to Montrose Park. She was the second oldest child, with an older brother John, and a younger sister Elizabeth and brother William.

Gorman family in the 1920 U.S. Census

In 1921, Margaret was a rising junior at Western High School (now the Duke Ellington School of Arts) when her photo was entered into a Washington Herald city popularity contest.

She was chosen as one of six finalists and ultimately won the prize to become the first Miss Washington, D.C., the prize for which was a trip to Atlantic City as an honored guest of the Second Annual Atlantic City Pageant.

Margaret Gorman in 1921 (Library of Congress)

Margaret came away as the crowd favorite, winning the title of “Inter-City Beauty” and “The Most Beautiful Bathing Girl in America,” both horribly awkward pageant titles.

Her victory was big news back in Washington, making all the newspapers. One amusing story that of a telegram she received from one of her high school friends back in D.C. It read: “Congratulations. Don’t get stuck up.” To make it even better … the telegram was sent collect, with the delivery boy asking for 35 cents upon receipt.

She returned to Western High School that fall to continue her studies, returning to Atlantic City the following year to defend her titles.

Unfortunately, the Washington Herald had awarded another young woman with the Miss Washington, D.C. award for 1922. Pageant officials in Atlantic City decided to merge her two previous awkward titles into the more succinct “Miss America.”

The first Miss America winner was born (a year after she actually won it).

The post Margaret Gorman: First Miss America and Washingtonian appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Ghosts of DC has a new favorite coffee joint at 1201 S St. NW. I went down this past Saturday with Mrs. Ghost and ran into Ms. EatMore DrinkMore (aka, Jenna). Maybe an “If Walls Could Talk” partner post with EMDM on a D.C. restaurant?

It’s been quite some time since our last IWCT post, so, to get this category going again, there’s no better place than our own Brooklyn-like coffeehouse at 12th and S St. NW, The Coffee Bar (EMDM did a review on them a short while ago).

The Coffee Bar @ 1201 S St. NW

Old maps of 12th and S Street NW

First, take a look at the Baist Real Estate Atlas’ for the intersection at 12th and S St. starting in 1909 below. You’ll notice that 12th St. used to go through S St., where now, Garrison Elementary School sits. The school was much smaller back then, sitting on 12th St., south of S St. In this map, the building marked as #35 is where The Coffee Bar is today.

Also, for reference, pink buildings are brick structure and yellow are frame structures.

1909 Baist Real Estate Atlas of 12th and S

Now, take a look at the area in the 1888 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. You’ll notice that most of the structures were there back then. One major difference is that W.E. Hodges Coal Yard occupied to lot where the Garrison School now stands.

1888 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of 12th and S St. NW

The Harmon family grocery store (and full house)

Miss Willie M. Kelly (Washington Post)

In 1940, there was a young couple, Woodrow Young (24) and Margaret Harmon (16) who were getting married. Margaret was listed as living at 1201 S St. Pretty young to be getting married as a teenager. A few years earlier, in 1937, another announcement had her brother Robert Harmon (20) getting married to Viola F. Scruggs (19).

And, in 1939 Miss Willie M. Kelly of Raeford, NC, married John C. Harmon at the Lincoln Temple Church, 11th and R St. NW.

We did some more digging on the Harmon family, and we were able to find their household in the 1940 U.S. Census.

John Wesley and Lillie B. Harmon were an older, African-American couple, originally from Delaware. In 1940, they were both 59 years old and lived above their grocery store at 1201 S St. NW.

Also in the house that year was their 16-year-old daughter Margaret, and another daughter, 11-year-old Sacajawea.

His other daughter Ruth, 25, lived in the home with her husband, Herman Walker, 35 and an art instructor, originally from Texas. They had two young children, Evangeline, almost two, and Herman Jr., seven months.

Three additional non-family members were living with them (full house!). James Spaulding, a 60-year-old widower from North Carolina, who worked as a brick layer, Emmett Poindexter, 61, and his wife Helen, 55, both from Virginia. Emmett worked as an independent laborer and Helen worked as a domestic for a local family.

That’s eleven people in one home! I’m guessing it only had one bathroom too.

Harmon family in the 1940 U.S. Census

By the way, I was also able to dig up a little more on Margaret Harmon. According to her Social Security records, she was born on March 24th, 1924 and only passed away a couple years ago, the day before Christmas Eve, 2011.

