Pennsylvania Avenue Archives - Page 7 of 8

The Crazy Night of a Pen Knife, a Pitcher and a Printer on Pennsylvania Avenue, 1884

December 21, 2021April 19, 2012 by ghostsofdc

A wild night on Pennsylvania Avenue in 1884: a printer, his wife and a penknife. Read the full story of the fight, the loving kiss, and the pitcher and penknife that followed, on GhostsofDC.org.

Uncovering the Brutal Criminal Underworld of Washington DC’s Chinatown in the 1920s

April 27, 2026April 11, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Seven men were shot dead by tong hatchet men in Washington’s Chinatown in the 1920s. Not one shooter was ever arrested.

Exploring the Opium Dens and Interracial Marriages of Washington’s Chinatown in the Early 1900s

April 27, 2026April 6, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Inside of lodging house and opium den in San Francisco, 1890s (Wikipedia)

Take a journey back in time to explore the opium dens and interracial marriages of Washington DC’s Chinatown in the early 1900s. Learn more about the people involved in this unique history in this Ghosts of DC article.

An Unforgettable Silent Film: The 1929 Inauguration of Herbert Hoover

April 27, 2026April 5, 2012 by ghostsofdc

This is an excellent silent film from 1929. It begins with outgoing president Calvin Coolidge and Hoover entering a vehicle and being taken to the Capitol Building down Pennsylvania Avenue.

The members of the Supreme Court are seen — including former president and then Chief Justice William Howard Taft — on the inauguration platform. Both Coolidge and Hoover are present and then the scene closes with the latter giving his inauguration speech.

The parade is grand and festive as Washington celebrates the incoming president. Hoover reviews the parade from the grandstand on Pennsylvania Ave, just north of the White House. The film closes with Calvin and Grace Coolidge waving goodbye from the back of a train.

Pool, Booze and Betting: A Recipe for Trouble in Washington, DC

December 23, 2021April 4, 2012 by ghostsofdc

pool hall in the early 1900s (source unknown)

Anytime you throw men, booze and pool into an equation, with a little competition on the side, you’re asking for trouble. This hypothesis is tested and proven true according to an article in the Washington Post from October 30th, 1900.

Exploring the “Then and Now” of the Washington Star (or Evening Star) Building

April 27, 2026February 11, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Here’s a cool “Then and Now” photo set. This is the Washington Star (or Evening Star) Building down at 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, right across from the Old Post Office Pavilion.

This striking Beaux-Arts building was originally constructed in 1898 (designed by Marsh & Peter) to house the newspaper, which was the anchor tenant until 1955. The paper eventually ceased printing in 1981. By then, the building was in dire need of a second life, and thankfully, it was saved by the Pennsylvania Development Corporation and fully renovated in 1989.

It looks very much like it did back in 1900 when this photograph was taken.

Celebrating the New Year with Lou Gehrig in 1929

April 27, 2026February 11, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Celebrating the New Year in 1929, Lou Gehrig, the Iron Horse himself, was in Washington, DC to ring in the New Year. Read about his famous farewell speech and his stay at the Occidental Hotel.

In Hotel Lobbies: Kicking off a New Category with the Story of Buffalo Bill in Washington, DC

January 13, 2021February 3, 2012 by ghostsofdc

I’ve come across a mountain of great society columns in old Washington Posts titled “In Hotel Lobbies.” This is going to make for some great material, so I’m kicking off a new category with the same title.

On December 21st, 1903 Colonel William F. Cody was in Washington, staying at the recently opened New Willard at 15th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

Then and Now: The Old Riggs National Bank Across from the Department of Treasury

October 18, 2021January 28, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Take a journey back in time with this “Then and Now” shot of the old Riggs National Bank across from the Department of Treasury. See the 1919 and today’s shot from Google Street View. Follow @GhostsofDC on Twitter for more updates.