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American Girl: 1922
Washington, D.C. "Kay Laurell, 1922." The star of stage and screen, Kay (reclining) was "an American girl who ... Playing at the Belasco Washington Post, Jul 6, 1922 Coming to the Theaters Belasco The Belasco ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/04/2012 - 4:56pm -

Washington, D.C. "Kay Laurell, 1922." The star of stage and screen, Kay (reclining) was "an American girl who leaped from stenographer to Queen of Bohemia in a night ... she appears in magazine illustrations, and in the new salon pictures -- also on butchers' calendars, soap ads, and so on." Five years after this photo was taken, Kay was dead of pneumonia at age 37. View full size. In the same boatThey're all beautiful -- back in a time where it was healthy for women to "have a little meat on their bones" (I just think they're healthy looking!) I love the girl who's playing the oar as a guitar -- something I'd do. Beauts in a boatIs the class clown on the end playing air ukulele? I can only imagine the comments this is going to generate from the male demographic. Yes, the swimsuits are unflattering. And yes, the real knockout is the one sitting behind the Queen of Bohemia. Proud to call any of 'em "grandma"They are all so lovely and charming and all the age of my father's mother. Sorry about the pneumonia, hope the rest had happy and fulfilling lives. Love the kooky hat, pinned-up suit, and the smoldering look of the second from left. Great picture. Farrrrr leftShe is the cutest loveliest thing ever seen on Shorpy yet. To each his own, but --The girl in the boat with the "Queen of Bohemia" is by far the hottest. Wowza! As a ManI appreciate the low standard established for us. It doesn't take much effort to rise above such a low bar. Wet and WoollyThey're all adorable, and I'm surprised how sexy those wool swimsuits look. To my surprise, I'm especially captivated by the buxom cutie standing up beside the boat with her hair covered. She looks like she gets all the BS about the queen of Bohemia and is fonder of the water than any of this nonsense. Most appealing though is the dark haired girl with bangs sitting in the boat. Her face is calm and she seems really for real. Great photo. Playing at the Belasco Washington Post, Jul 6, 1922 Coming to the Theaters Belasco The Belasco Players, augmented by such notables as Kay Laurell, the famous Follies beauty, and Eleanor Griffith, late of "The Last Waltz," will next week present the Avery Hopwood comedy of turkish bath locale, "Ladies' Night," beginning Sunday evening. Water HazardI can hear their mothers saying, "Don't go out in those skimpy suits, you'll catch your death of pneumonia!" Carole HanelGirl second from right was Carole Hanel, a redhead. Knew her granddaughter. She's playingoar guitar Va va voomA boat full of women in bathing suits. What could be better? Kay in a NutshellTypical show-biz tragedy. Small town girl from Erie, Pennsylvania goes to New York to make it big. While working as a secretary, is discovered in 1914, and became a big hit as a Ziegfeld Girl in the "Follies" shows of 1914 and 1915. Then hits pay dirt -- marrying uber-rich movie producer Winfield Sheehan in 1916. Hits the zenith of her career in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1918, where a very intentional costume malfunction (as the partially exposed French Liberte in a patriotic wartime extravaganza) makes her an international sensation. Heads out west to Hollywood to make movies, like everyone else in the silent era. Gains a reputation of a hard worker, and tries to make the tough transition from chorus girl to "real" actress. Then it all goes south. Gets divorced from big studio sugar daddy in late 1918 or 1919. Unlike most other former chorus girls, she is unwilling to get ahead by way of the casting couch. Is in a serious car accident in 1919, running off the road at 1:30 a.m. and takes a pretty hard banging around, requiring stitches and hospitalization. Makes only one other movie after that, in 1921. Returns to New York to find stage work. A cast player in one play in 1923 that runs a respectable five months, and then one poor effort in 1925 that flops and closes overnight. Feeling washed up in both theater and film, she retires to London, where she dies of pneumonia in 1927. I hope she didn't own a dachshund. On the LeftCan those be shadows on her legs? Looks like socks with cuffs, or stockings, and then from beneath her suit legs to her knees? The world's weirdest sun burn? Or what? [Those are girdle marks. Just like your ankles might look after taking off tight socks. - Dave] Before the days of antibioticsHer story reminds us of the many greats in history who had everything but with one cold, TB or pandemic illness were struck down. Today her pneumonia would be easily treated with a shot of antibiotics and some bed rest. In some ways even the poorest of us has the ability to live longer because of cures offered by modern medicine. mehI love how any photo with women in it gets subjected to choosing which of them is the hottest. I'm sure the the same thing happens with all of the photos of men. Yep. [Stick around. - Dave] As a womanI still say the swimsuits are ugly. Now that no one else has asked, I simply must know what the strange round protuberance is near the nether regions of the second lady from the viewer's left. Anyone? A place to put a cork to help her stay afloat? Available drugsThis young woman's death is almost familiar to me. My grandmother died of pneumonia in the early 1930's, within three days of the onset of illness. My mother always noted, when speaking of her mother's death, that the best drug they had to fight the pneumonia then was quinine. The sulfa drugs didn't become available until the late 1930s. By the way, I disagree about the cause of the marks on the one girl's legs. I suspect that the rings were left by stockings rolled over an elastic garter. You Gotta Be Kidding MeWhat happened to slim and trim? Goose lard and whiskey A few years after Kaye Laurel died of pneumonia, my grandfather contracted double pneumonia. The doctors basically threw up their hands and said there was nothing more they could do. Well, his mother, one of the most bull-headed people who ever lived, showed up at the hospital with a jar of goose lard and a bottle of whiskey. Several times a day, she would go and rub lard on Grandpa's chest and give him a shot of whiskey. This was in about 1932. Grandpa was with us until 1992. Grandpa said it was divine intervention that saved his life. My great grandmother said it was the goose lard and whiskey. Maybe it was some of both! Cause of her deathWikipedia states she died in childbirth, which was initially reported as pneumonia since the child was out of wedlock. Wonderful descriptions of her Ziegfield tableaux in that link as well. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, D.C., Natl Photo, Sports)
Where the Dolls Loll: 1922
July 15, 1922. "Wardman Park swimming pool." Yes, it's the well that never runs dry -- ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2011 - 11:59am -

July 15, 1922. "Wardman Park swimming pool." Yes, it's the well that never runs dry -- that new swimming pool at the Wardman Park Hotel in Washington. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Hot Babesin weird hats. Does it get any better than that? ChangesThey wore more clothing to swim than the girls wear to go to the mall today. O Modesty, where art thou? AmazingSo girls actually had legs back in those days. You learn something new every day. A Familiar FaceI swear I've seen the 2nd woman from the right in a few other photos on Shorpy. It's difficult to forget someone who looks like a young Anne Ramsey. Modern LivingI read the title as "Where the Dolls LOL." Guess I've been spending too much time in the 21st century! (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo, Swimming)
Wintry Mix: 1922
Washington, D.C. "Blizzard, January 28, 1922." The same lovely ladies we saw perched on a snowbank a few days ago. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/06/2012 - 1:58pm -

Washington, D.C. "Blizzard, January 28, 1922." The same lovely ladies we saw perched on a snowbank a few days ago. National Photo Co. View full size. Shakespeare Says... If I could write the beauty of your eyes, And in fresh numbers number all your graces, The age to come would say this poet lies, Such heavenly touches ne'er touched earthly faces. The Photographer......Obviously has good taste. These women are absolutely gorgeous. My old heart aches for the day... PantingThose flared breeches are what interest this horseman. They were ubiquitous in the 20s and 30s, but today are seen only on state troopers and S&M costumes. Go Pants!Even five years earlier, these girls would not have been allowed out of the house in pants. Wearing pants allowed an entirely new world of experiences for girls -- like playing in the snow. The things we take for granted. Havana ?Though doubtful, I would like to think the fine lady on the right is holding a rebellious havana... [They say no two were alike. - Dave] (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo)
Washington Accessories: 1922
... station under construction at 1703 L Street N.W. in early 1922 next to the Stoneleigh Garage. National Photo Company Collection glass ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/04/2012 - 12:05pm -

"Filling station, 17th & L." The Washington Accessories Co. service station under construction at 1703 L Street N.W. in early 1922 next to the Stoneleigh Garage. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Old/NewIt's so interesting to see how new construction looked in the 20's. I live in an area that's growing like crazy and there's new buildings all around. I never thought about how exciting it must've been to live in a major city as it was being constructed. We're 25 miles form the core of our city (Dallas). It's amazing how much quality that went into a simple gas station. St. Matt'sThat dome in the background is St. Matthew's Catholic Church, now the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, the cathedral for the Archdiocese of Washington. Another Beresford ProjectWashington Post Oct 9, 1921 Fine Gas and Oil Station for City Washington Accessories Co. to Build at Corner of 17th and L Streets Northwest. Will Be Largest in Capital A splendidly equipped gasoline and oil station and motor accessories business will be opened in the immediate future by the Washington Accessories Company on the large vacant property at the northwest corner of Seventeenth and L streets northwest. The company has been formed by W.T. Galliher, C.E. Galliher and Allan E. Walker, who also own a gasoline and accessory business at Tenth and E streets northwest. The new station will be the largest and most elaborate in the city, and will be well in keeping with the magnificent stations scattered throughout the middle West. The new company will occupy a large section of the square bounded by Connecticut avenue, DeSales street, Seventeenth street and L street. It is the aim of the company to make the side the most attractive gasoline station in the city. Wide driveways will provide quick and easy access and six large gasoline pumps and five oil pumps will make for rapid service. A two-story-and-cellar brick building will be erected to house the accessories department, after plans by Robert F. Beresford. The construction will be by the Allan E. Walker Investment Company. This building will face on L street. The building will have large plate glass show windows running two stories high and fronting both on L and Seventeenth street. The finish of the building as well as the coping surrounding lot will be granite stucco. Trees on the property will be preserved in the development, lawns and shrubbery adding to the attractiveness of the place. Edward E. Liphard, formerly manager of the Southern Auto Company, will be in charge. He is well known in the accessory fields. (The Gallery, D.C., Gas Stations, Natl Photo)
Splash: 1922
July 15, 1922. The new swimming pool at the Wardman Park Hotel in Washington. National ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2011 - 11:53am -

July 15, 1922. The new swimming pool at the Wardman Park Hotel in Washington. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. What a slopeThat's quite a slope where the pool is — Wardman Park must have been very keen to have one. What's there now? [As noted in the caption, this was a hotel pool. Currently the location of the Marriott Wardman Park. - Dave] Of the seven nymphetsI have been sitting here for an hour wishing the young lady closest to the camera would turn around and wave. Sigh. Good timing!I'll be at the Marriot Wardman Park next month for a conference. They still have an outdoor pool, but I'm pretty sure it's not in the same location. View Larger Map Beach paleLook at those pasty legs flapping about at the far end of the pool. Somebody's having a really good time out there. (Or, I suppose, a really bad time -- should someone be throwing out that life preserver?) ShirtsI notice all the guys are wearing tops. Was that a rule? Busted!Although most of the subjects in the Shorpy shots are looking at the camera, I feel like I'm invading the privacy of some of these bathers. The group of guys on the long side of the pool, who are apparently aware of the camera, also seem to be aware that I personally am watching them. After eighty seven years you'd think they would be more receptive to an audience! (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo, Sports, Swimming)
The Klan: 1922
... Washington, D.C., or its Virginia suburbs. "March 18, 1922. Ku Klux Klan." And Klanmobile. National Photo Company Collection glass ... Lincoln Memorial was dedicated Six weeks later, May 1, 1922. Automotive sponsor I don't know the make and model of that ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/01/2011 - 5:00pm -

Washington, D.C., or its Virginia suburbs. "March 18, 1922. Ku Klux Klan." And Klanmobile. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. DoucheWay to post only the pc liberal comments. [Not so. You're the first "douche" we've gotten. - Dave] Good start, bad endingSuprisingly, the Klan was started as a fraternal organization and had no intention of ending up the way it did. They started scaring people at night as part of the fun and then realized it could be used for a darker purpose rather quickly. Cockeyed KlanWhat's with the tippy hoods? I would have thought that their pointy little heads would have kept them sticking straight up. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated Six weeks later, May 1, 1922. Automotive sponsorI don't know the make and model of that vehicle, but, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was manufactured by the White Motor Company. The Pyramid SchemeI read an interesting essay about the financial side of the 1920-30s Klan. It was essentially a multilevel marketing scheme, with recruiters recruiting recruiters to get a cut of the then-steep membership fee. Robe sales were a big income generator, too. I like how there's a target conveniently over their hearts. Extra starchThe robes are looking rather sloppy and wrinkly. You'd think if you were going to wear a ridiculous get-up in public, you'd at least take the time to iron it first. The Klan in NY State in the 1920'sMy mom and dad witnessed a Klan gathering in Walden NY back in the late 1920s. My dad was threatened with violence by a white-robed and masked Kluxer when he failed to remove his fedora promptly enough, as they hoisted Old Glory up on their flagpole. Their recruitment scheme is still going on with many "organizations" in this day and age: recruit members who recruit members who recruit members who recruit members. Highly profitable and very pyramidal. Laundry DayGives new meaning to the term "whiter whites." DixielandWashingtonians have often described the District of Columbia as just another big ol' Southern town. This kind of brings it home. This photoGives me the willies. Yummy At least while they wore those pastry bags over their heads they would have been able to lick the icing off the insides. That would explain why so few of them had teeth. The Mighty KlanDipshits. 590According to DCplates, these plates may have a reserved number, possibly for somebody important. A December 1921 Washington Post article about the distribution of 1922 plates indicates that "Tags numbered from 200 to 500 have been reserved for the motor corps of the Home Defense league." On the day that 1922 plates first became available (the final day of November 1921), several three-digit plates were issued to foreign diplomats and embassies, such as 190 to 197 to the Russian embassy and 750 to the foreign minister of Ecuador. Run those plates.I wonder how many Senators and/or Congressman were in that crowd. Don't LikeHoping that the new Facebook "Like it" button won't get much use on this photo. Is that a teabag I see?At least they are all dead now. Thanks, MelThis sort of thing is easier to take if you just think of "Blazing Saddles." The Urban Klan of the 1920's and my GrandpaMy state of Indiana was a hotbed of Klan activity under D.C. Stephenson in the 1920's. They were known as the "second wave" of the Klan and was more organized than the first incarnation. A rumor in my family is that my maternal grandfather was "forced" to join the Klan in the 1920's. I don't think the Klan influenced him if he were a member, because Gramps always got along fine with all people (he worked in the steel mills of Northwest Indiana where you worked alongside all races), and let his daughter (my mother) marry a second generation Polish American (my dad). Call DMVI wonder if the District of Columbia 1922 motor vehicle records still exist. At least we would know the registered owner of 590. Any DC archivists in Shorpydom? Watch out for the FBIBy the 1960s, the klan was heavily monitored by the feds. One of my father's coworkers was a member and tried to recruit anyone who would listen. Within 48 hours of the JFK assassination, the FBI came calling to find out where he was when the president was shot. Immediately, he resigned and for the rest of his life, denied any involvement in the orginazation. The Bright SideToday I am grateful for evolution. I visit here to avoid politicsCan we not turn this into a political website? This comment should be removed. Deceptive "Marketing"One of my ancestors was talked into joining under false pretenses about what the Klan was about. He quit two weeks later after he found out what they really stood for. The CarProbably not a Lincoln. Shorpy PolitcsThank you for the amazing images, history, and photographs presented on this site. I've enjoyed the many visits I've made here the past few years, and I think I've recommended it to just about everyone I know --a better escape from the day-to-day nonsense of modern life I haven't found. However, I don't come here for political discussions or cheap shots; the 'teabag' comment is unacceptable and just plain lame. I can get that sort of stuff anywhere, so I will be moving on. Best of luck to you and your family (whose pictures I think I enjoyed the most). [My family? You're a wee bit confused. Not to mention thin-skinned. - Dave] Really LowOnly .0001267 percent of viewers "liked" this photo. I think we're safe. (The Gallery, D.C., Halloween, Natl Photo)
Beauty Contest: 1922
... "Washington Tidal Basin Beauty Contest -- August 5, 1922." Misses Eva Fridell, 17, and Anna Niebel. National Photo Company glass ... A Girl With Curls Washington Post, August 6, 1922. TITIAN-HAIRED GIRL WINS BEAUTY PRIZE Judges Rule None ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 06/09/2018 - 4:38pm -

"Washington Tidal Basin Beauty Contest -- August 5, 1922." Misses Eva Fridell, 17, and Anna Niebel. National Photo Company glass negative. View full size. Political PowerIt is amazing how quickly women's bathing attire became so much smaller after they got the vote. Our beauty on the lefthas got the "babyface knees" almost perfect Looks like the wrong one wonassuming that size, in silver cups, matters. The one on the right is a beauty. We've seen these two before: https://www.shorpy.com/node/356 If they were the winners,what did the losers look like. The one on the right looks particularly sinister, I certainly wouldn't like to meet her on a dark night! Thelma and LouiseSeems like the one on the left probably wrestled that cup away from somebody. And the one on the right looks like she's a street brawler. Ah yes, leave it to Shorpy to find the first two lady wrastlers and foist them on us as beauty queens! LovelyWow. There's just something enchanting about the women in the 1920s-era beauty contest photos you post. Maybe it's because they were so naturally beautiful without all the beauty aids and plastic surgery women have access to today. I WonderIf anybody else showed up for the contest. The one on the right is OK, but the one on the left looks, um, rather plain (I'm trying to be polite!) YikesI've often had the thought that the 1970s had the worst style and taste in American history, but nah. Nothing will ever beat the 1920s. I'm thinking of why the port side wonLooks like a red haired lady with beautiful freckles and naturally long hair. The very attractive lass with the dark hair has her hair bobbed. I'm sure the judges considered that no real lady would bob their hair. I prefer both. Both of these ladies are lovely.Although I have to admit that I never knew Joan Cusak was so old. Left GirlHmm, Maogwai Cat has made me reconsider my opinion of the girl on the left. If she had red hair and green eyes (her eyes seem lightly colored in this picture), she would be striking. In this case, the B&W photo giving her such a lifeless coloring does her no favors, along with the angle of her head. But I still stand by that the styles of the 1920s were a low point. They are both winners!Especially if you look at it full size. And even more if they were wearing something else. Oddly, red hair has not always been considered attractive. "Red-headed stepchild" was an insult in more than one way. [Indeed they were -- Eva won the beauty prize and Anna won for best costume. - Dave] A Girl With CurlsWashington Post, August 6, 1922. TITIAN-HAIRED GIRL WINS BEAUTY PRIZE Judges Rule None in Tidal Basin Contest Excelled Miss Fridell In Pulchritude. SIXTY IN GRAND PARADE Miss Niebel Again Awarded First Honors for Best Bathing Suit Shown at Beach.         The old-fashioned titian-haired beauty, without the modern make-up, returned to popularity yesterday by winning the fourth annual beauty contest at the Tidal Basin. A girl with curls, of athletic type and wearing the normal style of bathing suit, Miss Eva Fridell, a 17-year-old Business High school student, took the capital prize, a large silver loving cup. She wore a yellow bathing suit with narrow black stripes around it. Not only is she a regular patron of the beach, but one of the expert divers and swimmers.         Miss Fridell, whose complexion needed no paint or powder, quickly caught the eye of the judges, Al. J. Frey, Isaac Gans and Arthur Leslie Smith. The winner lives with her parents at 611 Ninth street northeast. Going Back to High School.         Last spring she graduated from a two-year course at Business High school, but expects to return in the fall to complete a four-year course.         The winner of the style show at the beach a few months ago, Miss Anna Niebel, of 1370 Harvard street northwest, again came out as the winner of the best costume for beauty, design and durability. Miss Niebel was awarded a silver loving cup for the suit she wore, which was all blue rubber, with several white stripes at intervals.         Second prize for the beauty was awarded to Miss Gay Gately, of 1402 Massachusetts avenue southeast. Miss Iola Swinnerton, of 3125 Mount Pleasant street northwest, was awarded second prize for costumes. Both were given engraved gold medals. Nine Chosen From Sixty.         Of the 60 girls entered in the contest, nine were picked out to appear before the judges. These were Gay Gateley, Norine Fords, Mae Poole Allen, Eva Fridell, Edith and Aileen Bergstrum, Anna Niebel, Dorothy Parker and Iola Swinnerton.         The participants were paraded before the judges several times before the winners were chosen. Al. J. Frey, chairman of the judges, is a member of Hochchild Kohn & Co. of Baltimore, Md. He was appointed to select the winner of the beauty contest conducted at Palm Beach, Fla., last winter. The winner of this contest received a check for $1,000 as first prize. YellowThis is interesting for colourisers. The article states that Miss Fridell had a yellow suit with black trimmings. In monochrome the yellow appears quite dark - a common feature (see the picture I colourised of Civil War veterans a while back). It's easy to assume that yellow in black and white looks pale - but it isn't always so. And this is an excellent example. Orthochromatic FilmPanchromatic film was not invented until the thirties and was first used for the movies. Othochromatic film is most sensitive to blue light. That's why the silent films have such high contrast and the mid 30s and later "talkies" look so much different with their extensive grey tones. Panchromatic film did not get wide use until almost WWII. [This was photographed on a glass plate, not film. Panchromatic emulsion for plates first became available in the early 1900s, though they did not come into common usage until the 1920s. Kodak released their first panchromatic film stock in 1913, though it was intended for use in additive-color motion-picture photography. Their regular panchromatic film came in 1922; the first feature film to be shot entirely with it was that year's The Headless Horseman. - tterrace] I know, I should have said emulsion. Othochromatic film or emulsion was not in general use until WWII. Even Weston used Orthochromic film in a box camera for his photos. What you see is mostly his darkroom work when you view his photographs. In color... and if you want to see how I think it looked in colour: https://www.shorpy.com/node/12695 UncomfortableI have been trying to picture what a rubber bathing suit would be like, and it sounds miserable, but so does a wool bathing suit, like Ms. Fridell is wearing! (The Gallery, Bizarre, D.C., Natl Photo, Pretty Girls, Swimming)
Our Lady of Lourdes: 1914
... John (born 1918) Theresa (born 1920) Vincent (born 1922) Veronica (born 1925) My mom had such fond memories of her time ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/13/2022 - 12:33pm -