I also found some more on Lillie Harmon. She passed away in New York on August 25th, 1954, having lived 34 years in D.C. The obituary also stated that she had another daughter, Pocahontas.

That’s not all. After even more digging, I was able to find a feature in the Afro-American from Saturday, July 1st, 1939 entitled “Meet Your Neighbor” by Harry B. Anderson. John Wesley Harmon was the feature that day. (The following week would be a huge one for history, with Teddy Roosevelt‘s head on Mount Rushmore being dedicated on Sunday, July 2nd and Lou Gehrig‘s famous speech at Yankee Stadium being on Tuesday, July 4th.)

How long does the average colored business operate in Washington, for example, a grocery store?

Well, not wishing to offend nor discourage businessmen already set up in business, the answer to the above question: not over a year.

But J. Wesley Harmon, a local grocery store operator, with a flourishing business at Twelfth and S Streets, Northwest, is an exception, because he has been established for the past twenty years.

Trading in a vicinity where all the residents are members of his own group, he attributes his being able to stick to the same location to the fact that he has been patient and optimistic, always desiring to deal directly with his own race.

“Considering the many businesses of our group in the city which have dissolved almost overnight, after a brief life span, I guess it is rather an exception for me to state that I have been doing a fair business here for many years with all my patronage colored,” Mr. Harmon said, last week.

…

J. Wesley Harmon in the Afro-American (1939)

All this Mr. Harmon has reflected in his many years of commercial enterprise since he first went into business at the age of twenty-three, selling flour as the operator of his own flour mill in Sussex County, Del.

He thinks that he might have still been there after doing business for seven years had his initial concern not been destroyed by fire. After this, he taught in the Delaware County schools for a while, then worked in several other positions until 1915, when he came to Washington and attended Howard University.

Today he has but one aim in reference to his business, “I feel I have done a good job with my store all these years, because I have been able to raise a family of six children successfully and now my future aim is to turn the operation of my business over to them,” he declared.

…

His philosophy on life is give all you have to the world — even if it hurts — as you will find the results return doubled.

Meet Your Neighbor by Harry B. Anderson (Afro-American)

Well Mr. Harmon, your successful grocery store is now a successful, and quite popular local coffee joint. Maybe you’ll get a drink named after you to pay homage to your years of serving the local community.

K & D Food Market

In the 1970s, the building was occupied by a neighborhood market, K and D Food Market. According to the Washington Post crime blotter, the store was robbed my two armed men on Friday, December 3rd, 1971 (a week after Christina Applegate was born). Again, on Tuesday, January 29th, 1974 (the same day Ed Helms was born), the store was robbed by two masked men.

The market lasted into the 1990s, because there was a report of another robbery, this time in 1991, by three armed and masked men. These were ambitious robbers too, as K & D was one of five stores they robbed within three hours.

1201 S St. NW

Sadly, there wasn’t much else available in the newspaper archives about 1201 S St., but it was great learning about the Harmon family.

The post If Walls Could Talk: The Coffee Bar appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is a great bit of Washington trivia for everyone to commit to memory … especially if you live anywhere along 16th St. NW.

The Jefferson Pier

Pierre L’Enfant had originally planned the City of Washington around a right triangle, with the eastern portion at the Capitol, the northern portion at the White House and the 90 degree angle close to where the Washington Monument sits today. Thomas Jefferson marked this spot in 1793 with a wooden post, which was replaced in 1804 with the Jefferson Pier.

The north-south line from this point to the White House would form a prime meridian for the United States, dubbed the Washington Meridian.

Also in 1804, Jefferson placed an obelisk on a sloping hill about a mile and a half due north of the White House. This marker was at the end of 16th St., just outside of Boundary Street (i.e., Florida Avenue), past the city limits.

The marker was eventually removed when 16th St. was extended further north to the streetcar suburbs, but today, you can see a sign on the east side of 16th  St., marking the former spot of the obelisk. The next time you walk up 16th St., look for the sign on the wall of Meridian Hill Park.

Washington Meridian marker on 16th St. NW

The Washington Meridian travels due north from the White House and continues right down the center of 16th St., all the way to the Maryland line. Given its location right on the meridian, the hill was named Meridian Hill.

