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1930s

The Great Depression hit Washington differently than most American cities. FDR’s New Deal brought a massive expansion of the federal government, filling the capital with new agencies, new buildings, and hundreds of thousands of new workers. The decade that devastated much of America actually transformed Washington into a modern metropolis.

The 1930 Army Blimp at the Lincoln Memorial and Captain Flood

May 17, 2026March 26, 2015 by ghostsofdc
February 1930. Washington, D.C. "Army Airship C-41 lands on Mall and airmen, led by Brigadier General William J. Flood of the 19th Airship Company, place wreath at Lincoln Memorial, honoring Lincoln's Birthday."

On Lincoln’s 121st birthday, the Army landed a blimp on the Mall. The captain leading the wreath party wouldn’t make general until 1943.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1930s, Aviation, Lincoln Memorial 1 Comment

A View of the Washington Monument From the George Washington Memorial Parkway

April 27, 2026March 11, 2015 by ghostsofdc
VIEW OF WASHINGTON MONUMENT FROM THE VICINITY OF CAPITAL OVERLOOK, 1932. - George Washington Memorial Parkway, Along Potomac River from McLean to Mount Vernon, VA, Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, VA

Take a look at this amazing view of the Washington Monument from the George Washington Memorial Parkway. What do you think? Check out GhostsofDC.org for more!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1930s, Arlington, Landmarks 4 Comments

This is What the Metro Center Area Looked Like in 1930

November 7, 2023February 13, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Looking west on G Street NW from 13th Street showing the commercial buildings on the northwest corner of the intersection including the Church of the Epiphany.

Take a look back in time at this photo of the Metro Center area in Washington, D.C. in 1930. Don’t miss the Wilkins Coffee sign and a photo of Robert DeNiro’s doppelganger from the same era.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1930s, Churches 5 Comments

Warder Mansion: The DC House Moved Stone by Stone

May 21, 2026February 11, 2015 by ghostsofdc
Dominican Republic Legation

The Warder Mansion is the only H.H. Richardson building left in Washington. In 1923 an architect bought the doomed downtown house, numbered every stone, and moved it a mile and a half up 16th Street.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday, If Walls Could Talk Tags 1920s, 1930s, Architecture, Columbia Heights, Embassies, Meridian Hill 2 Comments

Hey GoDCers … Where is this Parking Lot from 1937?

November 9, 2022January 19, 2015 by ghostsofdc
July 1937. "Parking lot in Washington, D.C." Medium-format negative by Russell Lee for the Resettlement Administration.

Hey GoDCers! Take a look at this photo from July 1937 of a parking lot in Washington, D.C. Think you know where it is? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1930s 5 Comments

Prepare to Be Amazed: A Breathtaking View from the Capitol Dome

November 9, 2022January 9, 2015 by ghostsofdc
1935. Washington, D.C. "View looking down from U.S. Capitol dome, West Front." Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative.

Get ready to be amazed! Take in the breathtaking view from the Capitol Dome with this stunning picture from 1935. Click the image for greater details.

Categories Notable People & Places Tags 1930s, Capitol Building 1 Comment

The Cuban Embassy at 2630 16th St. NW in 1937

April 27, 2026December 17, 2014 by ghostsofdc
Embassy of Cuba in 1937

A 1937 photograph of the Cuban Embassy at 2630 16th St. NW in Washington, DC, when it served as Cuba’s diplomatic headquarters.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1930s, Architecture

1932 Apartment Listings for D.C.

November 9, 2022October 20, 2014 by ghostsofdc
1932 Washington Post apartment listings

Check out rental priced in Washington from 1932. This is going to make you feel bad about what you’re paying today.

Categories Old Ads & Classifieds Tags 1930s, Dupont Circle 2 Comments

A Photograph of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church with the Time Precisely at 10:55 a.m.

November 9, 2022October 14, 2014 by ghostsofdc
View looking west on New York Avenue NW from 13th Street and taking in the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and the commercial buildings on H Street NW between 13th and 14th Streets. The time on the church steeple clock is 10:55 a.m.

Take a look at this photograph taken of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. precisely at 10:55 a.m. Click for a larger, more detailed version.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1930s, Churches
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