        A newly restored version of a Shorpy favorite that has collected three pages of comments since it was first posted in 2007 -- The caption for this one just says "Post Office." Thanks to our commenters we now know that the building with the statue is the Our Lady of Lourdes School at 468 W. 143rd Street in New York circa 1914. 8x10 glass negative, Bain News Service. View full size | The school in 2007. Post office?Looks like a Catholic school, actually. This is just a wild-a**ed guess, but St. Jean Baptiste on East 75th? This would coincide with the warehouse cart on the left (sort of). Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic SchoolThis is Our Lady of Lourdes School in New York City on 143rd Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Convent Avenue. The school was built in 1913 in Washington Heights, an exclusively white, upper middle-class neighborhood. It was built and equipped at a total cost of one hundred and forty thousand dollars. Besides classrooms for five hundred pupils, the building contained an auditorium with a stage lavishly equipped for theatrical productions, a gymnasium, a roof-top playground, an assembly room for parish organizations, rooms for classes in cooking and sewing, and offices for the school officials. The associated church (Our Lady of Lourdes) is located directly behind the school on the next block, 142nd Street. Yes...Which is the Post Office? The large building in the center must be a Catholic School, what with a saint on the roof and all. As for the location, I have no clue. Post OfficeWhich building is the Post Office? post officeBuilding with street level entrance and flags would be my likely guess. Today...Google Street View. It's always interesting to see NYC in the early years, and how it's changed. Our Lady of LourdesI attended this school for eight years in the 1950s. The lower grades entered by one door and the higher grades used the other. City College frat houses faced the school. Recess was on the street out front. We didn't have any cooking or sewing classes, no classrooms equipped for that. There wasn't any gym. We weren't allowed to go up on the roof and there wasn't an assembly room. We did have a annual spring play using the stage and we had a Christmas concert. There was a way into the church from the back of the school. The nuns that taught there were called Society of the Holy Child. Father Kline was one of the priests and Mother Mary Edward taught there. A good school, good memories. Johnny PumpThat fire hydrant probably was installed in the late 1880s. Was born and bred in NYC and traversed all five boroughs many many times, but NEVER laid eyes on a johnny pump like that. Every boy who ever grew up in "The City" is instinctively drawn to hop over as many hydrants as possible. However that one is a KILLER. Our Lady of LourdesI attended OLL from 1933 to 1941. The lower grades kindergarten to fourth were taught by the Ursuline Order of Sisters. The upper grades fifth to eighth were taught by the Sisters of the Holy Child. The school was funded and guided by the priests of the adjoining OLL Church. We were there to learn,to pray: no play, no library, no lunch room, no outside activities. It was not an easy life for children of poor families during this Great Depression Era. I often cried and asked God to help me through the day, the year. I know I received a very good education but not a happy one. There were nuns I would have died for, however there were many that should not have been allowed to teach children. The Church and school were founded by Monsignor Thomas McMann. There is a bust of the good priest near the entrance to the upper church. In the 1930s we were allowed on the roof for various activities. The term "very stern " comes to mind. The statue is Our Lady of Lourdes, similar to the statue in the grotto in the lower church on 142nd Street. It was removed a few years ago as it decayed and was ready to fall off the roof. Convent AvenueThis photo faces east, and the townhouses in the background are along the east side of Convent Avenue. All of them still stand, most are in superb condition. This is the finest real estate in Harlem; a house across the street sold for $3.89 million about 18 months ago. Here is a listing for a house a few doors down from the ones seen here: http://tinyurl.com/2396kb Note the terraces on two of the buildings -- those are stunning and almost never seen in New York. Does anyone remember anDoes anyone remember an Irish nun by the name of Sister Gerard? She was one of the Ursula ? nuns at the Our Lady of Lourdes in Manhatten. She emigrated about 1910, so am not sure anyone would remember her... Is there a cemetery associated with Our Lady of Lourdes? Upper and Lower ChurchCan you tell me if the Upper and Grotto Church still exists and do they have mass on Saturdays and Sundays? I lived 2 streets away a long time ago and would like to see the old neighborshood. I have never forgotten the Grotto. It's so unique. Would like to share it with my spouse. Or maybe I can speak with someone in the convent. Are the nuns still there? Thank you. Diana Gosciniak Our Lady of LourdesI also went there in the 1950's. The nuns were very dedicated to teaching. Our religion was the major reason they and all of us were there. The grotto was under the main stairs and confession was held downstairs at 4 pm on Saturday. The children's Mass was at 9 am on Sunday, a High Mass in Latin. The doors of the main church came from old St. Patrick's downtown in Little Italy. The sisters made sure that the majority of 8th grade students got into Catholic high school. A lot of the girls went to Cathedral H.S. and the boys went to Cardinal Hayes. The church was around the corner with a connection to the back of the school. The convent was right next door to the church and the rectory was across the street. Once in a while we were invited to go to the convent on a Saturday to see the nuns. The neighborhood was pretty good, all kind of stores that tolerated all of us kids. It was nice going there for eight years. Fond memories. O.L.L. Upper and lower churchYes, the upper church is still active with most Masses in Spanish. The lower church {the Grotto) is not used. However the statue of the Blessed Mother is still on view. The sisters left about 10 years ago. I visited the school and was told the Church no longer had any say in its operation. When did you attend? I was there from 1933 to 1940. J Woods Theatrical productions?Oh, how I wish I had your recall. However, I did attend O.L.L. from 1933 through 1940. Yes, the stage was used - but with limited equipment. I never saw or played on a rooftop playground. There was no gymnasium. The seats in the auditorium were moved to the side for military drilling by boys from grades 5 to 8 once a week. The girls exercised in a nearby room. The children in the lower grades had no physical training. I don't remember an assembly room for any parish organizations. Family members were not encouraged to come to the school except on Graduation Day or if the student had a serious problem that required a meeting with the principal and/or a parish priest. I must say we all received a very good education and were farther ahead in our studies than the Public School kids. Yours truly and in friendship, Jackie Woods OLL NeighborhoodI lived on Amsterdam Ave for 16 years. Where did you live? When did you attend OLL School? The few friends I had from the old days have passed on. I answered your other message; The Nuns left about 15 years ago. You need to have someone open the lower church to visit there. The Blessed Mother's Statue is still located in the Grotto but masses are no longer read there. Regards and in friendship. Jackie Woods Our Lady of Lourdes, 2008I had a chance to stop by West 143rd street and take a snapshot today. The cornerstone is dated 1912. As you can see, every building shown in the "1914" photograph is extant and all are in excellent condition. There is even a fire hydrant in the same location as the fire hydrant shown in the photo. As for changes — there are trees on the block now, and the cornice has been removed from Our Lady of Lourdes, as has the statue of the saint. And, of course, as with all modern photos taken in New York, it is full of automobiles. (Click to enlarge) The reddish sign on the left side of the street, behind the motorcycle, identifies this block as part of the Hamilton Heights Historical District (Hamilton Grange is only a few blocks away). Today was garbage day, so a distracting pile of trash sits in the foreground, sorry about that. Our Lady of LourdesCentral Harlem, did you attend Our Lady of Lourdes? If so what years? Thanks for the picture Jackie Woods Our Lady of LourdesI attended an Episcopalian school. I contributed that photo because of my joy in Harlem history, not any tie to this school in particular. Last weekend, I found a photograph of this block dating to 1908! All the buildings looked the same except for OLL, which was then an empty lot. Perhaps Team Shorpy can enlighten me -- would it be compliant with copyright law for me to scan and post it? [Is there a copyright notice on it? If it was copyrighted before 1923, the copyright has expired. - Dave] Our Lady of LourdesThank you for your latest information, Central Harlem. Where was your school located? Did you live nearby? I'm 80 years old going on 81 and all I have are my memories (mostly fond). And my memory is outstanding. I was hoping to hear from anyone who attended OLL with me. By the way, the folks on Amsterdam Avenue always envied the folks on Convent Avenue, always a beautiful clean street. (Today we would say "upscale.") Three of my children were born in The Lutheran Hospital of Manhattan on 144th off Convent. I had moved to upper Washington Heights by then but my doctor was still working out of there. Thank you and in friendship, Jackie Woods Our Lady of Lourdes, 1909I had a chance to scan the old photo I found of this block. It dates to 1909, not 1908 as I had first said. Every building seen in this photo remains, though some of the lots on the right-hand side of 143rd street were empty in 1909, including the lot that would house Our Lady of Lourdes three years later. Anticipating the interest of Shorpy's crew of automotive experts, I provide a closeup of that car on Amsterdam Avenue, below. Also, a note to Jackie Woods: we're of different generations. It is good to exchange notes here, but I'm sure we've never met. Our Lady of Lourdes SchoolWhat wonderful memories of days past. I attended OLL from 1943 and graduated in 1951. One of five brothers to do so. You may have known my older brothers, Larry, Dick or Bill. We lived in that apartment building at the end of the street on the OLL side. That was the location of Alexander Hamilton's house, Hamilton Grange. When it was built, it forced the move to its present location behind the church. It will be moved again to the SE corner of Convent and 141st Street. You also mentioned Lutheran Hospital. It wasn't so great for our family. My brother Dick was taken there after being hit by a car. While recovering, he contracted rheumatic fever in the hospital and later died at New York Hospital. We also lived at 310 Convent Avenue because my mother's family, the Healys, lived on 141st Street. If you have any other questions, ask away. I'm still in contact with several classmates and between us, we should be able to answer. "Thanks for the Memories" Bob Phillips OLL graduatesHi, Yes, I do remember a Phillips family. The boys or boy were in a higher grade with one of my brothers. As you can see, I had already left OLL when you started there. I am pleased you have good memories of your early years. Unfortunately, mine are mixed. An incident: a bunch of us, about 12 years old at the time, were fooling around and one of the boys fell out of a tree and broke his arm. We carried him to Lutheran Hospital They wouldn't let us in the front door. Told us to take him to Knickerbocker Hospital near 131st Street, and so we did. Today, I ask why no first aid was administered or an ambulance called. However, I have nothing but good words about the hospital in later years. I was sorry to hear about brother RIP Regards and in friendship, Jackie Woods PS My oldest sister, Ellen, class of 1936 Won scholorship to Holy Child Academy My older brother William (Billy), Class of 1937, won a scholarship to Regis High. MemoriesI graduated from OLL in 1973 and it is so wonderful to see a website with the School and the information that it offers. I too wondered about the Masses in the lower church. The grotto was always so beautiful and special. I have lived in Florida since 1986 and hope to make a trip to NYC just to visit the old school. Thanks again for bringing a smile to my face today. God bless. OLL MemoriesHi. I attended OLL from grades K to 5. I have the most beautiful memories of my childhood there. I loved the nuns. I can't believe how time has gone so fast. If anyone remembers me or remembers Sister Mary Owen or Ms. Valentine or the gym instructor George Izquierdo. I am talking about late 1960's, early 70's. Please contact me. Are the sisters still there? I went to visit Sister Mary Owen a couple of years ago. She wasn't wearing her habit any more. Those were good old days. I was so mischievous, always getting into trouble. Oh my God. I had the best early education there, never will I forget. I love history and I love these pictures that were posted up above, everything looks the same. Thanks! My family still lives up in Washington Heights. Our Lady of Lourdes School and ChurchAnd a HI to you, The good sisters left about ten years ago. You can reach the school online, it has a Web site. The school is no longer under the supervision of the Church. If you look over the rest of this page you will see that I have answered a number of postings that may be of interest to you. "Memories are made of this." In friendship, Jackie Woods OLL AlumniHello OLL'ers Head over to the OLL website www.ourladyoflourdesschool.net There's an alumni page where you can send your information and be put on the mailing list. OLLCould not connect with your e-mail: kbarkley@ourladyoflourdesschool.net Would you please check it. When did you attend OLL? I gave my information previously on bottom of page. Look forward to hearing from you. In friendship, Jackie woods To Jackie WoodsI knew Dennis before the war, and graduated OLL in 1937. My sister Marie graduated in 1936 and received a scholarship to Holy Name. Finding your web site after all these years is a small miracle. I'm sorry to say Marie, such a special person, passed away in 1977. Andrew, a 1943 or 44 graduate, died in 2000. I did not marry till 1985, had a daughter in 86. My wife Alice and I celebrated our daughter Colleen's wedding Nov. 24, 2007. I hope this proves I was not as bad as the sisters believed. They wanted so to see me go that they created the first coed class and skipped me from 6th to 8th grade. Yes we marched on the roof, auditorium, basement and in far away competition. I believe we had a West Point officer, but not certain. I just hope that life was as rewarding to all OLL graduates as I. God bless. John Orlando Wideawake80@verizon.net OLL, late 1950s and early 60sDon't know how I found this website, but so glad that I did. I graduated OLL in June 1961. The nuns are my most vivid memories of the school. The spring and Christmas plays that were held each year. Recess outside during lunchtime. Walking to school each day and spending the few pennies we had to buy candy at the store on Amsterdam Avenue, and the bicycle store there where we rented bikes on Saturday afternoons. Going to confession every Saturday down in the grotto. Checking the Legion of Decency list for movie listings. Learning to sing the Mass in Latin for every Sunday High Mass and, most important, the foundation the nuns gave us for our religion that is still strong to this day. A few years ago, we drove from Jersey up to the old place and convent still looked pretty good. Can someone please explain about not being under the archdiocese any longer. Thanks again. Lutheran HospitalI found this link when looking for the Lutheran Hospital. Very interesting information. I am researching my family history and found out this hospital is where my great grandfather passed away. Thinking that there may be additional information on the records, I searched for the hospital but have not been able to find any recent reference to it. Has the Hospital been closed? Can anybody give me some background information? I will certainly appreciate it, Anne [You might try the Archives search box on the New York Times Web site. Lutheran Hospital of Manhattan, at 343 Convent Avenue, merged with Norwegian Lutheran Deaconess Hospital in 1956 to form Our Saviour's Lutheran Hospital at the Norwegian Hospital facility on 46th Street and Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn. It's now called Lutheran Medical Center. - Dave] Lutheran HospitalHello Anne, Yes, I know Lutheran Hospital. My three oldest boys were born there: 1951: 1952: 1954. My brother-in-law's father died there c. 1937. When I last passed by the neighborhood, three years ago, I saw that the hospital had been converted to an assisted living facility. The neighborhood is looking great - real upscale. The brownstones that one could buy in the 1930s for a song are now selling for well over a million dollars. In the 1930s they were empty, thanks to the banks that foreclosed during the Depression. As kids we ran through them and at one time had a clubhouse inside one. In friendship, Jackie Woods Lutheran HospitalThanks you both, Dave and Jackie, for your responses. I will follow the advice and hope to be able to pass soon by the neighborhood. Anne OLL MemoriesHi Henry, I too remember Sister Mary Owen, my brother David Mora had her and she was really strict. We keep in touch with George Izquierdo and he is doing great. Sister Rosemarie passed away. I try to stay in touch with O.L.L. It was really a happy time in my childhood and the happy memories will always be a part of my life. Maxine Mora Lutheran Hospital of ManhattanLooking for pictures of the Hospital. I was born in 1940 in the facility and would like to see what it looked like in that era--anyone have a picture? Dad Was an AlumnusHello Jackie, I am curious to see if you know my father, Frank Corrigan, who was born in 1926, which would make him 82 this August. I think he was in the Class of 1941. I am also curious to see if you have any contact or info on Alfred Pereira or his sister Clara Pereira Mercado. Any help would be appreciated. Stephen Corrigan Please email me when you get a chance, stephenjcorrigan@aol.com. Frank CorriganYes, I knew Frank Corrigan, Class of 1940, not 1941, he was closer to my brother Dennis than me, I was a year younger. Didn't Frank have a younger very pretty sister? I last saw Frank c. 1968 in the upper Washington Heights area where many of the families from OLL had moved to from the 140th streets. I knew Pancho Pereira (the name Alfred does not ring a bell) and Clara, his younger sister. His little brother JoJo was killed in Korea. Pancho had a birthmark: strands of very white hair in the front of his head of very black hair. They were wonderful good people. Pancho was good friends with Jackie Koster, whose sister Barbara married Burl Ives in Hollywood and lived happily everafter. In friendship, Ed and Jackie Woods eandjwoods50@yahoo.com Vacant Houses in Hamilton HeightsI thought we were the only ones that got into those empty houses. Afternoons we'd go in through a back window to study and do our homework. We didn't break anything, and at our age we always wondered why the houses were vacant. The Depression angle we didn't figure out until later. Tom Calumet and Frank Howe went with me. I understand Frank has died and Tom Calumet left NYC around 1945 to go out west with his parents. I graduated from OLL in 1941, and now live in Hopkins, MN OLL MemoriesI graduated in 1960. There were about 10 of us cousins who graduated between 1955 and 1960. I remember Father Cline, Fr. Malloy, Monsignor Hart, Mother Bonaventure, Mother Dominica and others. Does anyone remember the day the frat boys across the street pushed the dummy out the window during our recess? I can almost taste the corn muffins and egg creams at the soda fountain around the corner on Amsterdam Avenue while "Barbara Ann" played on the jukebox. OLL PhotoI have a great a picture of my Confirmation Day. I'm in full OLL uniform dated c. May 1935. How can I send it to the OLL Shorpy site? Yours truly, Ed Woods [Click the links under "Become a member, contribute photos." - Dave] Frat boys 0, Mother Mary Edward 10I sure do remember that day. Mother Mary Edward marched over and blasted them. Also the candy store around the corner used to sell two-cent pumpkin seeds out of a little red box. Does anyone remember the rumor going around that the Grotto Chapel was haunted? I remember walking home with "Little Star" playing on the transistor radio. The OLL GrottoI remember serving at what was called the Workmen's Mass in the Grotto in the 1930s - 6 o'clock in the morning! I know the Grotto is not used any more (I visited there in December 2007). As to the candy store on the corner of 143rd and Amsterdam, it was a very busy place: candy, pen nibs (no fountain pens), book covers etc. One day the owner came to school and told Sister Casmere, the principal, that we were disorderly and she must tell the students to behave when shopping in his store. Her solution was to tell the entire student body that they were not allowed to shop there. In a day or so, the man was back begging forgiveness and asked to plaese allow the children to return to his store. The kids were his main business. HelloHi Maxine How are you? Thank you for responding to me. It was very nice to hear from you. Sorry to hear about Sister Rosemary, but I don't remember her was she the pricipal of the school. I do remember Mr. Izquierdo he was the gym instructor with another man don't recall his name I believe he became principal of the school later on. Oh! now I remember his name was Mr. White I believe. God trying to recall, it is getting a little difficult now a days but I like it. It brings me back in time. How time have changed it was so innocent back than not like now. Looking back in time, makes me feel like I grew up to fast. How is Mr. Izquierdo doing? How can I contact him? Please let me know. My e-mail address is Je_Ocejo@yahoo.com. I remember he got married back than to a girl name Rocio, I don't know if they are still together but that lady was my father's friend daughter. Who else do you remember. Please get back to me with pictures. I have pictures too. Let me know how can I e-mail them to you. Would you believe that we are talking about almost atleast 35 years ago but I don't forget. God Bless you. Henry OLLBob, Any recollections of my father, Frank Corrigan, Class of 1940? Maybe not yourself but some of your older brothers. Steve Corrigan More OLL MemoriesI graduated in 1937 and was probably a fellow graduate of a brother. I had skipped 7th grade and so did not get to know classmates well. It is possible that the Waters family lived across the alley on the second floor of the building on 142nd Street. We lived on the top floor of the next building on Hamilton Place. In the same building lived Buddy Sweeney and Sal Guizzardi, also a tall blond kid who graduated with me. I believe your mother and my mom, Agnes Orlando, were friends. I believe your mother visited mine in 1952-3 in our new home in Bergenfield, N.J. I remember a sister who must have graduated with me or my sister Marie Orlando in 1936. My brother Andrew graduated 1947. My mother, brother and sister have passed away. I remember Poncho, the Kosta family, the Madigans, Woodses, Rendeans, Glyforces, McCarvils, Walshes, Philipses, Flynns, Duggans, Hooks, Rodriquezes, Craigs, Hugheses, Conways etc. I am sure we had many things in common being OLL graduates at a very special interval of time. I wish you well in your very beautiful state which I have passed through on three occasions. Best wishes and fond memories. John and Alice Orlando OLLLot older than you. Attended OLL from late 1930s to early 40s. Baptized, first Holy Communion and Confirmation (Cardinal Spellman). Lived at 145 and the Drive. Remember principal when I was there, Mother Mary Margaret. First grade teacher was Mother Mary Andrews. Remember playing on roof and being shocked by Mother Mary Andrews jumping rope. Believe there was a Father Dolan around that that time. Only went to through the 3rd grade there and then moved to 75th St and the Blessed Sacrament -- a whole different world, and not as kind or caring. Memories of OldHi Henry. You may not remember me but I also taught gym with George and sometimes Ms. Ortiz. George is with the Department of Education on the East Side. I work for the Bloomberg Administration. Sister Mary Owen has moved to Rye and of course all the nuns are now gone. I left in 1996 but I still miss all of the good times shared during my years there. Memories Are GoodHello, You taught me gym and we also had alot of good times with the High School Club on Friday nights. I have most painful memories of O.L.L the day Msgr. Cahill passed away. I never knew how much a heart could have so much pain and yet go on. My dad died on 4-29-96, Max Mora and I felt the same pain all over again. Do you know where Mother John Fisher has gone ... her name had changed to Sister Maryanne. I would love to hear from you. Maxine Mora Hi HenryMy email address is mmorafredericks@aol.com. I have yours and I am so happy to be in contact with you I graduated in 1973. I went to Cathedral High School. Later moved to Florida. My brothers and sisters are still in NY and I miss so much of it. I look forward to catching up with you. I will write soon. God Bless. Maxine Fellow ClassmateHi Tony, It has been more than 48 years since I last saw you - at our graduation from OLL in 1960. Let me know what you have been up to in the past half century. My e-mail address is kmckenna@clarku.edu. Kevin LTNSMr. White! Not sure if you still come to this site, but on the off chance that you still visit i thought i would write. It's been so long since I've seen or heard from you, not since "Len Fong" closed. For all others that may still come by this site, I graduated in 1983 (possibly 82). Would love to hear from a blast from the past. Please email me at kellyw88@gmail.com John McKennaHi Kevin, Any chance you are related to the McKenna family? John McKenna, Class of 1941 Your name sure rings a bell, however there must be 20 years difference between us. Have a healthy and happy 2009 In friendship, Ed Woods John McKennaHi Ed, I'm afraid that I'm not related to John McKenna. My brothers, Donald and Desmond, graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes in the fifties. I wasn't aware of another McKenna family in the parish when I was at OLL. Happy and healthy 2009 to you as well, Ed. Cheers, Kevin McKenna FamilyThe John McKenna family I knew lived on the northeast corner of Hamilton Place and 141st street. I had other friends and schoolmates in that building. Thinking back, you probably had to be an Irish Catholic to live there. Whatever, I think you had to be an Irish Catholic to attend OLL. I never knew any others at that time, the 1930s. Most fathers worked for the subway and trolley systems or at the milk delivery companies along 125th Street near the river. Those were the days, my friend. Innocence prevailed! In friendship, Ed and Jackie Woods The Mc KennasJim McKenna and his younger brother Tommy lived in that house above Grizzardi's grocery. Tom hung around with Marty the Hanger Phipher and the Warriors. Billy Vahey and his brother Eddie who retired as a Lieutenant in the NYPD lived there also. Their mother was still there in the early 80s. You probably knew the Schadack family, who I believe owned Schrafft's or Donald York. I think the building was 644 West 145 St. It was the first apartment house in the city to have a self-service elevator. When we lived there the neighborhood was known as Washington Heights. For some reason it's now referred to as Hamilton Heights. A couple of great web sites -- Forgotten NY and Bridge and Tunnel Club. You can spend hours & hours on Rockaway Beach alone. Lots of good memories! How about the movie theaters -- the Delmar, the RKO Hamilton, the Dorset, the Loews Rio, the Loews 175 (now the Rev. Ikes Church) and all the theaters along 180th Street? Hamilton HeightsNorm, Many thanks for your fine memories of our old neighborhood but there are a few minor corrections I have to make. The first is the name Shadack family. I believe the correct spelling is Shattuck and his address was 676 Riverside Drive on the corner of 145th Street. We lived there and my brother Bill was classmates with Gene Shattuck. No relation to the Schrafft's empire. Secondly, Hamilton Heights was always known as such. Outsiders didn't know where that was so we usually said Washington Heights for simplicity. Washington Heights doesn't really start until 157th Street and is separated from Hamilton Heights by the Audubon plot. The Old NeighborhoodAlex Hamilton lived nearby. There was a very pleasant young man (OLL Class of 1941) named Eugene Shattuck who lived near 145th Street and Riverside Drive. His father was a professor at Manhattan College and his family owned the Schrafft's Restaurants. I fondly recall Eugene having the wonderful hourglass-shaped bottles of hard Schrafft's candy brought to school and distributing one bottle to each of his classmates at Christmas time. Needless to say, the poor Amsterdam Avenue kids were in awe of one who could afford to do such a good deed. You mention the Warriors, I knew the (Gang) but not any of the names mentioned here on Shorpy. In friendship, Ed and Jackie Woods P.S. My in-laws the Boyd family lived at 676 Riverside Drive. Les Sr. had a radio repair shop on 145th and Broadway. 676 Riverside DriveI lived at 676 as well. The family's name was Shattuck. In my day, many, many years ago, the elevator had an operator. A sweet man in full uniform. There was a doorman as well. Saw the building years later and was appalled at the change. Then went up to OLL and hardly recognized it. It was the best school I ever went to. Thank you for reminding me of the fun. And yes, of the education I got there. By the way, 676 on the Drive was called the Deerfield. OLL StudentsI am researching my family history and I came upon this great site. In 1930 my grandparents Michael and Marie Murphy were living at 1744 Amsterdam Avenue and later in the 1930s at 115 Hamilton Place. All of the Murphy children attended Our Lady of Lourdes School. They were: Maurice (born 1916) Rita (born 1917/ my Mother) John (born 1918) Theresa (born 1920) Vincent (born 1922) Veronica (born 1925) My mom had such fond memories of her time spent there. Rita Harmon Bianchetto Hi Neighbor!!Hi Rita, I'm a former resident of 676 Riverside. My family lived there from 1940 to 1960 in apartment 4A. Bobby Foy lived next door to us. I think you may have left just after we arrived since I remember the elevator operator. The change to automatic was somtime during or just after WWII. I remember they put up this 10 foot wall with a door to limit access to the building. Fat lot of good that did us as my mother was robbed in broad daylight in the service chamber of our apartment in 1960. That's when my Dad had us pack up and leave for a secure location in the Bronx. Anyway, the apartment was great. We had a balcony looking over 145th Street and the river. My brothers were Larry Jr., Bill and Nick. Bill was a good friend to Gene Shattuck and went to Xavier with him. Nick and I also went there. Larry had a scholarship to All Hallows. Judy, can you tell me your last name and if you knew me. Hope to hear from you. Bob Phillips at bobbyphilly@msn.com Your DadSorry Steve, I graduated in 1947 and my three brothers have died. But the name Corrigan does ring a bell. Probably from my brother Larry who knew just about everyone in OLL. Sorry I couldn't help out but it was great hearing from you. Bob Phillips Andrew.Yes, I remember your brother Andrew. We were in the same class and we used to kid him about his name - Andrew Orlando and how tall he was. What's he doing these days? Bob Phillips Those were the days, my friendsHello Rita, I remember the name Murphy but not the faces. We lived a block south of you at 1704 Amsterdam. My sister Ellen, Class of 1936, and brother Bill, Class of 1937, would have known your family. We had many friends on Hamilton Place, the Koster family for one: Anita, Class of 1936, her younger sister Barbara married Burl Ives, and her other sister Mary Lou married Eddie Byrne (1710 Amsterdam). Ed's sister married Chump Greeny -- killed at Anzio Beach. He must have lived near your family. My brother in law Les Boyd lived in the Deerfield and had an electric appliance store on the corner of 145th and B'way and a sporting goods store on the next block next to the Chinese restaurant. In friendship, Ed and Jackie Woods Hello RitaHello Rita, I attended St. Catherine's Academy on 151st between B'way and Amsterdam (It cost my dear old dad $10 a month for what was considered a private school.) I graduated in 1943 in a class of only four girls. I then went to the Sacred Heart of Mary Academy in Inwood (I had to climb the long steps up from B'way every day for four years -- Class of 1947. Most of my relatives went to OLL as did my husband of 59 years, Ed Woods. We are still alive, kicking and fighting and making up every day. In my Class of 1943, one of the girls was Ann Murphy -- any relation? Also a Virginia O'Malley and my best friend, June McAvoy, who keeps in touch with me. June's grandfather was Judge McAvoy, who had died by that time. I loved when my folks took me to McGuire's Bar and Restaurant on B'way and 155th. Oh that Roast Lamb (Irish style) on a Sunday or a holiday. The girls used to go to Nuestra Senora de Esperanza (Our Lady of Hope) next to the museum complex. We were told not to go there for confession, but the Spanish priests were limited in English. Thinking back we had but little to confess at that time. Eddie and I had an apartment on 150th near the Drive for a few years until 1956, then it was off to Long Island to raise our six children. In friendship and love hearing from you, Ed and Jackie Woods The MurphysHi Ed and Jackie, Thanks so very much for your reply. I wish my mom was still with us but she died in 1998, the last of the Murphy kids. My grandfather Mike Murphy worked for the Post Office (a mail carrier working out of the General P.O. at 33rd and 8th). My grandmother Marie Murphy died in 1939 while living at Hamilton Place. Uncle Maurice went to Regis H.S. for several years before leaving to attend All Hallows; John and Vincent then attended All Hallows; my mom, Rita, attended Cathedral; Veronica, I believe, attended St. Vincent, and Theresa died at age 25 in 1944 (not sure of her high school). Mom worked at Woolworth's on 145th Street and Broadway, and after high school at New York Telephone, retiring about 1980. She got married in 1943 and moved to 152nd Street, and we attended St. Catherine of Genoa on W. 153rd. I graduated in 1958. So I know the neighborhood. Peace, Rita Hi Ed and JackieSo Jackie you are a St. Kate's gal like me! My tuition was a dollar a month, so your education was really a private school. You have listed the Academy at 151st Street but I think that it was on 152nd between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. I took my high school entrance exam at SHM so I am sort of familiar with the school -- fireworks were going off during our exam. The end result was I did fine and attended Blessed Sacrament on West 70th, Class of 1962. I last saw the "girls" at a reunion in 2002. My Spanish teacher just celebrated her 70th anniversary as a nun with the Sisters of Charity. I am not familiar with any of the girls names that you mentioned,including Ann Murphy. I do know McQuire's, where I had my first Shirley Temple, Mass at Our Lady of Esperanza, Trinity Cemetery & loved visiting the museums. Do either of you recall Eugenio Pacelli, before he became Pope Pius XII visiting at OLL ? Please tell me about your days on 150th Street near the Drive since I may have been the little skinny blond kid you both passed on the street. Peace, Rita in Northern New Jersy West 150th NYCHello Rita, Yes, we lived at 615 W. 150th from 1950 to 1956. Four of my children were born there (three at Lutheran Hospital and one at Jewish Memorial). We had many friends from school and the neighborhood living nearby. However, by 1956 it was time to move on; many changes in the neighborhood. One of my nearby friends was Juanita Poitier; Sidney was just getting started with his acting career. A real nice couple. Was Father Tracy (Pastor) still there when you attended school? How about Father Brady? He was always telling stories during Mass about his sea time with the Navy. Eddie remembers going to the Woolworths lunch counter (145th and B'way) in the early 1940s just to have an excuse to talk with the girls. He knew many of them from school and the neighborhood. In friendship, Jackie West 152ndHi Jackie and Ed, I lived at 620 West 152nd Street, just a stone's throw from you folks. My sister was born at Jewish Memorial Hospital in March 1952 -- Dr. Sandler from Broadway 150/151st St. delivered. Those were the days of Dave's deli on the corner of 151st & Broadway famous for pastrami on rye and a cold beer for the dads, Rafferty's Bar and Grill on the other side of B'way, Harry's or Pierre's homemade candy and ice cream parlor, Cora's beauty salon where my Nana would get a cold wave and blue tint. And not to be forgotten, Snow & Youman's drug store on B'Way and 151st. I recall the name Fr. Brady but it was Pastor Kane and Fr. Tracy (and his Irish Setter, Rusty) that I recall. I just sent a photo of Fr. Tracy to my classmates. Rita Japanese BazaarWho remembers the Japanese-American bazaar in the brownstones across from the OLL lower grades school during the war? They had the blue star & the gold star pennants hanging in the windows. They also had a store on Amsterdam Avenue near 144th Street and when they sold coffee the lines would go all around the block. How about the punchball games out side the school, or stoop ball? Anyone remember playing basketball and using the bottom rung on the fire escape ladder as a basket? The nearest basketball court was at 148th Street by the river. If you wanted to "take out" a ball from the park, you would leave a shirt as a deposit. I remember shoveling snow off the court in order to play. Unfortunately those days were the last time the country was almost 100% together. Twenty years from now, these will be the "good old days." Your brother AndrewI palled around with Andy & another kid named Eddie McGlynn. As a matter of fact I have a picture of Andy, Buddy Ayres & me at Rye Beach. Buddy went to Bishop Dubois with us. He was from Vinegar Hill. You didn't mention the Wittlingers. They lived on the first floor in your building. Brendan lives in Virginia. I'm still in touch with him, Matty Waters and Les Scantleberry. Pancho Pereria made a career of the Navy. He died several years ago. JoeJoe, one of my closest friends, was killed in Korea. Dave's DeliI haven't had a good hot corned beef sandwich since I last had one at Dave's. His son Milton was running the store in the 1950s after Dave retired to Florida. Dave's used to have a window in the summer that sold potato knishes (5 cents, with mustard) and of course kosher hot dogs. I heard a Clement Moore fan club still meets every Christmas Eve next to Trinity Church Cemetery and recites "The Night Before Christmas." I was born in 1928 at 853 Riverside Drive. When 90 Riverside was built in 1941 and blocked the view of the Hudson, we moved there. Warm regards, Jackie and Ed The old neighborhoodThe Wittlingers (the twins were the same age as my two younger brothers, also twins), Matty Waters, Les Scantleberry, JoJo: All those names I remember, especially Pancho and his family. For the life of me, I cannot understand why your name doesn't ring a bell. You mentioned the Warriors. Did you know Tommy or Willie Taylor, the Conroys, Drago, Jackie Hughes, etc. What years did you attend OLL? I looked up some old friends on the Internet over the past few years -- said hello and then goodbye when their families called to give me the news: Vinny McCarville, Bruce Boyd, Phil Marshall, Eddie O'Brien -- all gone to their maker. They were spread out all over the country. It was satisfying, however, just to say hello. I met Vinny in New Orleans and we had a beer for the first time in many years. We had gone to sea together during WWII and had a lot of memories. You must forgive my spelling etc. My eyesight is on its way out (along with everything else). I will be 82 in a few months but active and still traveling. I have been to six of the seven continents and my wish is to have breakfast at the South Pole. In friendship, Ed and Jackie Woods ToppersWas Dave's on B'Way near 140th Street? I sold the Sunday News there for 25 cents during the news strike. It was normally a nickel. We had to go down to the News Building to buy them. Overhead! Who remembers the Sugar Bowl on the corner of 143rd and Broadway? A great hangout for different age groups. How about Toppers Ice Cream parlor on B'Way between 139 & 140th? In the 1940s and early '50s you could go to the Audubon Theater at 168th and B'Way on Sunday for 77 Cents and see three features, 23 cartoons, newsreels and an eight-act stage show with such luminaries as Billy Halop of the Dead End Kids or Lash LaRue or Ferdinand the Bull. Top shelf. They must get at lest a buck fifty for admission today! Tea and Nut StoreHi Norm, My mom (Rita Murphy) mentioned there was an Asian family owned Tea and Nut shop in OLL Parish when she was a child (born 1917). She said her brothers, Maurice and John Murphy, would sometimes play with the owners' son. I am wondering if this could be the same shop. Rita ToppersDave's was on the southwest corner of Broadway and 151st Street, a short trip from my home on 152nd near Riverside Drive. I do recall the Sugar Bowl and maybe was in it once or twice but never hung out there. Topper's is a name I never heard before, as far as ice cream parlors go. Thanks so much for mentioning the name and location. Perhaps before my time (1945 baby) or too far from my home. Many people have mentioned the Audubon Theater to me (165-166th Street) but I have no memory of it at all. I do recall the San Juan Theater that took over the space of the old Audubon. I love hearing about Mom's (Rita Murphy's) old neighborhood. Thanks for sharing. Rita Your Name?No, Dave's Deli was on 151st and Broadway. Yes, Toppers & the Sugar Bowl were popular hangouts, however the Piedmont, the Staghorn and the Chesterfield were more popular later on. I have pictures of the great snowfall of December 27, 1947 taken in front of the above mentioned restaurants with a bunch of the guys posing in the cold. The Audubon Theater became better known when Malcom X was murdered in its ballroom. I saw Milton Berle there in the early 1940s. Actually, the Bluebird and the Washington were also popular as they only cost 10 cents (no heat or air conditioning). Memories, memories, dreams of long ago. Ed and Jackie Woods The OLL ChoirI sang in the OLL choir for about 5 or 6 years and hated it.T he only advantage was that we skipped the last class for practice. The downside was that after attending 9 o'clock Mass we had to sing at the 11 o'clock High Mass, which interfered with our Sunday football game. I played with the Junior Cadets. We had a very good team coached by Joe Romo, who went on to be the trainer for the Oakland A's for many years. I saw him at Yankee Stadium whenever the team played the Yankees at home. Joe died several years ago. Mr. Skyler, the choirmaster, wore a wig that could easily be mistaken for road kill. I used to wonder if he was committing a sin by wearing something on his head in church. After all it was no different then wearing a hat during Mass. Mrs. Daly was a very lovely lady who played the organ and gave piano lessons. She lived down the street from us on 142nd between Broadway and Hamilton Place and had something like 10 kids. My sister Maureen was friends with Theresa and Billie. John was I believe the youngest son. Maureen graduated from Notre Dame de Lourdes on Convent Avenue. My sister Frances was close friends with Helen and Rita Nerney, who lived across the street. Fran died in 2002. ToppersI lived at 635 Riverside Drive. I recall Toppers being near the corner of 141st, next to a Jewish deli. In the summer my dad took my brother Tom and me for ice cream there every evening. Happy memories! Bishop DuboisI graduated 1953 from Bishop Dubois. I believe your brother Ernie was in my class at OLL. I hope he is doing well. Give him my regards. Bill Healy Names from the Old NeighborhoodBrendan & Bernie turned 76 on February 2. Don't ask how I remember things like this. I forgot what I had for breakfast this morning. I'll be 76 August 11, weather permitting. Everyone seems to forget Pinky (Michael) Pereria. You are closer to my late brother Jim's age. Jim hung out with Jimmy and John Bartlett, Donald LaGuardia, Tommy & Willie Taylor (born on the same day a year apart -- Irish twins). Again I don't know why I remember these things. Eddie O'Brien used to go by the name Drawde Neirbo, his name spelled backwards. He was a close friend of Big Jack Hughes. I recall a group of you guys joining the Merchant Marine during the war. The Dragos lived on 141st Street between Hamilton Place and Amsterdam Avenue. The youngest (Joseph?) was in my class. A couple of years ago I went down to the old neighborhood with my sons. Surprisingly, it looks great. Lots of renovations going on. My beautiful wife June is a BIC (Bronx Irish Catholic) from the South Bronx. It's not as great a neighborhood as it used to be, but lots of great people came out of there. I took her away from there, married her 50 plus years ago and got her a decent dental plan and raised five kids in New Jersey. I graduated in 1948. It should have been 1947 but Mother Mary Inez red-shirted me in the 6th grade. Will stay in touch. Norm Brown Norm Brown??Norm, I graduated in 1947 from OLL. I knew a kid (Norman Brown) who lived on 141st between Hamilton and Broadway. I think he had a younger brother. He went to OLL with me, but he did not graduate from OLL. Eddie McGlynn was in my class, and the Wittlingers. I lived at 510 W 140th. Are you that Norman? Bill H. The Summer of '66Hi Jackie and Ed, I never had one of Dave or Milton's corned beef sandwiches but I can say that the pastrami on rye was a thing that dreams are made of. I recall the knishes out the window in the summer and the hot dogs. Thanks so much for taking me back in time. Milton would take the pastrami out of that silver steamer box sharpening his knife, and the rest was heaven on rye. Milton was still behind the counter in the summer of 1966 but after that I can't say. I am sure that "The Night Before Christmas" is still recited next to Clement Moore's grave, in Trinity Cemetery. In my day the Girl Scout Troop that met at the Church of the Intercession would participate in the recitation of the Moore piece. I know that 853 Riverside Drive is on the Upper Drive, since I sat on "The Wall" on summer evenings as a teenager. You said you moved in 1941 to 90 RSD -- did you mean 90 or 890? I am not familiar with the numbering of the "lower" drive where the red house sits (so it was called). I am off in search of a good sandwich. Peace, Rita Stagershorn & ChesterfieldMalcom X was shot in the Audubon Ballroom at the back of the theater, which later became the Teatro San Juan. I saw Abbott and Costello there en Espanol. At 7 years old I was run over by a truck at 142 Street and Broadway, right outside the Staghorn, I managed to live! I would hang from the window outside the Chesterfield, watching football games on TV with Bobby Heller and Herby Gil and Buddy McCarthy. That was a hell of a snowstorm in '47. Remember digging tunnels through the snowbanks? You forgot to mention Larry's, just next to the Sugar Bowl. I would watch "Victory at Sea" there. A couple of years ago I took a walk through the OLL neighborhood and realized that when you are a kid everything you see is at eye level and taken for granted, but as you look up and around from a mature aspect it becomes a whole different world. It is really a beautiful area. 90 Riverside Drive WestHi Rita. I'm positive 853 was on the Lower Drive. When the new building went up next to it around 1941, the address was 90 Riverside Drive West. However, it caused so much confusion with 90 Riverside Drive (downtown) that the address was changed to 159-32 Riverside. The plot originally hosted a small golf course. I also went to the Church of the Intercession with the Girl Scouts. Small world. And the wall -- on a hot summer night, standing room only. Jackie West 140th NYCThe kids I hung around with were in the OLL classes of 1940 and 1941. I had a weekend job in 1941 with Ike's Bike Rental on 141st. He needed someone to identify the kids who rented there (bikes rented for 20 cents an hour -- and that's the truth). We started a Junior Air Raid Wardens group and had a store next to Ike's. Collected paper etc, for the war effort. And you are correct, within three years, when we turned 16, McCarvill, O'Brien, Drago and I joined the merchant marine. Did you know the Kieley family -- lived at 1628 Amsterdam before moving to the lower Bronx: Pauline, Rita, Josephine, Peggy and the two boys Nicky and Jimmy. I loved going to their upstairs apartment for tea, especially when Mrs Kiely made Irish Soda Bread. My wife (then girlfriend) Jackie sponsored Jim Kieley when he became a citizen around 1948. He was from County Waterford, the same as her family. We celebrated our 59th anniversary last week. Regards, Eddie Woods My Brother JimYou probably knew my brother Jim Brown. He too was born in 1928. He died three years ago today. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes, spent a couple of years in the Army and graduated from Fordham University. Jim lived in Wycoff, N.J. He was very successful in business. Amsterdam AvenueThe Denning family (10 kids) lived on Amsterdam Avenue between 141st and 142nd. Hughie had polio and wrote away to FDR for an autograph during the war. As it turned out he was the last person to get one. He was in an iron lung at the time. It was a big deal. Lots of press. One of the boys, Peter Schaefer Denning, was born on the back of a beer truck on the way to the hospital. Hence the name. The Connolly brothers, Eamon and Timmy, lived in the same building. Everyone in the family had red hair. Not unlike Bobby Foy's family. If I recall properly, the father looked like Arthur Godfrey, his mom like Lucille Ball, Bobby like Red Skelton, and they had a red cat plus an Irish setter. It took a lot of guts for a group of 16-year-old kids to join the merchant marine. A belated thanks for your service. My wife makes great Irish soda bread. Is there any other kind? You can give ten women the same ingredients for soda bread and you'll get ten different tasting breads. All great! Especially with a cup of Lynches Irish tea. The season is almost upon us once again. The only Kiely (different spelling) I knew was my NYPD partner Timmy, who was from the South Bronx, Hunts Point. Tim grew up with Colin Powell. Having worked in the South Bronx for 25 years and marrying June Margaret O'Brien, one of six girls from there, I pretty much connect with the people of SOBRO, as the area is now known. Sooner or later everything gets yuppified. How about this web site? Something else! Take care, Norm Mea CulpaHi Jackie, Of course you know 853 RSD is on the Lower Drive but Google Maps does not. "Looks like 800 Block of Upper Drive is even numbers and 800 Block on Lower Drive is odd numbers." I did not locate 159-32 but I did find a 159-34 and 159-00, seems to be the last structure (red brick) on the Lower Drive area that we are speaking of, now a co-op but the year of construction is not listed. I have very fond memories of the folks I spent time with on "our" wall. Peace, Rita Yes, it's Kiely I was in error. For whatever resaon, The Dublin House on 79th off the NE corner of Broadway became a meeting place for many of the kids from the OLL area up until the early 1970s: Eamon Connolly, Tommy Taylor etc. I worked with Tom for a short time before be went on the force and then as a T Man. I have not heard from him in too many years. One of great fellows from the old neighborhood. In friendship, Ed Woods My e-mail: eandjwoods50@Yahoo.com P.S. The Kiely family moved to Crimmons Ave in the Bronx West 159th Street NYCDear Rita, I do enjoy rehashing the old neighborhood and the wonderful memories we can recall. Yes, it is the last buillding on the street and I lived there until 1950, when I married Ed. My uncle George lived there until c. 1981 in a rent controlled apartment, and yes, it did become a co-op. When first opened, the building had four entrances. Later, in the 1980s, it was down to one main entrance on the via-dock for safety reasons. I loved our apartment there, which had a beautiful view of the Hudson and the George Washington Bridge. My friend June, nee McAvoy, lived at 3750 B'way. We were together in school for 12 years at St. Catherine's and Sacred Heart. June lives in Maryland. By the way, my e-mail is eandjwoods50@yahoo.com Jackie Woods The Red HouseDear Jackie & Ed, How lucky you were to have lived in the Red House, especially with the views of the bridge and the river. Growing up I never knew anyone who lived there, so never saw the interior, I'm sure it was lovely. I heard that David Dinkins lived there at some point before he became mayor. Many of my classmates lived in 790 Riverside Drive and I was always so impressed that their apartments had two doors. Our apartment was on the fourth floor of a walkup and across the street from a garage. Funny how I was not really impressed by a doorman but by the two doors. I seem to remember a gas station near your friend June's house...other side of Broadway from the museum, now college. One of my St. Catherine's classmates, last I heard, he was teaching at the college. Was Rexall Drug on the corner of 157th, with the newsstand outside the door, when you lived in the Red House? In my home we seemed to have all of the city newspapers -- morning, afternoon and evening, some selling for 4 cents. To this day I read two papers every day and still long to go out Saturday night to pick up the Sunday paper. Thanks for the email. Peace, Rita Class of 1959I attended O.L.L. from 5th to 8th grade. My 5th grade teacher was Mother Mary Edward, what a wonderful woman, 6th was Mother Mary St. Hugh, 7th Mother Mary Edward and 8th Mother Mary Bernadette. Graduated in 1959. Classes were mxed -- black, white and Latino. Memories are mostly good ones -- Father Kline, Father Malloy, Father Hart. The religious experience most memorable, especially during Lent, novenas on Wednesday afternoon and Stations on Friday after school. Liggets / RexallHello Rita, I loved the lunch/soda counter at Liggetts/Rexalls. for whatever reason, my family used the pharmacy across the street, on the east side of B'way, to have prescriptions filled. The family that owned and operated the newsstand helped us lease our first apartment at 600 W. 157th. Apartments were in short supply in 1950. We lived in the unit formerly rented by the Singer Midgets next to Peaches Browning of Daddy Browning fame. Of course they were long gone when we lived there. My father was very active in the Tioga Democratic Club with the Simonetti family. Do you remember Warner's Cafeteria between 157 & 158th? We visited St. Catherine's Church Christmas week 2007 with our niece who wanted to see where she was baptized in 1953. She is on Mayor Bloomberg's staff. Warm regards, Jackie Woods eandjwoods50@yahoo.com Oh, as the poet said, "To return to yesteryear and our salad days." My brother ErnieBilly, Ernie and I went to Bishop Dubois. Ernie for two years and I for three. We both were bounced in 1951 and transferred to Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J. We went there on a Schrafft's scholarship. Our mom waited on tables at Schrafft's in order to send us there. In those days it was pretty much a blue collar school. It wasn't that far removed from being a reform school. VERY STRICT. Today it's much more hoity toity. I'm still in close touch with my old classmates, most of whom have been successful in life. Ernie was a great basketball player, the first to score over 50 points in a game in Bergen County (three times), breaking Sherman White's record. White was an All American but messed up his career in the 1950-51 college season. Ernie went to Fordham on an athletic scholarship. Ernie died in 2002. He was a very special guy, extremely generous and giving. We miss him a lot. He lived a couple of blocks away from me as did most of my siblings. Sad to say, the circle grows smaller. 1959 OLL gradsAre you out there, does any one remember or know of any of the following graduates of O.L.L. -- Starr Martin, Carol Long or her sisters, Carlotta and Tony, Josephine Velez, Melvina (Kinky) Boyd, Chicky Aponte. I went of to Cathedral and the others to various Catholic high schools and lost touch. After finding this site, many memories have come back. Would like to know how old friends are doing. 600 W. 157thHi Jackie, You lived around the corner from the post office. I remember going there once to get a money order and losing Mom's gray umbrella. Your building was by the Grinnell, where a friend's father was the superintendent during the 60s. Liggett/Rexall -- we went to Snow & Youman's for drugs but to Rexall for film, flashbulbs and of course the soda fountain. The last time I was there was April 1965, just before my son was born. I do not recall a Warner's Cafeteria but do remember the famous, and oh so good, Imperial Deli, Lambos Flower Shop, Commander Bar & Grill, Full Moon & McGuire's. I visited St. Catherine's about 1994 and it was like being in a time warp, except for the piano near the altar. The church was just as I remembered when I got married in 1964, only smaller. The school is now public. I am in touch with some of my friends from the Class of 1958. It was nice that your niece was able to visit the church where she was baptized. I never heard of the Tioga Democratic Club or the Simonetti family (the only Simonettis I know are the family whose niece and son are engaged). Jackie, was the pharmacy on the east side of B'way United or perhaps that was a sign for United Cigar? So nice this walk down memory lane. Best to your Eddie. Peace, Rita Memories: dreams of long agoHi Rita, My close friend June's, nee McAvoy, family lived in the Grinnell for many years. Her grandfather was Judge McAvoy. Eddie claims to have an exceptionally good memory but he says he needs to yield to you. You do have a most wonderful recall. However, he is more familiar with the OLL school and church neighborhood. My brother-in-law (much older than Eddie and me) was in the vending machine business: Ace Distributing -- jukeboxes, cigarette machines etc. Eddie worked for him for a few years when we first married and the company had locations in almost every store in the neighborhood (including the Commander). That is a dead business today. How about Pigeon Park? You couldn't sit there. Warm regards, Jackie Woods GrinnellHi Jackie, Do you recall a Doctor James Farley living in the Grinnell? Doctor Farley must have taken care of half of Washington Heights over a period of many years (had an office on 178 St. between Broadway and Ft. Washington Ave.). Ah, Pigeon Park...I remember it well and always tried to circumvent it! All the best. Rita I remember it wellHi Rita, Our family physician was Dr. VanWorth, as an adult I visited Dr. Liebling, who had an office c. 156th. He later moved down to 72nd Street. A wonderful caring man (who made house calls). My son Ed Jr. was 58 years old this week, I have a picture of him when he was 1 sitting on a pony taken on the corner of 155th and B'way. John Orlando's brother married a St Catherine's girl. I don't know her age. Ain't we got fun? Jackie Woods Current resident of the neighborhood (Grinnell)I'd like to invite you to visit www.audubonparkny.com, which is a virtual walking tour of the neighorhood you're discussing. You can "take the walking tour" online or go to the Sitemap/ Index of Images to read about specific buildings and see pictures from many eras. I'm happy to post any pictures (and credit the owners) of the neighborhood that you'd like to share - focusing on the Audubon Park area (155th to 158th, Broadway to the river). www.audubonparkny.com Walking TourThanks so very much for posting the site for the Audubon Park area...I had a delightful walking tour. Down Memory Lane at OLLWhat happened, did we all run out of memories? Who remembers the stickball field comprised of Hamilton Place from 140 to 141st Street. A ball hit over the small roof on 141st was a double and over the roof at 95 Hamilton Place was a homer. After the war the street was so crowded with cars that the games were moved to Convent Avenue in front of CCNY. There was some heavy money bet on these games. Walking TourThanks, Rita, I'm glad you enjoyed the walk! Please come back and visit the site again. I post a Newsletter on the homepage (www.AudubonParkNY.com ) each month highlighting new pages, information, and research, as well as updates on the Historic District project. Matthew The Prairie StateDoes anyone have memories of the Prairie State? It was a WWI battleship moored in the Hudson River at about 135 Street and I believe used for Naval Reserve training. As kids we snuck on board and played basketball on it. The deck (court) had a bow on it which is partially responsible for the replacement parts in my ankle today. How about the "Dust Bowl" at 148 Street next to the river where we played football and baseball? Today it's state of the art, at least compared to what we played on. Now there is grass on the field. Progress! Under the Via DockFar from being a battleship, the Prairie State (also called the Illinois) was an old transport. However, as youngsters we would have been impressed by its size. Pancho and another neighborhood boy whose name I can't recall trained there before being sent to England as frogmen in preparation for the D-Day landing. It was decided that those boys with big chests (big lungs) could do the job best. I can recall Pancho telling me after the war that he had only a few days of Boot Camp. Sports -- we used the oval near City College. Stick ball -- 144th between Amsterdam and B'way. A ball hit to any roof was an out, never a homer. Spaldines was Spaldings were costly in the 1930s. One had to learn to hit as far up the street as possible, over the sewers. That is why the good hitters (one strike only) were called three-sewer hitters. The Prairie State was docked under the Via Dock c. 130th St. Like you, we visited it often. Nearby were the meatpacking/butcher plants. During the 1930s there were two "Hoovervilles" (hobo camps) under the dock. The overhead gave the men some some protection from the elements. I had an uncle who took me fishing off the piers. I felt sorry for the "lost souls." Then one day they were all gone. Hosed away! I used to wonder where they went. In friendship Ed Woods eandjwoods50@yahoo.com PanchoAs you recall, Pancho was short, about 5'8" and maybe 200 lbs. and a very good athlete -- basketball, baseball and could hold his own on a basketball court. I remember speaking to him about the UDT (Underwater Demolition Teams,the precursor to the Navy Seals) and asking him if they were relegated to swimming all the time. He told me they spent most of the time running, running, running to build endurance. As I remember, the Oval was near Convent Avenue. We never used the term two sewers in stickball. That was a Bronx expression. We bought our pink "Spaldeens" at Rutenbergs candy store on Amsterdam Avenue between 140 and 141 Streets for a nickel. He also sold kids twofers, two for a penny loosies, and Bugle Tobacco so you could roll your own or purchase a corncob pipe to puff away. Loosies were two cigarettes for a penny. I understand due to the cost of smokes they are doing that again. We played "swift pitching" in the park at Hamilton Place between 140 and 141 streets. It was comprised of drawing a box (a strike zone) on the the handball court wall and throwing balls and strikes as hard as you could. I'm a little younger then you but I remember the Swift Meat Plant down by the river and the time John Garfield filmed a scene from a movie, Force of Evil, running down the steps toward the river. Somehow he ended up at the red lighthouse under the GW Bridge and discovered his brother's body, played by Thomas Gomez, in the river. As kids during the war we would fish and crag off the docks right near the old Two Six Precinct. I'll never forget the time my younger brother came home with a catfish and an eel and damn near burned the house down trying to cook them. Boy, life was a lot simpler then. Even with a world war raging. Amsterdam AveRutenbergs, address 1628 Amsterdam, I lived in the upstairs bldg for five years. The Rutenbergs lived in an apt in the back of their store. Tommy Smith worked their paper route for many years. Tommy lived in 1626 next to McCarvill. The Conroys (Johnny the Bull) lived in 1630. Eddie O'Brien lived in 1634 over the Rothschild Deli where we could buy Old Dutch beer for 14 cents a quart plus a 5 cent deposit. "It's for my father." The playground around the corner was busy at night after it closed for the day. My recall of loosies is six for five cents in a small paper bag with six wooden matches. You refer to the station house as the "Two Six Precinct." Something tells me you were "on the job." A good family friend, Frank Lynch, became the Captain at 152nd and Amsterdam (The Three Two)? Your e-mail? In friendship, Ed Woods Three Oh PrecinctYes I worked in the South Bronx for 25 years which included 10 years at the Yankee Stadium,ten of the best years of my life. A ring side seat at the world. We played many games there-- Shae, West Point, etc. -- and traveled to Venezuela with the New York Press team. I worked out with players on the DL. Thurman Munson was a good friend as was Catfish Hunter. Lou Pinella and Graig Nettles. We guarded Pope Paul and Pope John Paul II. John Paul II gave off an aura that was indescribable. I was very close to him on three occasions and he made you weak in the knees and start to shake. Believe me it wasn't his celebrity status. Some of the people I knew were Cary Grant who used to look for me when he came to many games. Someday I'll tell you how he saved my marriage. A funny story! Jimmy Cagney came to a few games. Boy was that sad to see Rocky Sullivan, every Irish American kid's hero, all crippled up with arthritis. I finished up in the Bronx Detective Task Force and never looked back. It was a great career if you rolled with the punches. The six for five must have been filter tips.I forgot about the wooden matches. Do you remember the Hooten Bars they sold? One by two inch chocolate candy stuck on wax paper. Nobody seems to remember them. Rutenberg had the greatest malteds. They kept the milk frozen. God! Were they good! The Three Oh Precinct was at 152 Street & Amsterdam Avenue across from St. Catherines Grammar School where I went to kindergarten for a day. Later it became Bishop Dubois H.S., which I attended for three years before getting bounced along with my younger brother. There was a kid by the name of Neally Riorden who may have lived in your building and a kid by the name of Brian Neeson Hannon who died around 1945. I remember going to his wake on Vinegar Hill. Next we should take a trip down Vinegar Hill. My e mail is fuzz408@optonline.net God bless & HAPPY EASTER Rutenberg'sRutenberg's had the greatest milkshakes mainly because they kept the milk semi frozen. They also had Hooten bars, sheets of one by two inch chocolate that sold for a penny each. I've never met anyone from a different neighborhood who heard of them. Yes, I was on the job for 25 years in the South Bronx. Check your personal e mail. The Three Oh was at 152 Street and Amsterdam Avenue. It's now a landmark. The new precinct is on 151st Street of Amsterdam. How about Wings Cigarettes with the photos of WW II planes? The Shamrock Bar was on the corner of 140th Street and Amsterdam. On weekends guys would pick up containers of beer and carry them over to Convent Avenue for refreshments during the stickball games. Take care, Norm PanchoLooking for any info on Pancho Periera. He is my godfather and was best friends with my dad, Frank Corrigan. OLLumnaI went graduated from OLL in 1950. I came across this great site and I am wondering if anyone graduated the same year. I have been trying to get in contact with my fellow classmates and this looked like a great opportunity! The Old ShamrockI visted the 140th Street area a few years ago and took a few pictures. The Shamrock is gone with the wind -- history. I showed a picture of the building (1626 Amsterdam) to Vinnie McCarvill, who had lived there, when I met him for a beer in New Orleans a few years ago, and he almost wept. Some great memories of our Salad Days came to mind. "Oh the nights at the playground on Hamilton Place." It's the place where we came of age. In friendship, Eddie and Jackie ParishesOne thing folks from New Orleans and New York City have in common is that you identified your neighborhood by the parish in which you lived. Agnes GerrityMy mother, Agnes Gerrity, born 1916, and her brothers Thomas and Richard (born c. 1914 and 1920) attended Our Lady of Lourdes until high school. All three have passed away but I'd love to hear if anyone happens to remember them. Like your mother, my mom loved that school and spoke of it often. Anne Collins OLL Confirmation Day 1935I thought former students would enjoy seeing the uniform we wore in Our Lady of Lourdes School Primary Dept (1st to 4th Grade) during the 1930s. KnickersIt was humiliating having to wear knickers. Remember pulling them down to your ankles and thinking "maybe people will think they are pegged pants"? Boy did we ever fool the public! And how about the high starched collars -- I don't think they could have even gotten Freddie Barthomew to wear them. Didn't we replace them with waterboarding? However Ed, they look great on you. Do you still wear them? Old OLL picsDoes any one have some old OLL class photos or just some neighborhood pictures to post here in the comments? I'm sure a lot of Shorpy addicts would appreciate them. OLLi go to school at lourdes now im in the 8th grade and i think its really cool to see people talk about the memories they had about my school before i was even born and i would love to see some kind of picture of the inside of the school like a class picture so i can see what it used to look like [Just wait'll you get to Capitalization and Punctuation. - Dave] Class of 1964I too went to OLL from '57-'64. My parents and I moved to 3495 Broadway at 143rd St. in 1956. I started in the 4th grade with Mother Mary William. The school in those days was no longer a military academy. We wore navy blue uniforms, white shirts and the school tie and the girls wore navy blue jumpers with a white blouse and blue tie. It was very interesting reading about all the students who came before me and where they lived. I always was so curious to find out how this old neighborhood looked like years before we moved in. As you all know, the area changed at some point racially, although when I was at OLL the school was still predominantly white with a handful of Black children. I will always have wonderful memories of my time at OLL. My parents moved out of the area in 1969 and I since been back once to recapture some old memories of my childhood. NostalgiaThe picture that follows is the 1937 graduation class with the girls omitted. Monsignor McMahon built church and school(1901-1913); after 15 years as Curator at St Patrick's Cathedral, constructed 7 years earlier. See church of Our Lady of Lourdes for construction details. At the time of graduation, Fr's Mahoney, Dillon and Brennan resided across from the Church. The Poor Clares home was to right of the church, and secondary had Society of the Holy Name Jesus sisters. School and Church gave us faith and hope and discipline. Our world was the depression years followed by the wars. Our class of 1937 was just in time. The handsome lad below the sergeant stripes is the brother of contributor Ed Woods.Ed,and brothers Bill and Dennis served with distinction. Andy Saraga bottom right was a highly decorated Marines The others served as well. I hope Our Lady of Lourdes provides the inspiration our families sought for us. Nostalgia 1937The 1937 graduation photo is great. It's with both sadness and pride to think that most of these wonderful kids would be defending our country in a very short time in different uniforms.Believe it or not this military training was useful. How about more pictures like this and some candid neighborhood shots. OLL in the NYThttp://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/nyregion/16priest.htm So interesting: A more recent residentJust want to say that I've read every entry on this post. It is so interesting to read the memories shared by those that lived way before you in the same neighborhood. My mother and I live on 135th Street near Riverside between 66th and 77th, then moved to 138th between Hamilton and Amsterdam. I went to PS 161 and graduated from CCNY. I also have fond memories of my childhood. I used to play basketball in an after school center at Our Lady of Lourdes as a young kid, visited the area a couple of years ago and brought back great pics. Cheers to all Mauricio The Grinnell: Celebrating Its Centennial Those of you who remember The Grinnell (800 Riverside Drive) may be interested to know that the residents have just begun celebrating the building's centennial. We're having a year of events,so this is a great year to visit! Check the website: http://www.thegrinnellat100.com/ for photos, historical news articles, and residents' memories (and contribute your own). Click the calendar tab for a listing of the events between now and July 2011. Matthew Why Grinnel!The hundredth anniversary of a building? Forgotten is the fact that it's also the anniversary of the site building, and all the memories fast fading. I think Ed Woods of all the graduates, always hit the mark. Several others struggled to add something. If someone remembers the names of the sisters and preferably anecdotes please don't deny this information from this site. I personally remember sister Rose from 4th grade 1934. I believe Mother Michael provided my brother Andy's Confirmation name. Others with better memories speak up. Also it wasn't only our generation that owes recognition for all given freely. Christmas at Our Lady of LourdesAt Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the statues in the creche would be replaced by live students. The scene would be repeated the following day at the 9 o'clock Children's Mass and the 11 o'clock High Mass. A live baby would be borrowed to lie in the manger. The girl who posed as the Blessed Mother and the boy who posed as Joseph were the envy of the entire student body. "Oh to return to yesteryear." Happy New YearThank you SHORPY for bringing back to us so many wonderful memories. It has been said pictures are worth a thousand words. Shorpy's pictures, however, are worth so much more -- just can't put a number on them. Thank you and a Happy New Year to the Shorpy Staff. Ed and Jackie Woods [And thank you, Ed and Jackie, for inspiring the hundreds of interesting comments in this thread. - Dave] The OLL neighborhoodIt's nice reading and re-reading your stories about OLL, Hamiliton Place,and seeing the names listed. Many years ago, in my past, I visited the old neighborhood only to find it somewhat depressing, old and in poor shape. One time in particular I had parked my new "rental car" near West 144th street, and was showing my young children some of the places I lived on Amsterdam Ave, Hamilton Place ( 95 and 115 buildings) when two older African Americans came up to us, and said you'd be better not park here." It wasn't said as a threat, but more it's unsafe here, now that the area has changed. I had told them that I used to live here many years ago. I am glad to hear from Norm, that the area has rebounded, and in looking at the prices of the real estate I wish we had stayed here. Keep up the good work. Matt Waters mattminn@aol.com Hi Anon Tipster 1959. I used to date Carlotta Long & visited her lovely home many times. 147 off Convent as I recall. I often wonder in my old age (69) whatever happened to her & how her life turned out. I did graduate from Dubois in 1960, so I'm very familiar w/the sights & places referenced here. So glad I found this site. Tis That Time of YearThank you SHORPY for another year of nostalgic pictures and comments. Brought to us in Black and White and Living Color. Such fond memories of long ago, especially the itchy bathing suits. In the 1920s and up to the early 1940s, when on or near the beach and boardwalk, boys had to wear the coarse wooolen suits with the tops on at all times. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New York to Dave and staff. Ed and Jackie Woods Our Yearly PlaysI graduated in 1960 after 8 memorable years. I remember our yearly plays in the auditorium and all the hard work and practice we put into it. Father Hart was our pastor and I remember our farewell speech to him. My best friend was Lydia Marin and I remember Maria Santory, Joyce Brown, Maria Matos, Alma Mora, Maureen Quirk. If any of you from this class are around, give a shout. Jackie Erick Class of 1964Class of 1964 where are you guys? Write something here you remember. Do you remember me? OLL Class of 1957Here's the names of the boys' teachers from 1949 to 1957. I think I have then all correct. Grade 1, 1949-1950: Mother Mary Theodosia Grade 2, 1950-1951: Sister Mary Macrina Grade 3, 1951-1952: Mother Mary Eulalia Grade 4, 1952-1953: Mother Mary Declan Grade 5, 1953-1954: Mother Mary Edwards Grade 6, 1954-1955: Mother Maria Del Amor Grade 7, 1955-1956: Mother Mary Euphrates Grade 8, 1956-1957: Mother Mary Rosario Eighteen nuns lived in the convent adjacent to the church on 142nd Street: eight boys' teachers, eight girls' teachers, the school principal, known as the Reverend Mother, and the housekeeper. Six priests and the pastor lived in the rectory on the south side of 142nd Street. OLL was also known as Old Ladies' Laundry. I've written down the names of almost all the boys who, at one point or another, were part of the class of 1957. Only 27 graduated in 1957. Many were expelled in 1956 as part of a crackdown on gang membership. Mother Mary Rosario was brought in to preside over a difficult situation, but after the expulsions her job turned out to be not that complicated. I'll post the list of names another time. Our Lady of Lourdes Alumni ReunionHello out there. I am a current parent at Our Lady of Lourdes. As we enter a new decade, OLL would would like to start planning a few reunions. I am looking for some potential organizers to help us reach out and plan events in the new year. Please reach out if you are interested in planning or connect dots. There are many new happenings at the school. We will be launching a new website by the end of the month with an alumni portion. Thank you! Vanessa vdecarbo@ollnyc.org Class of 1971Hi! I graduated in 1971 and our teacher was Sister Patricia. I remember Marlene Taylor, Karen, Miriam, Dina, Elsie, Maria and Robin, Carla, Margaret and Giselle. Our class was an all girl class. I also remember Sister Rebecca, Sister Theresa, Sister Rosemarie (our history teacher). I continued to Cathedral High School but I miss all my dear classmates. Is there anyone out there who enters this site? My email is n.krelios@yahoo.com I would love to hear from someone. Marlene Taylor became a doctor (wonderful!!!). Shorpy Hall of FameIf there were a Shorpy Hall of Fame, this photo would definitely have to be in the inaugural class. I've enjoyed going through the many comments for this photo going back to 2007 even though I have absolutely no connection to the school other than being Catholic. What is equally as awesome is that a look at the location today via Google Maps indicates that, other than a few trees, fire hydrants, automobiles and removal of the statue, everything is basically the same today. Double DutchKllroy is correct about not much having changed, but it looks like even the foreground fire hydrant is in the same place (but a newer model). It looks like the circa 1914 photographer was set-up on the northeast corner of Amsterdam Avenue and 143rd Street. The Google Maps photo was taken travelling northbound on Amsterdam Avenue. So basically both photos are shot from almost the same location; it is interesting how the vintage image makes 143rd Street appear much shorter than in the Google image. I guess it's the result of different formats and lenses. By the way, the buildings at the far end of the T-intersection, on Convent Avenue (mostly blocked by the trees in the Google image), reflect NYC's Dutch heritage [ETA:] as does "Amsterdam" Avenue. (The Gallery, Education, Schools, G.G. Bain, Kids, NYC)
Shop Early for Xmas: 1922
Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Sport Mart, 1303 F Street N.W." Shorpy would like one of each, please. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/06/2015 - 12:35am -

Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Sport Mart, 1303 F Street N.W." Shorpy would like one of each, please. National Photo Company glass negative. View full size. Update: For the window-shoppers among us, I've posted a bigger closeup here. Lionel Train SetThat Lionel Electric Train Set is to die for!! I know fellow collectors who, if they had only the original box displayed in this picture, would be in fandom heaven. Joshua Lionel Owen invented the first toy trains in 1901 so New York City Department Stores could use them for window displays during Christmas. The rest as they say is history. Great picture. Also, just can't imagine any store having all those guns in a front window anymore, with just plate glass in front of them as protection from theft. Were people really that honest back then? Don't bother with the girlsLove all the signs. Also interesting to see another pre-WWII swastika, and this one is even turned 45 degrees onto a point, the same as the Nazis did. [That's two interlocking S's, for Stetson Shoes. Ten lines. A swastika has six. - Dave] Airguns $1I'm sorry, Shorpy, you don't want that. You'll put your eye out. Western Auto, Carroll Cut Rite....In the small mill town where I grew up, we had the two stores mentioned as well as United Cigar and Hart's 5 & 10. Their windows examples of just about every single item in inventory. The multitude of tiered shelves allowed one to see what was inside without actually going in. For the kids (like me) that had a total of $10 to buy six gifts, it was great to stand in front of the window and budget out the allotment, figuring out who would get what before actually buying. Mom always got the blue bomb bottle of Evening in Paris or dusting powder, Dad got something in Old Spice, an inflatable toy for my baby brother, handkerchiefs or an autograph book for Sis, etc. Christmas will never be as meaningful as when we had to budget every cent because it really meant something more than just purchasing merchandise. I'll take the...Kodak Autographics, bike and Lionel train sets, please! Santa Please......bring me the sled that looks just like Rosebud, and the Lionel trains, and the golf set with those fabulous hickory shafts. I need a new niblick. Alice MaynardOne wonders what Alice Maynard is selling "upstairs." Probably entirely innocent - probably ladies clothing based on what we can see in the second floor windows - but the filthy mind gets all sorts of ideas. Can I have the .22 please?That Winchester pump .22 would be worth big bucks if it were in good condition today. Re: Santa Please...I couldn't help but notice the fatness of the "pre-pass" era type of footballs. More like a rugby or Aussie rules football. Toy StoryGreat photo, Dave. I can't tell how much the chess set is, but it looks like a nice one. Cowboy suede holsters and Indian feathered headbands would be frowned upon today. I am puzzled why a thermos is more expensive than a golf set. There's so much to look at. By the way, are those irons (the kind for pressing clothes?) What's with that? [The sign under the vacuum bottles is for a $15 "tackle outfit." - Dave] I have a pump .22 a lot like the one in the window......but its a "Savage" vs. a "Winchester", octagonal barrel, you can take it apart with one screw. Last fired about 25 years ago! Not to Nitpickbut it's Joshua Lionel Cowen, ne Cohen. He was the great-uncle of the infamous Roy Cohn, who later was board chairman of the train company. Fix bayonets!That Daisy BB gun has a bayonet on it -- more fun than lawn darts! SavageI believe Savage was taken over by Winchester way back when. I had a 1918 Winchester pump as a kid. I really loved it and used it in the late 40's and 50's. Wish I could find another under $1k. Aw, Why do I have to be a girl?I'm looking at all the really neat stuff in the window. All my friends were boys when I was growing up and their toys were the best. If I lived back then, my mother would have shopped for me one door over to the right, where they have a selection of ugly, boring dolls. Dreaming of the train set... .38How long would those pistols last in a glass storefront in 2008? Not long. Pistols..The pistol on the right is most likely a Colt Model 1903 .32 ACP or perhaps a Model 1908 .380. The Revolver is a Smith and Wesson. I can't identify caliber size or frame type. As to the pistol on the left, your guess is as good as mine. It's interesting that Washington D.C. in the 1920's where you could buy guns no questions asked at a department store with glass windows was much safer than 21st century D.C. where possession of any one of the firearms in that window was a felony until recently. What every boys wants...but should he get a revolver? Oooooh! Oooooh!I was born 25 years later, but in spirit my nose- and handprints are all over that Sport Mart window. I have hundreds of engines and cars in my collection but no Lionel that goes back to the 1920s, much to my sorrow. Dad couldn't wait to put one under the tree, so I had my first one at age 4; at 62 I still play with trains! (Sadly, electric train sales have fallen on hard times and only the old boys are interested.) I do have most of the cameras in that window but they aren't quite so shiny -- but they do work, even the ones going back to the 1870s. Air rifles weren't allowed in my family (had to play with my friend's guns on the sly) and they sure couldn't be had for a dollar then! Even the boys in my family spent a lot of quality time using an iron (the ones that put a crease in your britches and made your starched shirts crisp -- not the ones you hit little white balls with) but I don't remember thinking it was much of a sport! Note that the golf balls there are individually wrapped. I don't recognize the bike in the window, but it looks big; in the early 1950s we had a hand-me-down of indeterminate origin, the only 38-incher in the neighborhood. Not much in the window for the little girls in 1921. The signs seem to indicate they may not have gotten them personally as gifts, but in some families the "tomboys" had their ways! Some things have changed for the better. A Visit from the Innuendo FairyDon't all "bicycles" have "reputations?" Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more! ShockingBesides the toys there are bunches of household items on display (but don't get me wrong, I want the train set and a basement to put it in). I'm suddenly interested in the parallel history of the battery and portable electrical devices. Things like flashlights had to have been introduced for the consumer with a battery in mind. Of course after a few years batteries became ubiquitous, but imagine going to a store and picking up a battery and not already owning anything to put it in. Lionel for ChristmasI had a circa 1941 Lionel freight train complete with all the cars and a headlight. I got it for Christmas. It also had little tablets that you could drop down the stack so that the engine puffed smoke as it tore around the three-rail track. Alas, my dear mom gave it away to Goodwill one day when I was in high school. Sigh! Indoor SportsSome of the Christmas Specials in this display window bring new meaning to the term Sporting Goods. The lower left section is filled with electric-powered household appliances: Irons, a toaster, a coffee percolator ("perculator" in the sign) and a set of antler-handled carving knives for that Christmas turkey. When I was a kid in the 1950s there were a few moms in our neighborhood who seemed to think that Extreme Ironing was a competition sport, but they usually got their gear at Sears. And what about that accordion in the back row next to the electric space heater? $16There's a sign just below the sled for $16 but I can't make it out. Can you blow it up? [Kaboom. - Dave] Electric TorchJust to feed everyone's new interest in the subject, here's a post from the inimitable Daniel Rutter that includes some early flashlight background. $5.50 for a dozen golf balls.A lost ball in a water hazard or the rough had to have hurt! Made In U. S. A.For an advocate of American-made goods which are currently difficult (to impossible) to find for gift-giving, I assume that almost everything in this window was made right here in the USA. A twinge of sorrow takes over as I wonder if Lionel is still made here, or Daisy Air guns or Flexible Flyers. Christmas lights shown here for $8.50 (a huge amount of money in 1921) can be bought today for a couple of dollars. Yes, imports are cheap, cheap, cheap, but also disposable and short-lived. Time marches on and even Levis are made in Mexico, Converse in China. I did find nail clippers made in the USA last week for $1. Maybe I'll be like Jack Benny and give gifts of just shoelaces and nail clippers this year. Don't know of ANY toys or electronics made here. One other non-imported gift suggestion is to give the gift recipient a hand-made gift card for FOUR HOURS of personal advice. (few people will cash it in) Merry Christmas fellow Shorpy addicts. Get the boy something he wants...All he wants now is a Wii, a Playsatation, a Game Cube, an iPod... How unfortunate. I want a time machine. How dare they...Look at them! Creating these restrictive gender roles and explicitly marketing them to impressionable children? The audacity! The horror! Someone call the NOW and shut these advocates of boyhood down! Rampant (and refreshing) political correctness aside, this is a fabulous picture. I love these, where you can just drink in wonderful little details. You can even read the sign company name on the SportMart sign. You really do a great job sharpening these up, Dave. What's the white squiggly line in the upper left corner? Looks like the border of a postcard or something, but how did it get in that rather strange location on this picture? Either that, or I'm missing something very obvious and it's a water pipe or something. [It's the decoration (or alarm tape, which did indeed exist in 1921) on a windowpane. - Dave] Made in USA.Yoda, I know what you mean, but on the other hand, today when we sub out low end manufacturing, the material wealth is so much higher. Most kids today would already own some or most of the goods in the window display, whereas I bet that the overall market penetration of electric trains, etc. was much more limited in the 1920s. Is that a Red Ryder BB Gun?Santa sez "You'll shoot your eye out, kid. Merry Christmas! Ho, ho, ho!" Jean Shepherd must be chortling (yes, chortling, that's what he said) and smiling down on this scene. Nice gunsGrew up in Rogers, Arkansas where the Daisy plant was located. I had a lever-action '.30-.30' style bb rifle that you loaded from the side - it lasted for years and received all kinds of mistreatment. Also, learned to shoot with my grandfather's .22 that looked quite similar to the one pictured, but I cannot remember what make it was. Smith & WessonThe 3 pistols in the front center appear to be Smith & Wesson. Their boxes sport the distinctive (intricate) S&W Logo, or an earlier version of it. Small Pistol on the LeftI realize this is 6 years later, but what the heck. The small pistol on the left in the group of three pistols appears to be either a Mauser 1910 (25ACP) or the 1914 (32 ACP). (The Gallery, Bicycles, Christmas, D.C., Stores & Markets)
Minker Motor Co.: 1922
Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Minker Motor Co., 14th Street N.W." National Photo Company Collection ... based truck. This appears to be a 1917 - first half of 1922 car that has been converted to a truck. Columbia's hood, hood sides, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/07/2012 - 10:41pm -

Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Minker Motor Co., 14th Street N.W." National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Lotsa nice detailsThis is one of the finer Photographs. I notice the guy in the middle didn't notice to fix his pant cuff. The mechanics seem to be paper cutouts. I'd guess it's because of some combination of depth-of-field and lighting. And what does it mean when even a mechanic wears a necktie? Still thereView Larger Map Interchangeable WheelsNote the gear teeth on the inner hub of each wheel. I believe this is done so any wheel can replace the wheel that drives the speedometer gearbox. I see the side-mount spare is locked to its mount: technology changes but people don't. How odd compared to todayHas anyone ever seen Boston ferns in the front window of ANY automobile dealership? Shoeshine AnalysisI have always thought that, back in the day, men took pride in having well-shined shoes. Of the three men in suits standing in front of the truck, the one on the left, who has the best suit, seems to have at least the remnant of a shine, the guy in the middle looks like he dug ditches in those things, and the guy in the rear with the straw boater has a badly fitting suit, but at least a decent shine. Wouldn't a car salesman taken a little more care in his appearance? Blue Collar NecktiesI had a friend who worked as a plumber on new construction jobs. He always wore white shirt and tie under his coveralls at the site. He said that many of the guys in construction also wore them, they kept the cold out. CharactersSome interesting chaps in that photo, and an interesting truck; good fodder for interwebz research. Hey! What is Al Capone doing in the photo? Columbia Dump Truck? Columbia, which built cars from 1916 - 1924, never made trucks, but this is definitely a Coumbia based truck. This appears to be a 1917 - first half of 1922 car that has been converted to a truck. Columbia's hood, hood sides, headlights, and radiator/grille remained the same during this period of time so a more definite dating would be very difficult. That being said, the running board and fenders do not look very beat up; however, it would have been fairly easy for a Columbia dealer to replace damaged originals. The front and rear tires are are of two different makes (a pretty bald Beacon and a slightly worn Lehigh). Look at the tire on the running board for comparison (also a Lehigh). The windshield has been modified to stand straight up. On Columbia open cars this is normally tilted back. Note how the top posts for attaching a convertible/folding top are pointing forward instead of pointing straight up as shown in Columbia photos and brochures. The piece that extends from the bottom of the windshield to the top of the cowl is missing. Is this a dump truck? There is a round cutout in front of the rear tire about the running board. This looks like it is for attaching a crank handle to raise the bed/body of the truck and dumping a load. It could also be for a power take off (PTO) to run another piece of machinery. The man in front of the cab is blocking the view that would help to determine if the cab lifts with the bed. I think it is a dump truck. There is a fairly wide gap running through the cab from behind the man to the cabs right hand side. There is also a cross beam that extends to the very edge of the cab under the number "14th" painted on the body of the bed. I imagine that originally this was a Coumbia touring car that was in an accident,and they rebodied it to make a service truck. The wire wheels were a $100 Columbia option. The rest of the storyAt least about the building, not the actual company: here. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, D.C., Natl Photo)
Hi Mom: 1922
August 29, 1922. Washington, D.C. "Plaza baby show." Happy Mother's Day from Shorpy! ... Plaza Playground Washington Post, Aug 11, 1922 Children Hold Fete As Playground Opens The Plaza ... of the new ground. Washington Post, Aug 17, 1922 Few Playgrounds for 15,500 Children Northeast ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2011 - 8:15pm -

