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The Uncomfortable Heat Wave: The Poor Girl Who Had to Pose for a Photo in 1923 Washington, D.C.

This poor little girl had to pose for a photo in the unbearable heat of 1923 Washington, D.C. She had to hold a doll, a B.F. Keith's sign, and a parasol, while sitting on the sand, and the expression on her face is heartbreaking.
Capitol Dome being painted
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The expression on this girl’s face is bizarre … “why the hell are you making me hold a doll, a B.F. Keith’s sign and this stupid parasol, while sitting on this uncomfortable sand?” Poor girl. She looks miserable.

June 28, 1923. Washington, D.C. "Girl in bathing suit." National Photo Company Collection glass negative.
June 28, 1923. Washington, D.C. “Girl in bathing suit.” National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

Washington was in the throes of a horrible heat wave that summer, with two people dying the same week that this photo was taken.

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