Melvin Jones, Age 5, Punctured His Own Heart with Scissors in 1925
In 1925, five-year-old Melvin Jones punctured his heart with scissors. Washington doctors saved his life in a surgery that made national headlines.
1920s
Washington in the 1920s was a city in full swing. The decade brought jazz clubs, speakeasies, and a building boom that filled in the last great gaps in the city’s streetscape. Calvin Coolidge’s Washington was prosperous and busy, even as Prohibition tried to shut down the good times. These posts explore the capital’s roaring decade.
Capturing Timeless Beauty: A Look Back at the 1922 Annual Beauty Contest at the Washington Bathing Beach
Step back in time to the 1922 Annual Beauty Contest at the Washington Bathing Beach. Explore the stunning winners and fashion trends of the era.
Bathing suit police and the segregated Tidal Basin beach
In June 1922 a Washington cop knelt on the sand of the Tidal Basin with a tape measure pressed against a woman’s thigh. He was checking how far her swimsuit climbed above the knee.
Where is the Original Dupont Circle Statue?
The original statue of Samuel DuPont sat for more than a generation at the center of Dupont Circle. Then it was removed because people thought it was ugly. Read the story to learn more.
Great 1921 Ad for Dupont Circle Shopping
This is a great advertisement from the early 1920s. The Connecticut Avenue Association was promoting retail up and down Connecticut Ave., near Dupont Circle, including the Dupont National Bank.
Pauline Floyd: Youngest Woman to Practice Before the Supreme Court
Pauline Floyd was a pioneer and an excellent role model for women pursing a career in law. She was the youngest female lawyer admitted to practice before the Supreme Court.
Hains Point: How Did It Get Its Name?
Peter Conover Hains was a U.S. Army Major General who served in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I. The point carries his name.
Exploring the Atlas District: A 1921 Map of Officer Sprinkle’s Neighborhood
Explore the Atlas District of Washington, DC in 1921 with this map of Officer Sprinkle’s neighborhood. Requested by GoDCer Vaughn. Enjoy!
Kit Homes: How a $2,425 House Can Now Be Worth Over $2 Million
This guest post by Phil Dickieson explores the history of kit homes, which were popular in the early 20th century. Learn how a $2,425 house can now be worth over $2 million!