What was Washington, D.C. like in the 1930s? Take a look at our great posts with stories, people, photos, and history about the District from the thirties.
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.
1939 National Airport Photo Survey
National Airport in Arlington was opened in the summer of 1941, several months before Pearl Harbor. Below is a fascinating old image showing the aerial view of what would eventually become National Airport.
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.
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.
Skeleton of National Archives Building in 1933
This is what the National Archives building looked like before it took shape in the 1930s. What a fascinating old photo. Source: National Archives
What Did Southwest D.C. Used to Look Like?
This old photograph shows Southwest D.C. as it looked in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Source: New York Public Library I can’t really even orient myself to where this is today as the place has...
Stunning Washington Monument at Night in 1933
This beautiful old photograph of the Washington Monument, lit up at night, was taken in 1933. Click on it for some great details. Source: Shorpy
What Did Metro Center Look Like in 1935?
This fascinating old photograph shows Washington at 13th and F St. NW in 1935. This area today is Metro Center. Click on it for greater details. Source: Shorpy
1932 Parade in Washington
Here are two photos showing a parade in the District. Source: Library of Congress Source: Library of Congress
Do You Know Where This Parking Lot Was?
This great old photo shows a parking lot in the District across from a church. Does anyone in the GoDC community know where this is? Add your thoughts below in the comments. Source: Photogrammer
Looking Up 15th St. at Pennsylvania Ave. in 1931
This great old photo shows the view looking north on 15th St., just east of the White House and Treasury Department. The intersection is with Pennsylvania Ave. Source: Shorpy
President Hoover With Boys and Girls at The White House
Here’s a cool old photo showing President Herbert Hoover with a large group of boys and girls at the White House. Source: Shorpy
Walter Johnson Hosts Event for Hunting Dogs on His Germantown Farm
We found an interesting article about one of our Washington heros, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Walter Johnson. We’ve written quite a number of pieces about his baseball exploits over the years, as well as...
Why Is It Named Federal Triangle?
Do you know the origin of the name "Federal Triangle"? Did you know that at one point the area was called "Pennsylvania Avenue Triangle"?
1939 Tourist Footage of Washington
Check out this great film footage of Washington, D.C. from back in 1939.
Aerial View of Franklin Roosevelt’s First Inauguration
Check out this amazing old photo of FDR’s inauguration and then compare it to this one of Eisenhower and this of Obama. Source: dullshick
Washington Tenement Housing in 1935
Any idea where this photo was taken? Our alleys no longer look like this, but at one point, many people used to live in D.C. alleys. This was tenement housing in Washington. Source: Shorpy
