The Busy Corner: 1934

This is one of those magical images that make me feel (and wish!) I could just step into the photo, and stroll that sidewalk. I can almost hear the street sounds.

I remember the end of Kahn's. In the 1960's the entire block of buildings had been encased in a modern slipcover blotting out the original facades. In the late 1970's the long empty building caught fire, probably arson. As the building was razed and the blackened and melted facade was removed the "Busy Corner" sign was revealed, still intact.

Two brand-new 1933 or 34 Ford sedans (or a sedan and a Victoria) parked in the row to the right.

The neighborhood had gone to seed and they slapped some hideous aluminum facade on the building to make it look contemporary. Then it burned down in a suspicious fire. Shame they couldn't save it like they did the Hotel Washington.

Washington Post, Oct 25, 1911

Kann Store 18 Years Old.

From Modest Beginning, Firm Has Grown
to Mammoth Establishment.

Eighteen years ago this month a small store was opened on Pennsylvania avenue, near Eighth street, by the firm of S. Kann, Sons & Co. Today that store is housed in a large building that covers nearly the whole of the square between Pennsylvania avenue and D street, and Seventh and Eighth streets northwest. This week the firm celebrates its eighteenth birthday.
...
S. Kann, Sons & Co has faithfully adhered to its maxim, early adopted," Always the Best of Everything for the Least Money." as is illustrated by the present "Birthday Sale." Its conscientious dealing with the public, and great care to satisfy the patrons have caused the growth of the enterprise until the three-story building of the beginning has been swallowed up in its mammoth one of today.

Everyone of the 49 departments of the store, it is said, has striven to outdo all former records in value-giving for this sale, and the well-equipped delivery department with its ten automobiles and fifteen large wagons will no doubt feel the endeavor has been crowned with success.

I remember Kann's. There was also one in Arlington (where the GMU Law School is located now). I was fascinated as a kid with the glassed-in display with REAL MONKEYS.