Zero Milestone in 1923

A number of other points of interest are lined up with the Washington Meridian. The statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park is one. On the south side of the White House, the Meridian Stone was placed in the center of the Ellipse in 1890 and in 1923, the Zero Milestone was placed at the top of the Ellipse.

Of course, we mentioned 16th St. following the path of the meridian, and as such, sometimes it is referred to as the 16th Street Meridian. At the top of the District, the boundary stone marker sits just to the east of it, marking the line between Maryland and D.C.

Finally, an interesting location, which I didn’t know lined up with the meridian, is the Jefferson Memorial. But, given his involvement in marking the meridian, it’s now obvious.

So, there you have it. Meridian Hill, one of the few hills in D.C., and a bitch to bike up in the summer, especially the 15th St. side.

The post Why Is It Named Meridian Hill? appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

We dug up this great ad for some Mt. Pleasant home in the Washington Post. This was published on June 18th, 1922.

homes on Klingle Road – June 16th, 1922 (Washington Post)

Here is the same row of homes today on Google Street View.

The post New Klingle Road Homes Completed and Sold appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

What a beautiful building. Sadly, this building no longer exists.

Washington, D.C., circa 1925. “Panama Legation, New Hampshire Avenue and Q Street N.W.” 18th Street is on the left and New Hampshire Avenue on the right. This is one of the earliest examples of a stop sign (“Boulevard Stop”) in the archive. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

Take a look at the same intersection today on Google Street View.

The post Panama Legation at New Hampshire and Q St. (1925) appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is one of those “did you know” posts, sharing some great trivia to share with your friends. It’s the kind you’re more likely to dig up on one of our favorite blogs, Greater Greater Washington.

Traffic lights are a pain in the ass. The light turns yellow, what do you typically do? You’re supposed to slow down, but you probably speed up. And, if traffic is just creeping along, do you sneak across the line and hope that it clears up enough for you to get across the intersection? Inevitably, you become the asshole blocking the box.

I was sitting behind an a-hole block boxer the other day, hopelessly watching the light cycle again, and of course I wondered what the history of the traffic light was in Washington (I also cursed a little and may have honked my horn).

chaos of traffic before street signals (1913)

A little research uncovered a proposed change in the D.C. traffic light system back in the 1920s. Below is the article, published on July 31st, 1927 in the Washington Post, where we uncovered this.

A new system of traffic signal lights, eliminating the amber light before the green will be placed in operation on local streets it is indicated.

The new plan will not confuse those who have their habits adjusted to the present system. It simply will abolish automatically the worst violation of the present arrangement that police have to contend with–starting on the amber light before the green appears.

Under the new system, the amber light still shows before the red. The new cycle then consists of three lights, red, green, amber, after which the cycle repeats, with the amber preceding the red for a brief interval. The present cycle consists of four lights, red, amber, green, amber.

…

The new arrangement works simply. The cycle embraces 80 seconds, as now. The red light will show for 40 seconds, and the green light for 40 seconds. But during the last 5 seconds that the green light showing the amber light also will show as a forewarning that the red, or stop light, will show again when the 5 seconds are up.

The green light therefore will show 35 seconds. Then the green and amber light will show together for 5 seconds. They will both flash out simultaneously, and the red light will show for 40 seconds, completing the cycle. The main thing, however is that the red light will flash immediately to green.

Under the present arrangement the red light shows 35 seconds, the amber light 5 seconds, the green light 35 seconds and the amber light again 5 seconds.

William H. Harland, director of traffic, said yesterday that he probably would recommend this system to the Commissioners for all future traffic lights to be installed in the city.

…

Harland, however, is thoroughly opposed to the elimination of the amber light altogether. The Public Utilities Commission recently recommended to Harland that the amber light be omitted from a traffic light soon to be installed. He declared yesterday that he would not sanction the complete elimination of the amber light under any circumstances.

…

In fact, it is now in operation at what is probably the worst intersection in the city, Fifteenth street and New York avenue. There street cars make right and left hand turns on the red light. The result is that motor vehicle and street car traffic do not interfere with each other, and are able to use the intersection equally. It is interesting to stand at the intersection and observe how well the new system handles so bad a traffic situation.

