Photos of yesterday, featuring regular people and regular places.
Old Department of Agriculture Building in 1869
Check out this amazing old photo of the Department of Agriculture Building at 13th and B St. SW.
D.C. Alley Life in 1941
These are amazing old photos of alley living in Washington in the 1940s.
Van Ness Apartments in the 1970s
From the cars in the photo, we’re guessing this is the late 1970s, maybe the early 1980s.
Peacock Alley in the Willard Hotel
We’re all cooped up consuming an inordinate amount of negative news staring at the tube. How about some cool photos and imagery of days gone by to take your mind off of what’s happening, even if...
Woodward & Lothrop Building in the 1920s
Need something to take your mind off what’s happening? How about some great old photos of downtown Washington 100 years ago? Here’s a terrific old image showing the Woodward & Lothrop Building, which still stands today....
Snowy Maryland Avenue in 1890s Southwest
This shows a snowy street in D.C. back in the early 1890s. You’re looking at Maryland Ave. Southwest near 7th St. Source: D.C. Library
Help Identify This 1947 Photo
Where is this? We dug this up on Shorpy and want to figure out where it was in the District. Source: Shorpy
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
