Washington DC in the 1930s

William Andrew Johnson: The Former Slave Who Visited President Roosevelt at the White House

September 1, 2019March 3, 2014 by ghostsofdc

William Andrew Johnson, a former slave of President Andrew Johnson, was a guest at the White House when he visited President Franklin Roosevelt. Read the incredible story of his meeting with President Roosevelt, as well as details from his life before and after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Exploring D.C. History Through a 1937 Map of Neighborhood Boundaries

December 8, 2021February 27, 2014 by ghostsofdc

Take a journey through D.C. history with this 1937 map of neighborhood boundaries. Learn more about the city’s past and explore the changes that have taken place over the years.

Two Great Photos of Mount Vernon in 1932, the 133rd Anniversary of George Washington’s Funeral

March 24, 2022February 21, 2014 by ghostsofdc

Take a look back in time with these two great photos of Mount Vernon in 1932, the 133rd anniversary of George Washington’s funeral. GoDCer Mollie sent these in to share with the community.

The Washington Post’s Clever Response to Ghostwriters During the 1933 World Series

June 18, 2026February 21, 2014 by ghostsofdc

In 1933, Washington had a baseball team in the World Series. The Washington Post refused to hire ghostwriters to cover the Series and instead ran an ad penned by their sports editor, Shirley Povich. Read the story of The Post’s clever response to ghostwriters!

Nubby Nuckols: The DC Bookmaker Who Shot Himself in 1938

May 8, 2026February 11, 2014 by ghostsofdc

He was forty-one, the king of bookmaking in DC, and out on bail. Two days later he was on the floor in his maroon robe.

Who Was John W. Ross? The Story Behind Ross Elementary School in Dupont Circle

May 13, 2026February 5, 2014 by ghostsofdc

Ross Elementary at 1730 R St. NW is named for John W. Ross, a Harvard law graduate, Georgetown lecturer, and District Commissioner appointed by Presidents Cleveland and McKinley. Here’s the story behind the name.

Who Was Phoebe Hearst? The Story Behind Hearst Elementary School in Cleveland Park

May 14, 2026February 4, 2014 by ghostsofdc

Phoebe Apperson Hearst grew up poor in rural Missouri, married a mining magnate, and became one of the wealthiest women in America. She spent her fortune on public education for Washington children. Here is her story, and why a school in Cleveland Park bears her name.

Washington Post Exposes Corporal Punishment in District Schools in 1930

July 27, 2022February 3, 2014 by ghostsofdc

This article from the April 17th, 1930 issue of The Washington Post exposes corporal punishment in the District’s schools. Read more about the shocking incident that was reported to the Board of Education.

Exploring America’s Past: An Old Film from the U.S. National Archives

March 20, 2022January 29, 2014 by ghostsofdc

This is a really cool old film that we dug up at the U.S. National Archives. Check it out and see what landmarks you can identify, then add them to the comments below.