From what I’m reading in this article, it seems like the streets of Washington in the 1920s were exceedingly dangerous, full of reckless drivers. But, is that so different from today?

January 5, 1926. Washington, D.C. “Traffic Director Eldridge inspecting new lights.” National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

The next part of the article gets a little confusing and hard to follow.

Other violations in connection with the traffic lights are going through a red light, for which the motorist may be arrested for reckless driving, and making a left-hand turn in the line of traffic, which also may be classed as reckless driving.

To make a left-hand turn on streets controlled by lights the motorist should pull over on the right-hand side to the crosswalk of the cross street, and then pull far ahead to the opposite side of the cross street. This will give the motorist behind him a chance to prepare for a left-hand turn also, or permit the motorist desiring to make a right-hand turn to go ahead. Above all things he should keep to the right, and not stop right in the middle of the street. Then when the light changes to green on the cross street he may go ahead. The right turn is made against the right light on the cross street, and never when traffic is moving on the cross street.

Cars, streetcars, pedestrians, bicycles, horses, buggies, the streets were absolutely chaotic. Can you imagine the days before traffic lights? Even more of a disaster.

Here is a fascinating article on the Washington Post about the inner workings of the traffic light system. Also, don’t forget to check out our post on the traffic light bandit.

The post Red, Yellow, Green: Some D.C. Traffic Light History appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

accident victim, Barbara Clements – March 6th, 1927 (Washington Post)

This is not an article you’re going to see today in the newspaper. Although, you’re more than likely to see a scene like this in a movie.

This brutally gory article, published on March 6th, 1927, details a horrific accident on Florida Ave. NW at 1st St. If you were having a drink at Big Bear Cafe, you would be about a block away from the accident scene.

Miss Barbara C. Clements, 23 years old, a teach in the Pierce publish school and living at 1327 Maryland avenue northeast, was fatally injured when an automobile she was driving was in collision with another car at First and Florida avenue northwest, shortly before 7 o’clock last night.

Miss Clements was on her way to her home to meet her brother John, 21 years old, who was going with her to St. Aloysius’ church to start a novena. John, who was nearly prostrated with grief sighed:

“We were going to church to ask for a special blessing and this is what we get.”

Harry Barton Hart, 48 years old, a service manager with the Potomac Electric Power Co., driver of the other car, was arrested and taken to the Second precinct station to await the action of the coroner’s jury.

Miss Clements died at Sibley hospital a few minutes after she arrived there. Her head was almost severed.

Dr. Samuel M. Becker, of the hospital staff, who treated her, said died probably from a broken neck. Her left arm and shoulder were fractured.

Three other women were in the automobile which Miss Clements was driving. One of them was Mrs. E. H. Griffith, 1430 G street northeast. She and the other two suffered nothing more than shock.

Hart suffered a strained back as a result of the accident. The crash took place in the center of the intersection, and Miss Clements was thrown through a window.

Washington Post headline – March 6th 1927

Joseph Leitch, 17 years old, 4911 Seventh street northwest, was the first person to reach the scene. He carried Miss Clements from the wreckage and placed her in another automobile which took her to Sibley hospital.

Miss Clements’ parents were prostrated with grief when told of their daughter’s death. The girl’s mother had a premonition of her death. When informed of the accident by a reporter for The Washington Post, Mrs. Clements became hysterical with grief.

The young school teacher is survived by her parents, six brothers and two sisters. She taught a first grade class in the Pierce school. Miss Clements was a student there about ten years ago. She had been teaching about four years.

Wow. Nearly decapitated and the paper reported on that. Crazy.

The post Autos Collide on Florida Avenue; Young Teacher Killed appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

Faithful and extremely patient GoDCer Jeff requests some time ago that we do a piece on the Northumberland, just north of U St. Our apologies for the long delay in getting to your request, but hopefully you’ll agree that it’s better late than never.

The building at 2039 New Hampshire Ave. NW, was built in 1910 by the famous local developer Harry Wardman and architect Albert H. Beers. Originally opening as luxury apartments, it was home to many prominent members of Washington society, including Members of Congress, and the wealthy local elite.

The Northumberland (Wikipedia)

As a side note, you might find it amusing that in 1914, the entire building was valued at $375,000, according to an article in the Washington Times, and it generated an annual aggregate rental income of $39,300.

