Photos of yesterday, featuring regular people and regular places.
DCJCC in 1926
You're looking at a cool old photo from 1926, showing the DCJCC at 16th and Q St.
What Did Petworth Look Like in the 1930s?
This lovely old photo of Washington shows the Petworth neighorhood from the air in the 1930s. Any idea where this is in Petworth? Also, for those in Petworth who thumb their nose at the suburban dwellers...
Garfinckel’s Department Store in 1939
Take a look here at Garfinckel’s at 14th and F St. NW near the Treasury Building. The building still stands and is where The Hamilton is today.
Georgetown University Graduation Ceremonies in 1925
Congratulations to the Class of 2019. Now you’re ready for the rest of your lives! Take a little inspiration from this lovely historic photo showing your predecessors graduating in the late spring of 1925. Actually, I...
Western High School in 1919
Back then it was called Western High School. Washington had that school north of Georgetown, Eastern High School near Capitol Hill and Central High School just north of U St.
1950s Film Footage of Washington
Film footage of Washington shows how different things were. Listen to some of the narrative, including the past about George Washington’s slaves “living happily in their quarters.” Yes, that was really said.
Georgetown University Dorm Life Circa 1913
This is from the Georgetown University archives showing a group of young men gathered in a dorm room in 1913.
What’s a Herdic Cab? What Did They Look Like?
A herdic cab is a type of horse-drawn carriage, used as an omnibus, invented by Peter Herdic of Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania in 1881.
Stunning Look Down Pennsylvania Avenue
Take a look at this remarkable view down Pennsylvania Avenue in about 1921. So stunning.
1939 View of 14th and Penn.
This amazing old photograph shows the intersection of 14th St. and Pennsylvania Ave., where the Willard Hotel sits. It has some amazing details so click OK it to see them.
1877 Map of Georgetown
This is a great old map of Georgetown. Click on it for greater details. Source: Library of Congress
Potomac and Georgetown Flood
This crazy old photos shows Georgetown’s flooding and the Potomac in 1918. Here’s another good piece about it at The Georgetown Metropolitan.
View of Georgetown in 1855
This lovely painting shows Georgetown in the distance as it looked in 1855. Source: Library of Congress
View of National Archive Site Construction in 1932
This lovely old image shows the site of the National Archives early in the construction process. It was taken on July 1st, 1932.
National Airport Way Back in 1941
This lovely old photo was taken in 1941. You're looking at the old terminal (then the only terminal) at National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.
Where Is This Car?
Okay GoDCers! This is a photo shared by a fellow reader Eric. He sent it in quite a while ago, so I’m a bit late on sharing this with the group. But, I promised to crowd-source...
Independence Avenue Before the FAA Headquarters
Take a look at the building below. This is the Federal Aviation Administration’s headquarters on Independence Ave. SW. It obviously didn’t always look like this. Now look below at what the block looked like in 1941,...
The White House Before Fences and Security
Can you even believe this photo. This dude is just sitting on what appears to be a low stone wall on the south side of the White House. This would be E St. today and if...