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Tag: 1940s

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A Rare View of the Massive Navy and Munitions Buildings Erected on the Mall in 1918
Take a rare glimpse of the massive Navy and Munitions Buildings erected on the Mall in 1918. See how massive they were from the Washington Monument in 1942 with this incredible vantage point.
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Schott's Alley on Capitol Hill in 1941
What was alley living like near Capitol Hill? This photo shows Schott's Alley, razed in the 1940s to make way for the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
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Three Houses for Sale the Day of Pearl Harbor
These three houses were advertised for sale in the Washington Post on December 7th, 1941. Help us identify the 565-acre estate in Warrenton, Virginia.
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Revisiting Streetcar Life in Washington, DC: A Look Back at Life in 1943
What was it like riding the streetcars of Washington on the 1940s? Take a look at this series of great old photos.
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What Did National Airport Look Like in 1941?
Washington's new airport opened for business in June 1941. This series of detailed photos shows what flying was like 80 years ago, more glamorous, quaint, and dressed up.
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Hoover Field: Before the Pentagon and National Airport
There used to be an airport where the Pentagon stands today. Washington-Hoover Airport operated from 1933 to 1941, replaced by National Airport.
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Take a Look at the Magazine Rack at National Airport in 1941
Take a look at a cool old photo of the magazine rack at National Airport when it opened in 1941. Plus, explore some more old photos and read three great stories from the airport!
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Solving the Mystery: Where Was This 1947 Street Scene in Washington, DC?
We discovered a 1947 street scene in Washington, DC and set out to solve the mystery of where it was. We found the answer, and you can too by reading our blog post!
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Georgetown's Whitehurst Freeway Opens in 1949
Whitehurst Freeway was envisioned I'm the 1940s to bypass Georgetown traffic. Ultimately opened in 1949, it was named for Captain Herbert C. Whitehurst.
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Proposed D.C. Subway During World War II
Near the end of World War II, there was an interesting proposal to build a subway in the District to alleviate post-war traffic.
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Exploring the History of National Airport: A Look Back at the Old Terminal in 1941
Discover the history of National Airport with a fascinating look back at the old terminal building in 1941. From its humble beginnings as Hoover Field to its critical role in World War II and subsequent expansion, learn about the changes that have shaped this important transportation hub in the heart of the nation's capital.
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A Look at the Changing Landscape of Independence Ave. SW in DC
Take a look at the Federal Aviation Administration's headquarters on DC's Independence Ave. SW and compare it to what the block looked like in 1941 on the eve of World War II. See how the landscape has changed in this comparison.
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Relaxing on the Tidal Basin: A Look Back at Washington, D.C. in 1942
Take a look back at Washington, D.C. in 1942 during the dark early days of World War II. This photo, taken on a Sunday in July, shows people relaxing along the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial. See what else is in the background!
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A Look Back at the Jefferson Memorial in 1940 and Today
Go back in time and take a look at the Jefferson Memorial in 1940 and today. See two photos of the iconic memorial and learn more about its history!
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The Day After Pearl Harbor: A Look at the Lincoln Memorial
Take a look at what the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. looked like the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked. Reminiscent of the day after 9/11, this historic moment in history is remembered and honored here.
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The Mysterious Old Building on 14th St. in Logan Circle: A 1942 Photo and Today
Take a look at an old building on 14th St. in Logan Circle, DC in 1942 and today. The US government froze sales of all new automobiles in January 1942, and this building was an automobile dealership at the time. See the photos and find out what's happening on the block today.
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The Charles Joseph Nourse House: An 1827 Farm House in Tennallytown
A look at the Charles Joseph Nourse House, an 1827 farm house located in Tennallytown. Learn about the history of the house and view photos of the beautiful old home.
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Remembering the Republic Theatre at 13th and U St.
Take a look back at the Republic Theatre on the north side of the 1300 block of U St. Opened in 1921, it was unfortunately demolished in 1976 to make way for the new Metro. See a photo of the theater from 1945-46!
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Exploring Southwest D.C. Through This Old Photo From the 1930s and 1940s
Take a look back in time at Southwest D.C. in the 1930s & 1940s through this old photograph. See how the area has changed since then and explore the 1927 Baist map of the area.
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Incredible 1944 Photo of Lincoln Memorial
is this one of the most impressive photos of the Lincoln Memorial? Lincoln Memorial in 1944 Source: Library of Congress 
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Calvert Street Bus Turnaround in 1948
Check out this old photo of the bus turnaround in Adams Morgan. It looks as it does today, minus the Toddle House in the background which is now Mama Ayesha’s. Capital Transit demonstration run of a Twin Coach articulated bus (a model they did not end up using), April 3, 1948. This turnaround is still used by buses today [photo by Robert S. Crockett]. Source: Flickr user rockcreek
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A Rare Photo of the Pentagon From Above
Get a birds-eye view of the Pentagon from the 1940s with this rare photo. Enjoy a glimpse of a bit of history and the War Department with this aerial shot captured by Theodor Horydczak.
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A Look Back at Washington DC in 1942 – Check Out This Cool Photo from Shorpy!
Take a look back at what Washington DC was like in 1942 with this cool photo from Shorpy. Also, check out the Senate Beer advertisement below the clock. Looks like this photo was taken at 11:14 am.
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The Little Green House on K Street
At 16th and K St. NW, there once sat a three story Victorian town home, the site of corrupt political dealings within the Harding administration, This is its story.
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A Look at Thomas Circle in 1943, Plus Historical Photos and a Map
Take a look at Thomas Circle in 1943 and see what it looked like in 1920, 1888, and 1921 with photos and a map from the Library of Congress.
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A Journey Through Time: Hyattsville Hardware in 1940 and Today
Journey through time and explore the history of Hyattsville Hardware - a building that has stood since 1940. See the old photo and view the building today on Google Street View.
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GoDCers, Check Out This Photo from 1942 Showing Two Buildings on 11th St.
GoDCers, check out this amazing photo taken in August of 1942 showing two buildings on 11th St. NW, DC. You can still visit the store on the right today and compare the photos to see how the city has changed over the years!
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Lost Children Will Be Taken to the Lion House
Here is an amusing (though I don’t believe intentionally) sign that was posted in the National Zoo. The photo was taken in May of 1943. This reminds me of the crazy post we did a while back on the woman who jumped into the lion pit. sign at the National Zoo Source: Library of Congress Speaking of lions, how about some history behind the lion statues in the opening credits to House of...
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A Look Back in Time: A Night View of Scott Circle in April 1943
Take a look back in time and explore Scott Circle in Washington, D.C. in April 1943. Check out this great post and aerial view of the circle, as well as a hand-drawn map by Alexander Graham Bell.
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Waiting for the Streetcar at 7th and Florida in 1942
Here is a shot of a woman waiting for the streetcar just west of 7th St. on Florida Ave., NW, taken in 1942 The building across the street is still there today. Check out the Google Street View below. Washington, D.C. Street corner, 7th Street and Florida Avenue, N.W. Source: Library of Congress Here is today’s Google Street View.
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