In 1920, the building was converted into a cooperative, becoming the oldest, continuously self-managed cooperative building in the city. Read more about the building and its history at northumberlandapartments.com. I bet your building doesn’t have a website like this.

You know what’s even cooler? There is a full-scale, legit documentary  that you can watch online. Check it out at the bottom of this post.

1. The building becomes a cooperative

After a full decade as a luxurious apartment building, The Northumberland Apartments was converted into cooperatives. Ar article in the Washington Post mentions the disposition of apartments as cooperatives on October 10th, 1920.

The sale of the Northumberland apartments, New Hampshire avenue and V street northwest, to the “Northumberland Apartments, Inc.” has been announced by the Union Realty Corporation, Evans building. The purchasing company will dispose of individual apartments on the cooperative plan. C. C. Calhoun and James Sharp made the sale.

The Northumberland is a seven-story, modern, fireproof building, containing 69 apartments, varying in size from two to seven rooms. It was built about nine years ago.

real estate advertisement in the Washington Times – March 26th, 1921

2. Business man, Civil War veteran Charles F. Benjamin dies

Below is an interesting obituary that we came across from 1915. A prominent D.C. resident and Civil War veteran, Charles F. Benjamin, who had been living in Washington for half a century, died on May 5th, 1915. Below is the article from the Washington Post.

 Charles F. Benjamin, for more than 50 years a resident of Washington, died yesterday afternoon at his apartment in the Northumberland. He was born in London, England, 73 years ago. Coming to this country when a boy, he resided in New York until the outbreak of the civil war [sic], when he enlisted at the age of 18 in the Fifty-fifth New York Volunteers. He was wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks. He was with Gen. Seth Williams, adjutant general of Mead’s army, at the battle [sic] of Gettysburg and shortly after was transferred to the War Department, where he became confidential clerk to Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. He remained in the department until Grant’s first administration, when he was appointed chief clerk of the Southern claims commission.

Mr. Benjamin, while still in government service, graduated from Georgetown University Law School, afterward taking the graduate course at Columbian University. He was an active member of the Washington bar at the time of his death. He was one of the founders of the Perpetual Building Association, and for the past eight years had been its president. …

…

Mr. Benjamin married, in 1869, Virginia Jay, daughter of Jabez and Nancy Jay, who resided for many years on Eleventh street, near F. His wife died six years ago. He is survived by his five children, Charles L. Benjamin and Frederick J. Benjamin, of Milwaukee, and Hobart Benjamin, Virginia Sarah Benjamin, and Irving C. Benjamin, of Washington.

The Northumberland Apartments between 1910 and 1915 (Library of Congress)

3. Who lived here in 1920?

If you live in the Northumberland, you’re going to like this. Who lived in your unit 93 years ago? Why not find out by checking out the 1920 U.S. Census below.

Initially this was going to be a story about a teenager, John H. Metzerott, Jr., who was shot in 1919. Two men were attempting to steal a tire from his father’s car, while they were at the family farm in Berwyn. John Jr. confronted the men and was shot at point blank range in the left shoulder. To make it even more bizarre, he had to drive himself to the hospital in his father’s car, because John Sr. did not know how to drive.

I came across the census looking for information on the Metzerott family, who lived in the Northumberland, and thought it would be great to have the GoDC community check out the full list of residents in the 69 apartments. Imagine the friendships, the rivalries, the strangers, the newcomers and the old-timers. It’s fascinating to think of the relationships and dynamics of the Northumberland community.

The Northumberland Apartments in the 1920 U.S. Census (page 1)

The Northumberland Apartments in the 1920 U.S. Census (page 2)

The Northumberland Apartments in the 1920 U.S. Census (page 3)

The Northumberland Apartments in the 1920 U.S. Census

And here is the video I mentioned earlier. I think it’s safe to say that your building doesn’t have a documentary made about it like this.

The post Three Stories from the Northumberland Apartments appeared first on Ghosts of DC.

This is an interesting shot of Teddy Roosevelt III, the grandson of President Teddy Roosevelt. He’s the scrawny kid on the right.

March 22, 1924. Washington, D.C. “Theodore Roosevelt III, boxing.” National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

The post Scrawny Teddy Roosevelt III Boxing With Another Kid appeared first on Ghosts of DC.