Most of the photos on this site were extracted from reference images (high-resolution tiffs, 20 to 200 megabytes in size) from the Library of Congress research archive. (To query the database click here.) Many were digitized by LOC contractors using a Sinar studio back. They are adjusted by your webmaster for contrast and color in Photoshop before being downsized and turned into the jpegs you see here.

September 9, 1929. "Girls of Aeronautic Division, Department of Commerce." View full size. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.
"One of these things is not quite the same."
The girl on the right is an exotic-looking hottie.
Gina or Sophia, before they existed.
To be fair, DC was so danged hot and especially HUMID in those days, that I'm surprised they could look this good. Their pin curls are totally trashed yet she still looks fantastic.
By the way, in case you were wondering, that IS J. Edgar Hoover second fom left.
Just sayin'.
Per Jim Chestnut that is a Savory Airator, also referred to as a "nice old banker's fan".
From another site: "The idea was that this design or style blade configuration would be less apt to blow your important papers off of your desk. I t would work in that capacity, and it would certainly circulate the air in a stuffy office, but the reality is it just pushed out less air in different directions than a typical style fixed or oscillating fan from the same time period."

This photo was made shortly before the stock market crash of 1929, which ushered in the Great Depression. I hope they were able to keep their government jobs.
The gal on the right looks absolutely modern! And while this lineup may not be the most glamorous crew, they all look smart and all have Killer Gams.
The lady on the right (our right) looks like she could walk into an office today and not look out of place. Well maybe not an office, most folks in offices today don't dress that well, be she sure could pass at a party.
Louis
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