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poverty

The Unseen Dangers of Renting a Home: Examining a 1935 Photograph

December 13, 2012 by ghostsofdc
One of few available houses for rent. Washington, D.C. One of the few available houses for rent under the crowded conditions. A study of the structure, however, will explain why there is no one now living in it

Take a closer look at this 1935 photograph from the Library of Congress and explore the unseen dangers of renting a home. This photo captures the struggles of people looking for a place to stay during a crowded and difficult time.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1930s, poverty 1 Comment

Exploring the Lives of the Poor in Georgetown, DC in the 1930s

December 12, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Explore the lives of the poor in Georgetown, DC in the 1930s before World War II. Learn about a photograph taken in 1935 showing a group of young children playing on a street in Georgetown and the sheer joy on the face of the kid to the left.

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

Investigating a 1935 Photo of Massachusetts Avenue: Where are These Homes Today?

December 12, 2012 by ghostsofdc
Section of Massachusetts Avenue showing block of shabby houses with outside toilets and water supply

We found a photo from 1935 of Massachusetts Avenue, but we’re not sure where it is. Any ideas? Go to lunch, show your friends, debate it and post your thoughts in the comments below. Are these homes still there?

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1930s, Massachusetts Ave. NW, poverty 11 Comments

Exploring the Row Houses of Massachusetts Avenue near Union Station in 1935

December 4, 2012 by ghostsofdc
September 1935. A closeup of the Washington, D.C., row house seen here over the weekend. "Front of old brick structure in section near Union Station. Land is low here and water collects in front and backyard after a rain and remains for many days. Entrances to privies are usually under water. Interior of homes similar in shabbiness to exterior." 35mm nitrate negative by Carl Mydans for the Resettlement Administration.

Take a look back in time to explore the row houses of Massachusetts Avenue near Union Station in Washington, D.C. in 1935. See a closeup of the old brick structure and learn about the shabbiness of the interior of the homes.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1930s, poverty 8 Comments
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