August 29, 1922. Washington, D.C. "Plaza baby show." Happy Mother's Day from Shorpy! National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Plaza Playground Washington Post, Aug 11, 1922 Children Hold Fete As Playground Opens The Plaza playground, second street and Massachusetts avenue northeast, was formally opened last evening. The playground is being operated this year for the first time by the municipal playground department. Scores of visitors and several hundred children took part in the exercise. Boys and girls who play on the Plaza ground had their play space elaborately decorated with Japanese lanterns. The exercises were in the form of a lawn fete and an exhibition of playground activities. A variety of the dances taught on the playgrounds were presented and specimens of the industrial work done by the children was exhibited. Mrs. Katherine Swanson is director and Miss Helen Einstein assistant director of the new ground. Washington Post, Aug 17, 1922 Few Playgrounds for 15,500 Children Northeast Washington, compromises an extensive area of the city, with few playgrounds. In the opinion of those in charge of playgrounds, it furnishes a good illustration of the experience Washington in not only lacking sites in an area where there are many children, but in having lost sites through failure to make the necessary appropriation of money before the land was acquired by private interests. The northeast includes the largest and probably the best equipped large playground operated by the municipal system, but is far removed from the only other playground for white children in that section. For colored children there is but one municipal playground. The Lovejoy school, Twelfth and D streets, has been kept open this summer by the playground department to help fill this need. ... The Plaza playground, as the sites as Second street and Massachusetts avenue are known, compromise five and a quarter acres of play space. On one piece of the ground the Liberty hut once stood. A full sized baseball diamond where all school games for that part of the northeast are played, and the girls basketball and tennis course are on this playground. One section is reserved for the little people and a variety of things are provided for them. The Plaza playground is loaned by the Federal government. Sweet PictureLots of love and motherly compassion in those faces. Hope all the moms reading had a special day today. My Mom has been gone three years. Miss her. OuchThat's quite the pumpkin head, far left, front row. Mom is probably still describing that ordeal to her neighbor. Top row, second from right, that child is not getting cheated at feeding time. The Lifecycle!If we are lucky, maybe a third of these babies are still with us and now into their 80's and 90's. We come into the world with no teeth, hair and in diapers, and some of us go out that way too! Anyway what a precious bunch of moms and babies! Happy Mothers Day! Charming PhotoIt looks like an audition for the 1932 edition of 'The Little Rascals'! Wonder where they all wound up? Doctors, Lawyers, Indian Chiefs? (The Gallery, D.C., Kids, Natl Photo)
Best Christmas Ever: 1922
"Dorsey Christmas tree, 1922." Merry Christmas to all from Shorpy! National Photo Company Collection ... of the radio use explosion that was occurring in 1922. [Below: ads from 1922 and 1931. - Dave] Radio Rex "Radio Rex" is considered to ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/24/2012 - 7:10pm -

