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.
Take a break from the negative news and take a trip down memory lane with this cool photo of Peacock Alley in the Willard Hotel. Date unknown, but estimated to be from the 1920s.
Take a trip back in time with this amazing old image of the Woodward & Lothrop Building in Washington 100 years ago. This beautiful building still stands today
Charles C. Glover was a prominent banker, philanthropist, and backer of the City Beautiful movement in Washington during the 1880s-1930s. Read about his 50th wedding anniversary article in the Washington Post and his predictions for the future of the city.
On May 3, 1925, Calvin Coolidge laid the cornerstone of the DC JCC at 16th and Q. The building has been lost, nearly turned into a prison, and won back.
Celebrating Georgetown University’s Class of 2019 and their predecessors from the historic Class of 1925. Take a little inspiration from this lovely photo showing their predecessors graduating in the late spring of 1925.
Harry Wardman was a prolific developer of Northwest in the 1920s. This ad from The Evening Star shows some of his homes on Cathedral Ave. in Woodley Park.
What did homes look like in 1920s Silver Spring? This advertisement promotes “growth now has brought modern, rapid transportation.”
Explore the history of Mass Ave. Heights & Park, two early 20th century developments near Rock Creek Park and Observatory Circle. Learn about their current status as the Woodland-Normanstone neighborhood of lovely giant homes.
These 1926 ads from The Evening Star sold brand-new Petworth rowhouses to Washington families. Many of those same blocks still stand today.
