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Mug Shot: 1919

Washington, D.C, 1919. "Police coffee." Continuing this caffeinated, steamy saga. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size.

Washington, D.C, 1919. "Police coffee." Continuing this caffeinated, steamy saga. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size.

 

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Coffee Cop

Based on the following city directory entries, the corner they are at is 13th and F Street NW.

L. K. Liggett Co (Liggett Drugs), 1301 F St. NW
George T. Keen (Merchant Tailors), 1310 F St. NW
Veerhoff Galleries, 1320 F St. NW
Reid S. Baker (photographic materials), 1322 F St. NW

Another one of the Liggett Drug Stores can be seen here.

A photo of the current Google view of the same location is below.

Veerhoff Galleries

The original store was at 916 Seventh St. NW.

Not what it steams ... uh, seems

The city of Washington had few intersections controlled by traffic lights in the 1920s. Police officers were stationed at each one to keep things moving. I suspect this car is making the rounds giving a much appreciated cup of joe to each man.

[In 1919, when this photo was taken, Washington (and the nation in general) had zero traffic lights. - Dave]

Note the officer is downing his brew as the fellows wait. Each cop gets a fresh mug, but it won't stay hot for long. Drink fast man. (This is obviously before paper cups or Thermos bottles were the norm.)

Imagine standing in an icy intersection for hours directing traffic with the wind slashing through you, even with that heavy coat. Now where IS that coffee crew?

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