This fascinating old photograph shows the Washington Nationals playing at Swampoodle Grounds in the 1880s. Click on it for some amazing details.
Source: Architect of the Capitol
This Fascinating Old Photograph Shows the Washington Nationals Playing at Swampoodle Grounds in the 1880s
Can’t read much of the advertising on the back board of the field only one for Arlington Bottling Co. One ad I found from 1906 had one of their products Arnold’s India Pale Ale.
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045433/1906-12-16/ed-1/seq-32/
The one for AG Spalding at 819 Pennsylvania NW. I did find AG Spalding’s obit from 1915 and an advertisement from 1897.
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045462/1915-09-10/ed-1/seq-3/
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85054468/1897-06-13/ed-1/seq-5/
The place with the most obvious signage was from the McDowell & Sons Steam Elevator company. I found an obit from 1918 for a Samuel C. McDowell who died at his son James’ house at the age of 86. He had three other children Albert, Franks, and a daughter. It actually seams they were in the grain/milling business. The 1887 city business directly had the business listed at North Capitol and Massachusetts avenue and may have lived at 132 C Street NE. All 3 sons were listed as being involved in the business Albert F (132 C NE), James H. (523 N. Cap.), and Frank (at 132 C NE).
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045462/1918-01-19/ed-1/seq-2/
It’s not widely known that Connie Mack played for the Nationals for 4 years during this time period. I read it in his biography and there are some statistics on Baseball Reference. He was a catcher. http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mackco01.shtml