"Dorsey Christmas tree, 1922." Merry Christmas to all from Shorpy! National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Thanks, DaveThank you, Dave. Everyday, you gave us the gift of a view into a virtual time machine. Everyday is Christmas at this site. Wishing you and yours a happy holiday and a happy new year. [You're very welcome! I feel are warm and tingly inside. And not just from the eggnog. - Dave] Play-olaIsn't it great! just put "ola" after any word and it becomes so cool. Radio Rex ?"Radio Rex" is an interesting name for a dog. I assume that this is a reflection of the radio use explosion that was occurring in 1922. [Below: ads from 1922 and 1931. - Dave] Radio Rex"Radio Rex" is considered to be the first "voice-controlled" toy - words spoken at a particular frequency (if I remember correctly) would cause a relay to cycle, pushing Rex out of his doghouse. ExpressionThe look on the kid's face says it all, and who can blame him? There is a Fortune HereThat was quite a haul in its day, and today you are looking at a tidy fortune. That is a Toonerville Trolley, foreground. At a current value upwards of $1,500, it is far from the most sought toy shown here. What a treasure trove. Best Christmas ever, indeed, and ever growing in value. "- - - Ola""Ola" at the end of product names was all the rage during the Taft-Wilson administrations. The Gay-Ola bottling company brings to mind a leading example of an "Ola" product name that would not be easily introduced into today's marketplace. Love the Christmas gift!Just look at the other wonderful gifts - wheelbarrow, pool table and do I see a tin ear (eh, sonny?) on the Play-Ola? I bet the cars might still be around if they survived the war scrap metal drives. [The tin ear is probably the phono pickup for the Play-Ola. - Dave] HaircutWow, I have seen many Shorpy pictures with that horrible haircut--when did that come into "fashion" and when did it leave? They actually shaved the kids' upper napes to get that hair line? On the other hand, I love those CD-like ornaments at the top of the tree with the angels. Fire trucksAt least 3 fire trucks! That kid is seriously spoiled. I am sooo jealous, all I got is 1 fire truck back in the early 70's! You'll also notice the awesome blackboard, the John Scary book and the GI-Joe helicopter! RockolaRockola doesn't qualify as a true "Ola", as would that wondrous 1914 soft drink Gay-Ola, or the Play-Ola toy shown here. David Rockola founded the jukebox company. That was his given name. His surname, by the way, rates infinitely higher on the "cool" scale than "Yanitz." Trust me on that one. No batteries requiredOne cannot help but notice that none of these fabulous and now valuable toys require batteries. As for the "ola" ending, Rockola Jukeboxes were some of the niftiest. Also Wurlitzer. If Santa saved all the original boxes that came with these toys, the price doubles or triples. Who knew? And thank you for ALL the wonderful memories evoked from your "best ever" website. I cannot get through 24 hrs. without it. Stay healthy and know we appreciate you. [The Radio Rex toy did use batteries. And thanks! - Dave] IciclesI love the tree. When I was a kid my friends and I would go along the street after Christmas and take the icicles off the trees and make them into balls, I think they were made of lead. Look how straight they hang. You won't see that anymore. USB Rex"Radio Rex" has been reinvented as "USB Guard Dog - Desktop Rex": (The Gallery, Christmas, Kids, Natl Photo)
Center Market: 1922
"Center Market, 1922." Produce vendors in Washington, D.C. National Photo Company Collection ... on how to pay, and that letter finally came in January 1922. The terrified Mrs. Gatti placed 15 $1,000 bills into a bag for two ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/10/2012 - 3:45pm -

"Center Market, 1922." Produce vendors in Washington, D.C. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Louis GattiThe stand on the left, as seen by the sign overhead, was run by Louis P. Gatti. Gatti emigrated to the U.S. in 1886 and operated this fruit and vegetable stand at Center Market on Pennsylvania Avenue (present site of the National Archives) from about 1900 to 1925. In the 1910s, the family lived at 736 5th Street, N.W., a site now across from the Government Accountability Office where a Red Roof Inn is located. Louis Gatti was one of the most successful of many members of his extended family that went into the fresh produce business in Washington. At his death in 1969, the Washington Post noted that his fruit and vegetable stand "won the culinary cachet of early 20th century Washington.[T]he fine quality of his fruits and vegetables — such as strawberries from Plant City, Fla., and typhoid - free watercress grown in pure mineral springs — won him an elite clientele of the rich and powerful in a day when even the most haughty of the city's housewives did their own daily grocery shopping." His wife’s obituary, from 1948, further elaborates: "Numbered among their clients were Presidents Taft, Wilson, and Harding, Cabinet officials, diplomats, and official leaders of the day. Mrs. Gatti often reminisced about the time Mrs. William Howard Taft came to her after the President's inauguration, asking if she would take as good care of the White House larder as she had the Taft residence." Gatti would take charge of procuring the best produce; his wife Mary Angela was in charge of operating the stand. Gatti became one of the first produce merchants to place orders directly with farmers outside the city, simplifying the buying process. In 1921, he retired from the produce business, turning his firm over to his sister-in-law and her husband, and concentrated on investing in real estate. By this time, he had grown quite wealthy, and his wealth drew some undesirable attention. In October of that year, Mrs. Gatti received a "blood-smeared" letter at the family home on 5th Street. The letter, signed by the "Black Hand" (the Mafia), demanded that she pay $15,000 "or your home goes in the air." She was instructed to wait for another letter with instructions on how to pay, and that letter finally came in January 1922. The terrified Mrs. Gatti placed 15 $1,000 bills into a bag for two neighborhood boys to take to a mysterious stranger, who was supposed to pick it up a couple of blocks away from the house. However, a visitor to the Gatti household, alarmed at the proceedings, called the police, who intercepted the two boys and apparently scared off the threat-maker. The police were unable to track down the extortionist, who they believed was not actually connected to the Mafia but perhaps instead associated with a local wholesale establishment because of the way the threat letter was stenciled. According to the newspaper account, Mrs. Gatti "intimated that she and her family would flee the city," and that is more or less exactly what they did, moving out to Park Road N.W. in the "suburb" of Columbia Heights within the next year or two. It is unclear if anything further came of the whole unpleasant affair. After Mrs. Gatti died in 1948, Louis Gatti moved in with his son Michael on Foxhall Road N.W., where he resided until his death in 1969 at the age of 96. Still the SameMany who don't travel fail to realize that markets around the world are still like this with, generally, minor changes such as better lighting and...and...well, better lighting. Is this the same Gatti who later went into the butchery business? Typhoid-Free WatercressSometimes a chance phrase reminds me that there were some things in the past that I never could have imagined. I'm completely derailed by the statement in Mr. Gotti's obituary that he attracted an "elite clientele of the rich and powerful" in part by securing a steady supply of typhoid-free watercress. Thanks to him, Washington hostesses could confidently serve their guests watercress sandwiches without having to budget for funeral flowers later. Who knew that luncheon buffets could be that exciting? A very familiar sight to meThis market looks very much like the market where I shopped for fruits and vegetables in the 1980s in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Look at all those wooden crates. Those would be cardboard boxes today. (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo, Stores & Markets)
Chicks Ahoy: 1922
June 3, 1922. New York. "Schoolgirls sailing." Recent graduates, their chaperones and a ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/16/2023 - 10:41pm -

June 3, 1922. New York. "Schoolgirls sailing." Recent graduates, their chaperones and a litter of fleabitten furries. 5x7 glass negative, Bain News Service. View full size. Dad's daughtersKnown as the"Father of foreign photographic news" George Grantham Bain, is, I suspect, little remembered today (tho his namesake gets 1,732 mentions in Newspapers.com ... 1,731 more than most of us can hope for). As for this specific (non-foreign and not really news) photo: some fashions from the past have aged better than others. [Departures out of New York Harbor to Europe and arrivals there from the Continent were most definitely news, with thousands of shipboard photos in the Bain News Service archive chronicling the trans-Atlantic travels of various social notables. - Dave] I interpreted the caption to mean this was a post-graduation harbor excursion, but yes, a European voyage makes more sense: "chaperones" seem out of place for a day trip. -N Waist corsageI looked up "waist corsage" online, but every link took me to wrist corsages. In any case, just the accessory for sailing in your fur coat, big-brimmed hat, and the open air. [A bouquet fastened about the waist is, in Victorian parlance, a nosegay. - Dave] Once again, Shorpy sends me online, to the Oxford English Dictionary. 'Nosegay' was a general term for a bunch of flowers, often with emphasis on scent. They could be carried or attached more or less anywhere on the person. (It is odd, however, to think of the association of 'nose' with the waistline.) When I was a kid in the '50sWe had company, and the lady had a coat with an animal for the collar. Her husband was a bit of a prankster and put his hand under the coat. At 5 years old I went over to see the critter and he jumped the coat at me I about wet my pants. I hated that idiot the rest of my life. Fur is one thing but ...I never knew rotting skulls were fashionable. Thank you!As I've said before several times, Dave, these are my very favorite Shorpy photos (whether they are men OR women OR both!). I so wish I knew of the lives of each of them because that is most fascinating to me -- especially the Gunston Girls from 1905 and the Bensonhurst Lifeguard from 1908. Thank you for my daily Shorpy fix, Dave!!! Those little animalsMy grandmother always had one around her neck with her traveling suit and hat and those thicker higher heeled shoes when she got off the train from St.Louis every year (from Niagara Falls) when she came to visit for about 6 weeks each year. We met the train as she got off, and I could recognize her from her outfit right away. I liked to sit in the back seat going to our house, opening and closing the "mouth." This was through the 1950s. She always had licorice drops in her "reticule." She was lots of fun. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, G.G. Bain, NYC)
Social Hygiene: 1922
Washington, D.C., 1922. "Social Hygiene Society exhibit." The Women's Bureau photos in our two ... Hygiene to Be Explained Washington Post, Jan 5, 1922 Hygiene To Be Explained Separate Hours for Men and Women ... prominent speakers. Washington Post, Nov 12, 1922 Hygiene Exhibit to he Held Planned for Three Weeks, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2011 - 11:15pm -

Washington, D.C., 1922. "Social Hygiene Society exhibit." The Women's Bureau photos in our two previous posts were used in this exhibit. Which is, in case we haven't mentioned it, FREE -- so come in, won't you? View full size. Beware the Traffic CircleDangerous Places The "circles" are particularly dangerous. There are other dangerous places, however. Learn the facts about them inside. House of DetentionBathing is compulsory! Click to embiggen. That displayIs that a slide viewer, or some early form of TV? [See the comment below. - Dave] AV ClubNote the TV-ish opaque projector in the window display. Similar to the one seen here on Shorpy. This could happen to YOU!The appearance of the people inside is creeping me out big time! I'm guessing that the guard-like people on small pedestals are actually mannequins. The one on the left has an impossibly long neck and appears to be about to do something with an object that one should not be doing in full public view. The people seated look like they might be real. They also look like they are strapped in at an angle and some have some odd headgear. Is this a Social Hygiene exhibit or a House of Horrors? I like how the man outside on the far right appears to be beaming down from an episode of "Mad Men." Hygiene to Be Explained Washington Post, Jan 5, 1922 Hygiene To Be Explained Separate Hours for Men and Women at 1222 F Street. A social hygiene exhibit under the joint auspices of the District health department, United States public health service and the Social Hygiene Society of the District, will be held at 1222 F street northwest for one week, beginning Monday morning at 10 o'clock. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily the exhibit will be open to men only and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., to women only. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. there will be mixed audiences. At the evening meetings motion pictures will be shown and there will be prominent speakers. Washington Post, Nov 12, 1922 Hygiene Exhibit to he Held Planned for Three Weeks, Beginning Wednesday. A free social hygiene exhibit under the auspices of the District health department will be opened next Wednesday at 512 Ninth street northwest, Dr. William C. Fowler, health officer said yesterday. It will be continue for three weeks, daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cooperating with the health department is the United States public health service and the Social Hygiene society of Washington. The exhibit will be held to show the importance of treatment for diseases and how they may be prevented. Motion pictures will be shown. EraserheadFor me, as I look at this image close-up, it reminds me of some sort of David Lynch nightmare. (The Gallery, D.C., Education, Schools, Natl Photo)
Blazing Saddles: 1922
Washington, D.C. "Shrine barbecue, October 21, 1922." A few more passes for medium-rare. National Photo Company Collection ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/12/2011 - 6:06pm -

Washington, D.C. "Shrine barbecue, October 21, 1922." A few more passes for medium-rare. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. AmazingShouldn't this be regarded as rather amazing? My limited experience with horses suggests that running them toward fire goes against every instinct they have. This must be one well-trained mount. Poor thing. It's hard to believe he'd do it more than once, given that his hind feet must have gotten a little warm there. Oh, and, "The sheriff is near!" Hummmm!Telegram for Mongo! Telegram for Mongo! Fire-Jumping BattalionA couple photos ran in The Post the following day. The soldier is from Troop E, Third Calvary, Fort Myer, the fire-jumping battalion. The location is Noyes' farm at Sligo, MD. (The Gallery, D.C., Horses, Natl Photo)
Bal Masque: 1922
June 28, 1922. Washington, D.C., or vicinity. "Ku Klux Klan meeting." 8x10 inch glass ... Grampa, is that you? A sign of age To me 1922 seems shockingly recent for as photo like this to have been taken near our ... though is that this photo is in Washington D.C. In 1922, the KKK held a march down the streets of Washington. They were met not by ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/31/2011 - 4:35pm -

June 28, 1922. Washington, D.C., or vicinity. "Ku Klux Klan meeting." 8x10 inch glass negative, National Photo Company Collection. View full size. Beyond scaryIt's amazing just how much power the KKK had in this country in the '20s. They controlled elections in many areas and kept Catholics from serving in many venues (including the governor's position in my home state). Let's hope their reign of terror is completely finished. Cowards hide your faceThis was not too many years ago. The same mentality still exists. Oh myWhat dangerous fools!!!! Sad that these people still exist today. Low-RentI grew up and have lived in a very rural section of NC all my life. I can remember the subject of the KKK coming up in conversation with my grandparents and great-grandparents. According to them the KKK was always made up of the "low rent" crowd and looked down on. Men in SheetsThe most scary image I can think of for Halloween. Herb, where's the good pillowcase?Grampa, is that you? A sign of ageTo me 1922 seems shockingly recent for as photo like this to have been taken near our nation's capitol, yet to my 14 year old son, it's nearly a century ago. I pray we can change as much in the next 90 years. Not the Klan of TodayIn the 1920's, the Klan was less about racism and more about maintaining the status quo of the day. Which sure, was racist but as others have said we can't look back on photos and judge them with standards of today. What I find interesting though is that this photo is in Washington D.C. In 1922, the KKK held a march down the streets of Washington. They were met not by outrage, but cheered by the citizens and treated like heroes. At the time it was fashionable to be part of the Klan, since they stood for good American values. Meaning God, Country, and Family. (Racism as I said was there, but keep in mind the period.) The culmination of this march was the swearing in of U.S. President Warren G. Harding as a member in the White House. (This is largely disputed, but there is evidence that supports it.) Harding renounced that membership about a year later, after consultation with his advisers. It didn't help that he had passed the anti lynching law, which brought much of the old Klan's activities to light in 1923. However when this picture is taken, it's entirely possible this is the night before the march on Washington, making the photo VERY historic. [Your timeline may be a little confused. The Klan was forced to postpone or abandon various parades in 1922 and 1923 due to community opposition in the Washington suburbs. Its "march on Washington" came in 1925 (and then in 1926), after Warren Harding had died. Serious historians dismiss the "evidence" of Harding's induction (the alleged deathbed reminiscence of a New Jersey Klan leader many years later) as ludicrous; rumors to that effect may have been spread in response to a speech he delivered in 1923 denouncing hate groups, a move that was widely viewed as a rebuke of the KKK. - Dave] Scary!The really "UGLY" side of America. Not that long agoMy family is from Columbia, South Carolina. After my grandfather died in 1953, about six months before I was born, hidden among his personal effects were found his robe and documents indicating that he had at some time been a member. Neither my grandmother nor anyone else in the family had a clue. I can remember seeing newspaper ads announcing meetings well into the 1960s, a few in the 70s. I once read or saw in a documentary that the highest per capita membership was in Indiana. It's almost hard not to laughIf the import of this were not so serious, it would be difficult not to laugh at the image of so many grown men with face-masks apparently in homage and thrall to other grown men in such ridiculous attire. Appalling as were their attitudes and their beliefs, this group, at least, could hardly be accused of being tainted by the presence of the opposite sex. Presumably most women would have considered these menfolks' activities as faintly ludicrous. InitiatesThis has all the look of a fraternity initiation with the pledges assuming various uncomfortable, subservient postures before the older (robed) members. Also, the apparently portable/reuseable burning cross (with guy lines) seems to be an innovation that I've not noticed before in pictures like this. Soft Serve Ice CreamEverything reminds me of food today to the point that I feel like Homer Simpson. I do have to say though that any group that has to wear masks and hoods to hide their true identities have to be feeling profound shame at what their group represents. Since 1922 when this was taken, we have had a Catholic and an African-American president and there may one day be a Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Mormon,or any other faith-based leader of our country that shows most humans MUST be getting smarter, even though lots of old-timers might disagree. This picture says a lot though, in that all the participants would not reveal their faces and they had their meetings under cover of night. SadThis one reminds me of being a little girl, in North Carolina, from 1959-63, when I was 5-8 years old. My dad was stationed at Camp LeJeune and we were living in base housing. On the base, the only segregation was by rank. Off base, it was a different story. There were "whites only" signs, separate restrooms, and footage of KKK rallies on the local news. I saw a little girl about my age, at one of those rallies. She was standing on the hood of a car and her father, wearing one of those scary, idiotic hoods, had his arm around her. I felt very sorry for her. A sign of age. We haven't changed all that much. I passed a group of five Klansmen, dressed in white and red robes (they looked so silly) picketing outside of Mount Dora, Fla., in 2001, right beside a major highway! Just when you think it's safe to go back on the road. Cross BurningsMy mother was born in Independence, Missouri, in 1915. Together with my grandparents she lived there until moving to Los Angeles in 1937. In the 1960s my older brother once idly remarked that it would be "interesting" to attend a cross burning, to which my mom replied "they weren't all that great." Upon further questioning, she reluctantly recalled that such events sadly weren't uncommon in 1920s Missouri, frightening (though memorable) as they were to a small child and certainly beyond that to whomever was being targeted. The soft optionVile as that bunch was, and I don't at all minimize it, it could have been worse. What you're looking at here is the "Second Klan," which was primarily political in its orientation. The guys in front, kneeling and wearing masks, are waiting to be inducted into the Real Organization so that they can wear robes. Nasty to a huge degree, but not a patch on the original KKK, which was organized by die-hard Southerners as what we today would call a "resistance group" along the lines of the IRA or Shining Path. They didn't march in the streets wearing robes, they moved around in the shadows assassinating people and engaging in what can only be called terrorism in general. Imagine if that had taken hold. The original Klan was derailed by its insistence on racial repression, which weakened it enough that the Government was able to infiltrate and eventually suppress it. If they'd stayed with States' Rights and the like, instead of concentrating on "beating up the n--s" (as an ancestor of mine supposedly put it), they might still be around as an organized force not all that different from al Qaeda. It may be difficult to comprehend, but in this case vicious race prejudice was the soft option. ColorizedThat flame is colorized, right? It really stands out because of that. I'm sure there's something clever to be said about colorization and the black and white photograph, but I'll leave you to work out the details. Famous peopleI think I see Hugo Black and Robert Byrd. (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo)
Simulcast: 1922
Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "McHugh & Lawson." The name of a music store selling pianos, radio ... WJH Chronology of call letters WJH Date: April 1, 1922-June 30, 1923 Frequency: 833 khz (April 1, 1922-June 30,1922) 1140 khz (June 30, 1923) Location: Washington, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/04/2011 - 3:25am -

Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "McHugh & Lawson." The name of a music store selling pianos, radio sets, phonographs and, it seems, light fixtures. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. "Kiss Me by Wireless"I found the lyrics and the cover of the sheet music to "Kiss Me by Wireless," which is the last song in the 10:30-11:30 hour on Woodward & Lothrop's station. Change the below to "cell tower" and there you are. There's a wireless station down in my heart, And it calls in my dreams all night long; It is operating just for you and me, And it's spanning the hills and the sea. Your message I love the best, The call to happiness. Chorus Send each caress to me by wireless, Its tenderness you can to me express; I love to call you dear, Across the atmosphere. I hear your voice, It thrills me through and through. My lonely heart sighs for you, just for you! Oh, radio-phone the answer "Yes!" Kiss me by wireless. There's a pulsating current, Runs 'round my heart, It's attuned with your own sweetheart mine; Though you're far away, We're never apart For the radio station's my heart. So on the air impress, Our new found happiness. (repeat chorus) That'll teach you!Someone gave the poor violinist a black eye - did she hit a sour note? You rang? I'm sorry to have to say this, but that worman looks like "Lurch" on the Addams Family. And bare knuckle boxing in the backDig the shiner on Miss Fiddle Player Live broadcastThe sign above the piano, and the gent in the background (who is evidently adjusting some equipement with his right hand), make me think this duo is being broadcast live on radio station WJH. The first broadcast station authorized in the Washington DC area was WJH, the White & Boyer Company, on December 8, 1921, so this would have been a very early broadcast. McHugh & LawsonThe store was at 917 G Street in DC. It's now the site of the MLK Memorial Library. Full-Contact ViolinAnd our lesson today is not to use too much rosin on your bow as this may lead to eye-injury. WJHChronology of call letters WJH Date: April 1, 1922-June 30, 1923 Frequency: 833 khz (April 1, 1922-June 30,1922) 1140 khz (June 30, 1923) Location: Washington, District of Columbia Owner of license: White & Boyer Company In those days the letters 3NR could be Amateur Radio, or perhaps experimental. Wonder how the violin lady got that shiner? Or was 3NR TV and she was painted up to look good? Can you see me?Second lady has a hat and makes four in the photo. Be still and don't blink. ShinerI have a friend living on the Upper West Side in an apartment above a professional harpist. Her practicing is totally annoying, not only the harp music but the vibrations. I have to show him this picture in order for him to understand that violence doesn't work, in this case she's still playing her violin. Ba dum dumWith such a small store they must have a small overhead, which is ironic because there's so much over their heads. Broadcast to You LiveFrom our spacious showroom. Another marvelous look back. Stations 3NR and WJH? More proof that you've gotta 'full size' these wonderful photos or you'll never come close to full appreciation of the secrets they hold. Who hit her?Did the pianist give her that shiner? "E-flat. E-flat, I tell you!" MakeupI'm wondering if she was going for a really interesting bohemian look. Because if she was, she succeeded. She appearsto be quite deceased. Ghost of SchubertI suppose Princess Leia's kiss of death face stems from blinking during exposure? Took me a while to find the pretty lady with the turban (?) reflected in the piano. Maybe she should have posed with the fiddle. EquipmentI love the pickup horn. The radio engineer in the back does his duty, intently. Pity the violinist's eyes! 3-NRAccording to the March 10, 1922 "U.S. Broadcast Station List" (Radio Service Bulletin 59), White & Boyer Co. owned WJH, with "authorization to transmit on the 'Entertainment' wavelength of 360 meters (833 kilohertz)." It also owned amateur station 3NR ("Amateur Radio Stations of the U.S.," Dept. of Commerce, Radio Division). One can only wonder how the stunning virtuosa came by the apparent shiner. Are they playing Rachmaninoff's Vocalise, or something by Gid Tanner and the Skillet Lickers? Half dozenI count six in the photo: two musicians, one technician, the lady with the hat and two men in the background. Arc, Spark, RadiophoneWashington, D.C., "Amateur Radio News" from 1926, and a schedule from 1922. Note that the Post Office had its own station. (3:30 p.m. -- "General fruit and vegetables.") Interesting to see how amateur call letters were the 1920s version of screen names ("3NR took a trip to Baltimore"). "Radiophone" would be audio broadcasts, which in 1922 would be heard mostly with headsets. The other broadcasts would, I am guessing, be the original "wireless," i.e. telegraphy. CasualtyIt looks like the dear woman might have been the victim of "violins in the workplace"! I think it's makeupAnd probably applied by the same hands which selected the dainty wristwatch. Some have a "look" that best befits radio. Mrs. Ritterhouse!Or, more likely, her mom. There does seem to be a strong family resemblance between 3NR's soloist and George Booth's irrepressible Norene Ritterhouse, seen here in a detail from her July 7, 1980 New Yorker cover, performing "The Battle of the Somme." Needed: Lemon PledgeAnother photo showing how our grandparents and great-grandparents lived in dirty and dusty places. Couldn't anyone see the thick dust settled everywhere? The floor needs sweeping and wax. Grimy fingerprints on the piano...tsk, tsk, tsk. I guess everyone was waiting for 1935 when Johnson's Wax would become the radio sponsors of Fibber McGee and Molly and America learned to clean and wax! Hey Princess LeiaThe force was a little too strong with you, no? Violence And The ViolinThe fellow wearing the headset appears to have a bandage on his nose making me think the piano player belted him too. A Radiola RecordI found a recording of "Kiss Me By Wireless." No words, and I could only somewhat follow along, but it was still fun to hear. How do I prize Thee'' Those common appliances would be 'Lowbrow trash' by the thirties, only to become exquisite antiques of today. The light fixtures alone are worth six figures. and what about the vegetation..tucked into her belt? Helped her to "keep thyme"? The Victrola horn is being used to gather the sound for the radio broadcast. Note the wires leading from it. (The Gallery, D.C., Music, Natl Photo)
American Princess: 1922
March 31, 1922. Washington, D.C. "Princess Andrea Boncompagni." Who before marrying her ... wear a string of pearls valued at a half-million dollars (1922 dollars!), reportedly the world's most valuable string of pearls. ... residences in Italy. Washington Post, Mar 25, 1922 Former Miss Draper Reported in Romance ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/11/2011 - 9:05pm -

March 31, 1922. Washington, D.C. "Princess Andrea Boncompagni." Who before marrying her Prince in 1916 was Miss Margaret Preston Draper, "richest heiress in New England." A few months after this picture was taken, the Prince went to the Vatican to have their union annulled. National Photo Co. View full size. Home, JamesIs that an actual speaking tube in the chauffeur's compartment? I've never seen one of these outside of a Bugs Bunny cartoon. Sordid DetailsI would love to know more about her and what exactly caused her marriage to end. The link that Gooberpea listed was all I could really find too, and qu'un désordre! Too bad Us Weekly wasn't around back then. Or, perhaps too bad it is around today? Out thereAll that money and her marriage was annulled. Maybe I'll give her a call. Cursed PrincessWonder why she looks so glum? Consider this: Princess Andrea Boncompagni was born Margaret Preston Draper to socially prominent and wealthy parents in Hopedale, Mass. Both of her grandfathers were Civil War Generals - one Confederate, one Union - and her father was a cotton mill owner and diplomat. Her debut in Washington DC prompted her to wear a string of pearls valued at a half-million dollars (1922 dollars!), reportedly the world's most valuable string of pearls. Margret Draper met the dashing young Prince Boncompagni at a social event in Washington and was charmed by the wounded war hero. They were soon married. That's where the trouble started. The "curse" came into being when Gregory Boncompagni married Ippolita Ludovisi, sister of the last Prince of Piombino, in 1680. Boncompagni tricked his young bride into marraige by lying about her current fiancee, who hanged himslef in grief and shame. The young man's mother cursed the Boncompagni family to "never hold wealth." The tale is replete with ghosts and financial ruin. The ghost was said to be the spirit of the wife of the first Duke of Zagarola, a nephew of Alessandro Ludovisi, who was elected Pope under the name of Gregory XV, in 1621. I won't spoil the story for you - you can read a vivid account of it here. There are dozens of photos and a well-researched Draper family history. A very nice web site run by "Dan in Hopedale". So, do the evil geniuses behind Shorpy.com know of these thrilling backstories when they post the photos, or do they just pick a photo from a pile - come what may? [Comme ci, comme ca. - Dave] The PrinceHe realized that he could do better. Hard workerAll that wealth and she has to open the door! Poor ladyWas she actually forced by reduced circumstances to open the car door ALL BY HERSELF!?? Oh, the humanity!! No Spouse; No HouseA curse indeed. Just a week before this photograph, Margaret sold the family's mansion in Washington. Contrary to the following story, the mansion was not razed immediately: there are news reports in 1931 of the mansion's ballroom being converted to an exclusive supper club: Club Montmarte. While the Washington Post's society pages are filled with hundreds of references to Miss Draper's days as debutante, there are, not surprisingly, scant details of her later annulment. Famous Mansion Sold to Masonic Insurance Company For Stores and Offices. Announcement was made yesterday of the sale of the Draper home, at the northeast corner of Connecticut avenue and K street, northwest, for Princess Boncompagni, of Italy, formerly Miss Margaret Draper, of this city, to the Masonic Mutual Life Insurance Company of the District of Columbia. The new owners propose to tear down the house and erect and eleven-story office building on the property. This sale marks the passing of one of Washington's most noted residences into the hands of business interests. The old mansion, famous as the scene of a wedding of international importance, and as the home at various times of Washington McLean, of Alexander R. Shepherd, governor of the District of Columbia, and of William F. Draper, United States Ambassador to Italy, has been held for $250,000, it is understood. ... In the great ballroom of the house Miss Margaret Draper and Prince Boncompagni were married shortly before the world war. An unusual feature of the ceremony was the fact that Cardinal Gibbons came from Baltimore especially to pronounce the vows for the couple, being permitted to do this by reason of the fact that the bridegroom was of royal blood. The house has been unoccupied since Mrs. Draper and the prince took up their residences in Italy. Washington Post, Mar 25, 1922 Former Miss Draper Reported in Romance (Special Cable Dispatch) Paris, Jun 22 - Society is humming with reports that Princess Boncompagni, formerly Miss Margaret Draper, of Boston and Washington, and heiress to a $6,000,000 estate from her father, the late Gen. William F. Draper, formerly the American Ambassador in Rome, will soon marry again. Her marriage to Prince Andrea Boncompagni was recently annulled. The princess is seen constantly in Paris social affairs accompanied by Prince Ottoboni, a handsome Italian. Washington Post, Jun 23, 1924 Former Miss Draper Is Sojourning Here For Few Weeks. Princess Margaret Boncompagni, whose return to Washington for a few weeks each winter is a most welcome event, entertained at a luncheon yesterday at the Mayflower for a distinguished company of guests. A daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William F. Draper, Princess Margaret, as Miss Margaret Draper, made her debut in the old Draper Mansion, now given over to business establishments, and, after a year or two as a reigning belle, was married there to Prince Andrea Boncompagni-Ludovici, scion of a family which had given two Popes to the Church of Rome. Since they separated she has lived much abroad, but the princess always comes to Washington at least once a year. Washington Post, Feb 5, 1930 Poor dead foxI'm looking at this hideous coat with the three-ball pattern and the horrifically ugly dress with the basketweave and the crooked hem and I can only conclude that the fox died of embarrassment. BravoBravo -- Wish I'd said that. An Illustrious Familyhttp://pages.prodigy.net/ptheroff/gotha/boncompagni.html here is the genealogy of the family Boncompagni Ludovisi. Margaret died in 1973, Andrea in 1948. In Rome there is a Museum Boncompagni Ludovisi. In via Boncompagni Ludovisi there is a side entrance of the American embassy which is located in the former residence of the queen mother of Italy. RepatriationI don't know about the dual citizenship/royalty issue, but for what its worth, there is a Oct 8, 1938 news piece about Margaret Draper regarding repatriation: Driven from Europe by gathering war clouds, the Princess Boncompagni, former Washington girl, will seek repatriation, it was learned yesterday. The Italian princess, once Miss Margaret Preston Draper, has asked her bank to search the files of the District Building to ascertain the exact date of her marriage to Prince Andrea Boncompagni. Now, the definition of repatriation suggests that it can mean either a return to the home country or a restoration of citizenship. The search for documents suggests that she was seeking to reestablish a legal status. Speaking TubesI've never seen speaking tubes in a car, but the Chicago 2-flat in which I grew up had speaking tubes for visitors at the front door. Located in the hallway next to the kitchen, you could check on who was at the door and buzz them in. My father took the tubes out of service for some reason. (The building was built in the mid-thirties.) And by the way, Margaret is obviously closing the door, not opening it! Princess?Does anybody want to point out that one can not be a Princess or any other "royalty" or representative of another government and still retain U.S. Citizenship? Was anything made of this at the time? [Why would you think that? Grace Kelly, even after marrying Prince Rainier and becoming Princess Grace of Monaco, retained her American citizenship. - Dave] Hopedale and DraperI grew up right near Hopedale, and I had never heard this history. Lots of the towns in the area have old empty mills, but I guess I never realized how much money these mills made. I was wondering if this family also had something to do with Draper Labs at MIT, but it doesn't look like they're related. Sordid details--revealed!According to one site--family lore posted by the g-granddaughter of the Princess' half-sister Edith, it would appear that the reason was the ol' Prince had a little something on the side (see excerpt below). Another site claims similar, but not the same story (see here--the second wife claims she was always the true love of said prince!) In either case, the official reason for the annulment was non-consummation (see document in Italian, here). At age 25, Margaret Preston Draper married 32-year-old Italian "Papal" Prince Andrea Boncompagni. According to family lore, the elder Prince Boncompangni had little money so he pawned a cherished tapestry to William Franklin Draper, the American ambassador to Italy. He regretted this and wanted to get the tapestry back, so he arranged for his son to marry the ambassador's daughter Margaret. He was devoted to his mistress and their children, however, and the marriage was annulled, apparently never having been consummated. The cherished tapestry was returned, and Margaret was allowed to continue using the name Princess Margaret Boncompagni. Wow!Do you realize that half a million dollars then would be $6,511,398.81 today? Boy do I wish I were her, or at least had lived in the "Roaring Twenties." U.S. nobilitySo she couldn't even recall the date of her wedding? How embarrassing. Embarrassing also to admit your marriage had never been consummated. Or maybe that was a plus back then? The US Constitution prohibits the government from awarding titles of nobility, and prohibits anyone in service to the government from accepting a title from a foreign power without Congressional approval, but private citizens may take on all the titles they can bear. Mockumentary filmmaker Christopher Guest would be another example of an American with a European title, a barony inherited from his British father. [Margaret's title was Italian. She and the prince lived in Italy. - Dave] Margaret Preston DraperThere's an article about Margaret, with photos, in the book "Crowning Glory: American Wives of Princes and Dukes." It can be ordered from AmericanPrincesses.com Margaret was my auntThere are a LOT of nasty comments here. My grandmother, Grace Draper Gallaway, was a good friend of Aunt Margaret so I'll pass on some inside scoop. The Prince brought his mistress with him on their honeymoon, she of course was shocked. Why would anyone consummate a marriage under such conditions? Margaret never had children of her own, but was exceedingly generous with her money. I know she put my father and at least one of his brothers through boarding school and college. She lived near my parents in Washington and would often take them out to dinner or share a table at a charity event with them. She gave a Christmas gift to all her nieces & nephews, (and she had 6 step siblings, so that was a fair amount), and was always very giving with what she had. I have never heard anything negative said about her, only that she was very kind, and again, very generous. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, D.C., Natl Photo)
Sitting Pretty: 1922
Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Lulu McGrath." It must have been either luck or amazing foresight that ... Lulu McGrath Washington Post, Dec 14, 1922 Capital Girl in Sea Film J.E. Williamson, who ... with your swagger stick Miss McGrath is the height of 1922 flapper fashion with her wide-brimmed hat and swagger stick. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/27/2012 - 12:22pm -

Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Lulu McGrath." It must have been either luck or amazing foresight that led this girl's parents to name their baby daughter Lulu -- it's hard to imagine her as a Betty or Nancy or anything else. Or it could be that when you're a Lulu, you just grow into the name. In any case, Miss McGrath's brief claim to fame was her appearance in an underwater documentary, "Wonders of the Sea." She was also a runner-up in the first Miss America pageant, in 1921. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Oh Great....Another 20's era lovely I get to be madly jealous that I am NOT. Well, maybe I was. Who knows? MeowKitty in the window! "Gripping story of adventure!"From the St. Petersburg Independent 1904-1970This lovely (even with that awful hairstyle, she's obviously lovely, and confident in herself!) passed away in 1970. Looks like she was a bit player on Broadway, too. Cute KidI'm sure she had more beaux than she could shake her stick at. Hair Today, Gone TomorrowPermanent waves still had a long way to go. (As well as permanent wave machines!) Don't Bring LuluA '20s tune by Billy Rose. You can bring Pearl, she's a darn nice girl, but don't bring Lulu. You can bring Rose with the turned up nose, but don't bring Lulu. Lulu always wants to do, what we boys don't want her to, When she struts her stuff around, London bridge is falling down, You can bring cake or Porterhouse steak, but don't bring Lulu. Lulu gets blue and she goes cuckoo like the clock on the shelf, She's the kind of smartie who breaks up every party, Hullabalooloo, don't bring Lulu, I'll bring her myself. Lulu McGrath Washington Post, Dec 14, 1922 Capital Girl in Sea Film J.E. Williamson, who perfected submarine motion photography in 1913, when he made the first film showing underwater life and fauna in the "sea gardens" at Nassau, New Providence, has returned from the Bahamas with a new film, and by invitation, exhibited it yesterday at the Smithsonian Institution. The picture, which is called "Wonders of the Sea," has as its feminine star, Miss Lulu McGrath, of 306 Second street southeast. The film which includes "slow motion" underwater photography for the first time, will be shown Friday evening at the National Press Club. Washington Post, Apr 17, 1970 Lulu McGrath Young, Ex-Actress, Dancer Lulu McGrath Young, 66, former actress, dancer, and winner in the first Miss America beauty pageant, died yesterday at the Kensington Gardens Sanitarium in Kensington after a long illness. Mrs. Young's home was at 306 5th st. SE. Wife of the late Washington attorney Horace Chapman Young, she had lived at the nursing home for the past year. A contest in the first Miss America pageant in 1921, Mrs. Young received the first runner-up award and went on to appear in the revues of the Ziegfield Follies and Earl Carroll Vanities. She performed in a leading role in the play "The Good Little Devil" at the National Theater here and also started in the first underwater picture made in the Bahamas Islands. Mrs. Young pursued her stage career until about 1925, when she was married. Her husband died in 1945. During World War II she was active in the American Women's Hospital Corps and was chairman of several benefit parties held to purchase vehicles for the British-American Ambulance Corps. She had been an invalid for more than four years following an accidental fall. Mrs. Young is survived by two cousins. Don't hit me with your swagger stickMiss McGrath is the height of 1922 flapper fashion with her wide-brimmed hat and swagger stick. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bodie-bailey/3483002664/ (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo, Pretty Girls)
Stocking-Stuffer: 1922
Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Oldsmobile sales window." Some of us beyond a certain age might remember ... Santa's Failed Head Lights Experiment After this 1922 failed use of modern head light technology to navigate chimneys, on ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/24/2012 - 9:56pm -

Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Oldsmobile sales window." Some of us beyond a certain age might remember the Oldsmobile, or even have driven or owned one. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Magritte's Inspiration?I have always been fascinated by Rene Magritte's Surrealist painting of 1938, "Time Transfixed." I've seen it many times at the Art Institute of Chicago, and I've always wondered where the artist got the idea of making a steam locomotive come puffing out of a fireplace. Now I know the answer! Oil leaksSo this is a brand new car and it has a drip pan underneath it? Olds ForeverI am of that age. My step-father had a '48 when he married my mom and was still driving them until the day he died. Always a plain-jane, no frills model up until he had open heart surgery. His doctor told him it was time he had A/C for his health. The last one he bought was the first he ever owned with any option. I learned to drive on a '56 Rocket 88. He did appreciate that big V8 engine, and so did I! I was sad when they went out of production. Merry Christmas and Best Wishes to everyone at Shorpy. My first carwas an Olds---a 1965 Cutlass. Being young and foolish I didn't realize that maintenance was required. I ran it nearly out of oil, the lifters were making lots of racket. As soon as I gave it it's proper allotment of oil it said "Thank you very much" and we went on our way. Still being foolish, I didn't know to make sure that the antifreeze solution was correct to withstand a Wisconsin winter, and allowed the radiator to freeze nearly solid. Once again, when I put in the proper fluids the car said "Thank you very much" and we went on our merry way. What a great car!! My current car is also an Olds. This time an Alero. Though not as hardy as the Cutlass was, it too, has been great transportation. Not dead yetThis is going to be my favorite surreal window display photo for a long time. My late mother drove a series of Oldsmobile 98s from 1964 until she passed away in 2008. I'm still driving her last car, the 1993 model with a transverse 4.2-litre front end drive, fuel-injected engine that gives me more than 20 mpg in town and 24 mpg on long freeway runs, and it still easily passes the increasingly stringent California smog tests. Its fuel efficiency won't impress many folks these days, but my old Chevy 3/4-ton pickup rarely gave me better than 9 mpg even downhill. I love driving this Olds and can't afford to replace it yet, even though it's getting damned hard to find many parts for it that 1993 Cadillac owners can still take for granted. Dear SantaCould you send one of those down my chimney tonight too? I promise not to have a fire burning in it. If my 12" diameter chimney is too small, just have the reindeer kick on the roof and I'll push the remote button to open the garage door. Santa's Failed Head Lights ExperimentAfter this 1922 failed use of modern head light technology to navigate chimneys, on December 24, 1923 Santa returned to the traditional use of Rudolph, with his nose so bright, to guide his sleigh that night. And the rest went down in history.. Merry Christmas to the Shorpy site. You guys are great! MerryeYes, Lucille is longing for a ride in her Merry Oldsmobile! It's now parked in the back with the Plymouth and the DeSoto and the Edsel and the Mercury. That's a very clever display gimmick. Here's wishing a Merry Oldsmobile to all my fellow Shorpy regulars, and a great New Year with lots of signage, fascinating people of the past, and—as always—a keener sense of history. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Seasonal OldsmobileThis car must have made one heck of a stocking stuffer. OldsmobubbleMy uncle followed the General Motors path of lifetime GM ownership; starting with Chevy, moving on to Pontiac, then Oldsmobile, then Buick, and finally ending with Cadillac. I think of all those cars, the Oldsmobile Aurora was his favorite, although the Cadillac CTS ranked pretty highly too. It’s difficult to imagine that an automaker such as Oldsmobile, with their 107-year history is gone, but with so much model redundancy I suppose it was inevitable. I want one of those!Now that's what I call a stocking-stuffer! I really like the way they decorated the sales window to look like somebody's living room. And how thoughtful of Santa, to also put a sparkling-clean tray under the car to catch the oil droppings! (I wonder if new cars came with one of those trays as standard equipment back then...) Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all our fellow Shorpyites! Nah - can't be.Hey, is that a reflection of tterrace in one of the ornaments on the tree? Only kidding naturally. A very Merry Christmas to everyone in the Shorpy "family", and a special thank you to Dave for providing many enjoyable moments spent on his website this year. It was so nice of Santato leave something to catch the oil drips. And I love that lamp. Christmas CreativityThat is some very creative Christmas advertising! Merry Christmas, Shorpy!!!!! Almost had an OldsI was looking to buy my first car in 1994, and I thought about buying a late 1980's burgundy Olds...I ended up going with a 1986 gold-colored Pontiac Sunbird, instead. Tree Topper NeededI see that there is nothing at the top of the tree but if you know of Yosh and Stan Schmenge, you would remember that their custom is to toss a hat onto the top of their tree. As for Oldsmobiles, when my two oldest sons were ages 2 and 3, we moved next door to neighbors who owned a 1966 sleek powder blue, chrome-embellished loaded Toronado and they both admired and desired that car, even up until today, ages 46 and 47. It was a primo dazzler and they were just beginning to notice sharp vehicles and they still talk about it. It was "the car of the year" in 1966 and the word "toronado" had no meaning but it was pretty slick and my Chevy Impala at that time did not impress them. Merry Christmas and gratitude to all the jolly good producers, contributors and commenters of Shorpy, the best ever website. The first post WW2 factory hot rodWas an Oldsmobile Super88. This was a big Olds OH valve v8 in a Chevy sedan with Olds trim. A lot of fun was had in one of these at the early drag strips. 1951 OldsA Rocket 88 as I recall with the OHV V-8 and 4-speed Hydramatic transmission, owned briefly around 1975. Bought from a genuine Little Old Lady who let the transmission seals dry out and the fluid run dry. It would go for a little while on a couple of quarts, but after pumping a few quarts thru, I re-sold the car to someone who could afford to rebuild the transmission. Never did really care for the "frowny face" grille of that period. Early Nascar champ not forgottenFor 40 years I owned and drove a 1951 Hudson Hornet, the car that could blow the doors off of the Oldsmobiles of its era. Oil leaks? Oh yesAs a proud, long-time owner of several old cars manufactured during the 1920s and 1930s, there are indeed good reasons why drip pans were and are used. Come 'n listen to a story ...Trivia: The Beverly Hillbillies' truck was a 1923 Olds flatbed. Getting crowded back thereYes, Lucille is longing for a ride in her Merry Oldsmobile! It's now parked in the back with the Plymouth and the DeSoto and the Edsel and the Mercury. There's also the Pontiac and the Saturn, not to mention that big Hummer. And a Saab just pulled in. Auto mo-bubbling in my merry Oldsmobile.I had a 1973 Olds Cutlass S 2 door. Blue, with white interior. Clean. 350 Rocket. I wish it had a 455....... Olds and youth...In my youth, I owned a 1968 (maroon) Cutlass, a 1970 (gold) Cutlass, and a new 1976 Cutlass S (silver) in succession...all good cars and all had the 350 4 bbl. I have many fond memories of driving them as well as the other activities (wink-wink) they were used for. I still can't believe this hallowed marque is gone. Cutlass was SupremeThe Olds Cutlass Supreme was the best selling car in America in the mid 1970s. Not too long ago, when I was broke and needed a car, a co-worker sold me his '79 Cutlass Supreme for 200 bucks. I spent 10 bucks on an AM/FM radio out of a junked Buick Regal (same car, really), and, aside from tires, a water pump and an ignition module, drove it every day for two years without a problem. My mechanic neighbor waxed rapturous over its bulletproof small block V8, "You can't kill these things!" If it wasn't for the rusty frame, I might've kept it longer, but I was afraid the trunk was going to fall off in traffic. Oldsmobile, like Pontiac and Saturn, was the victim of an evolving American market, one where GM could no longer expect buyers to stay with the General over a lifetime of car ownership. The same could be said for Mercury and Plymouth. Hummer died because it was an insane product and people finally came to their senses. Now This Was An OldsmobileThe first of my three daughters, Robin, at the wheel of my 1963 Olds Starfire. Kodachrome slide from 1964. My last Yank TankMy last American car, and actually the ONLY new car I owned that was truly an American car, was my 1993 Olds Cutlass Cruiser that I ran for 11 years and 271,000+ miles. It drove great in the snow, and was a faithful vehicle until it was just too run down to keep going. I wish this division had been retained by GM, since it had better quality than its other fellow divisions. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Christmas, D.C., Natl Photo)
Armless Orphan: 1922
July 28, 1922. "John Uslie, armless orphan." I just know there must be more to the ... posted. It's from the "New York Evening Call" 9 August 1922 pg. 8 "Armless Youth is Arrested" According to the ... Writing With His Teeth Washington Post, June 9, 1922. LOSES $5,000 HE SAVED WRITING WITH HIS TEETH Armless ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 06/09/2018 - 4:39pm -

July 28, 1922. "John Uslie, armless orphan." I just know there must be more to the story. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. You never saw a fish with arms, did you?Found a cropped version of the photo Jenniearcheo posted. It's from the "New York Evening Call" 9 August 1922 pg. 8 "Armless Youth is Arrested"According to the Altoona Mirror, August 11, 1926, on page 1, John is arrested for panhandling and asked to leave the city. John's obit, Osceola, FLObituaries as appeared in July 1996 Osceola News-Gazette USLIE - John Uslie, 94, of 1755 Druliner Road, St. Cloud, died June 25. Born in Romania, he moved to St. Cloud in 1981. He was a self-employed realtor. He was Catholic. Survivors include his daughters, Veronica Hood, St. Cloud, Irene Ahart, Imlaystown, N.J., Anna Anthony, Middletown, Del., Lillian Davis, Macon, Ga.; nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Mass of Christian burial was held July 2 from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, St. Cloud, with Father Fabian Gimeno officiating. Interment was in Mount Peace Cemetery, St. Cloud. Fisk Funeral Home, St. Cloud, was in charge of arrangements. The rest of the storyApparently there is more to the story. He dives. Tell me moreNow we need to know what happened to Theodore Phillips, the lowlife morally-bankrupt thief who betrayed and robbed John Uslie and could have been the inspiration for the Grinch. The plot thickens with each additional comment. Wow -- that's courageThe look in his eyes, I read as a mix of determination and concern. The people behind him appear to be laughing, but that could simply be the moment, nothing to do with him. -- Above all I am struck by in his face I don't see the terror I would feel alone on a diving board about to dive in with only the angle of my head to cut down into the water, and my legs to lift me out. Where did this man find the courage? God bless him, out there on the edge! Writing With His TeethWashington Post, June 9, 1922. LOSES $5,000 HE SAVED WRITING WITH HIS TEETH Armless Orphan, 20, Charges Partner Stole Money He Laid By to Start Business.         "My life savings are gone," John Uslie, 20-year-old orphan who lost both his arms in a railroad accident, told the police last night, as he reported that he had been robbed of $5,000. Uslie was taken before Clerk Robert B. Gott, and by placing a pen between his teeth signed a warrant charging Theodore Phillips, who conducts a business at 331 H street northeast, with taking his money. Detectives Bradley, Cox and O'Brien arrested Phillips on charges of larceny after trust. He was released on $2,500 bond.         Uslie said he lost his parents when he was 15 years old, and the following year suffered the loss of both arms, but taught himself to write by holding a pen in his mouth and a year later started out in the world, traveling about the country making a living by writing cards and selling drawings.         During his travels, he said, he met Phillips and the two became friends, traveling together, Phillips at night taking the money from his pockets, counting it and caring for it.         "My earnings averaged about $25 a day," said Uslie, "but some days I would make as high as $50. Phillips and I came to Washington in March, and since then I have made more than $900.         "We went into business at 331 H street northeast. Last week I learned that Phillips was going to turn the business over to a relative, and when I asked for an accounting I was turned out of the house and my clothes thrown after me." John Uslie 1901-1996I can find information on only one John Uslie, born in Delaware, December 18, 1901. He died June 25, 1996, at the age of 94! He was married to Mary Uslie, 1902-1982. One source says he died in Florida, but another says his last known residence was Townsend, New Castle County, Delaware. It appears to be a very uncommon surname, so I think he is our man! The fact that he lived to be 94 makes him even more interesting, but the two sources I found didn't give any details about his life, except the dates and places. I'm hoping others will come up with more information, but I may also ask my elderly father, the genealogist, if he wants to see what he can find. This was obviously an exceptional man and I think his story should be told! P.S. OTY is right! Stealing that much money from anyone is awful, but someone who would steal from a young man who had lost his family and his arms would take an especially disgusting scumbag! More; How heartless would one have to be to arrest an armless man whose hard-earned income had been stolen for panhandling? The obituary information is quite amazing, so wonderful that, after having no family at all in his youth, he had 40 descendants when he passed away. I'd still like to know more about how he dealt with the tremendous challenges he was faced with. That WP story is horrifyingPerhaps that is what inspired the National Photo Company to take his photo 2 weeks later. Whatever happened to Theodore Phillips? Did he actually serve a sentence? Did he pay Uslie back the money? Or did he just skip the bail he probably paid with his ill-gotten gains? Uslie's life would make a great inspirational biography. So many of the people featured in these photos have stories that would! I suppose a good juxtaposition would be the child coal miners who died in their late 20s or 30s, near the towns where they worked. Strange parallel storyIn the early 1970s, while working at American University in Washington, DC, I noticed a young student. She appeared to be missing both arms, but had artificial arms attached so she didn't stand out as much. One day I was talking with a teacher in his office when she came in. The teacher dropped some papers she need to sign on the floor: she slid out of her shoes, opened her purse with her toes; picked out a pencil between her toes and signed the papers on the floor. Absolutely amazing. Never knew her name. Have sometimes wondered how she's doing now. The Triangular Wheels of JusticeMaybe there was limit at the time, but $2500 bail for being accused of and charged with stealing $5000? "Will you take cash, Your Honor?" Regardless, it probably devolved into Uslie's word against Phillips's. Bad news for Perry Mason fans and Uslie, most likely. The later panhandling charge might imply that Uslie lost, but it also may have meant that he was always selling his cards and drawings on the street. (The Gallery, Bizarre, D.C., Natl Photo, Swimming)
Loaded Legs: 1922
... skirts." National Photo Company Collection, February 14, 1922. View full size. The Keith Circuit was a chain of vaudeville theaters ... 
 
Posted by Ken - 07/27/2012 - 12:27pm -

" 'Safety first' is the motto of Miss Mary Jayne of Keith's circuit. Mary Jayne, seated in rocking chair with pistol strapped to her knee, claiming exemption from concealed weapon regulation by saying her thirty-two isn't a concealed weapon in these days of knee-length skirts." National Photo Company Collection, February 14, 1922. View full size. The Keith Circuit was a chain of vaudeville theaters that eventually transitioned to motion pictures. Browning Pistol?That pistol looks like a Browning automatic, though Colt made a very similar model. I own one just like this in .25 caliber, though mine is only sixty years old or so. Shoots quite well. [I'm no firearms expert but I think it's a Colt. See comment above. - Dave] The lady's gun ...... is a Colt. loaded legspretty girl with looks that kill Here is another image of her. minus the holster. Browning Pistol?John Browning is the designer of the .32 Colt automatic pistol pictured as well as the .32 ACP round that it fires. Soooo, if you have a .32 compact Browning pistol, it probably is the same or a close derivative of the Browning design that Colt sold Always Remember"An armed society is a polite society" The Lady's Gunis a Colt Model 1908 Hammerless .25 Pocket Pistol. It is a John Browning design first manufactured by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium. It's not a .32. Jeffro PistolIt should have had the magazine in it for the photo shoot. I do like the image, very fascinating. love her shoesLove the shoes, wonderful picture! SO ILLThis picture soon as i seen it I seen the gun.. its like soon as you bust in her room she reminds you with that Colt very fast.this is very fascinating... Betty Boop Lips I use today a pair of shoes like those but I can't paint my lips with such exactitude. (Excuse my english) Pistol manufactureThe pistol pictured is a "Baby" Browning, chambered in .25 ACP, designed by John Moses Browning, and manufactured under license by Colt. FN also made copies once it went into business with Browning. This pistol has been copied by nearly everyone in the business at some point. Guns n GamsColt "vest pocket" .25 ACP RKO theatersRKO stands for Radio Keith Orpheum. As in RKO Pictures. Love this!!!This image has become my profile pic on several online forums! Just too cool since I live in a place that resembles this room & I too, have my pistol at the ready! (The Gallery, Curiosities, Natl Photo, Pretty Girls)
Home of Low Prices: 1922
Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "People's Drug Store No. 12, North Capitol and H." National Photo Co. ... That neighborhood was home to a lot of Irish Catholics in 1922, including my mother's family. Friday was a meatless day for Catholics. I ... ... Advertisement, Washington Post, Aug 27, 1922 Sole Survivor People's is long gone, but that ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/04/2012 - 3:59pm -

Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "People's Drug Store No. 12, North Capitol and H." National Photo Co. Collection glass negative, 8 x 10 inches. View full size. And tomorrow is...Saturday?I wonder what the point of the window sign was: "Don't forget today is Fri..." Friday? Time to stock up on 40 cent per quart Ice Cream? FridayThat neighborhood was home to a lot of Irish Catholics in 1922, including my mother's family. Friday was a meatless day for Catholics. I bet the sign was a friendly reminder. Up until the mid-sixties, fish sticks were a Friday staple in my family. What ever happened to People's?I grew up in D.C., and the People's Drug Store I remember the most was the one near Dupont Circle. Whatever happened to all the People's Drug Stores? Did CVS buy 'em all out? I haven't lived there since 1990. Maybe closed?It could be that the drugstore wasn't open on the weekends, so a Friday reminder would be crucial for some people who need medication. What a fantastic photo--I like all the different worker types represented. "People's" to "CVS"Alas, you are correct, CVS got them all. The Choicest Merchandise Soon To Open Two bright, new, cheery Peoples Drug Stores in two convenient locations - are almost ready to open. Around the first of September we will swing wide the doors of two new Peoples Drug Stores, Nos. 12 and 14, the former at North Capitol and H sts., the latter on Connecticut Ave., between L and M Sts. Truly these will be characteristic of Peoples Drug Stores, filled with the choicest new merchandise, operated upon the highest place of personal service; bright, new, clean and cheerful and, withal, "Homes of Low Prices." No. 12, located at North Capitol and H Sts., replaces the old grocery store of T.A. Rover. This storeroom has been extensively remodeled and has been made extremely attractive, with a wide window expansion and a bright new interior. No 14, located at 1142 Connecticut Ave., between L and M Sts., takes over the old drug store operated formerly by A.N. Conner and some years ago by John W. Jennings. The entire drug stock in this store has been removed and will be replaced with a thoroughly new, fresh stock of quality merchandise amid clean, attractive surroundings characteristic of the stores of this company. ... Advertisement, Washington Post, Aug 27, 1922 Sole Survivor People's is long gone, but that looks like the same fire hydrant. View Larger Map [The top looks very similar, though the main outlet is a little bigger on the current model. Hydrant photography seems to have regressed somewhat in the past 90 years. - Dave] Bone Crackers and Fish SticksIt looks as though the D.C. Aubrey Knight was a chiropractor. Of course he could have held higher hope for his progeny. Also, to Anonymous Tipster, they served fish sticks on Friday in my elementary school in N.C. and there was only one Catholic family in the whole school. Probably just a coincidenceThere's a Dr. Aubrey Knight in Roanoke. Think he's related to the Dr. Aubrey Knight who has hung his shingle on the second floor here? What's in a name?"People's Drug Store No. 12" sounds like something out of Soviet Russia or North Korea! The last remnantIt might not be the same hydrant, but could that be the same paver bricks just in front of the curb? Why would anyone go into that kind of detail with a modern paving job? [The curbstones in Washington are all expensive quarried granite. The bricks are a kind of buffer that cuts down on damage when new asphalt is laid. - Dave] "Old Dutch" againThe ground floor of that building appears to be a fruit and vegetable market, but that name seems unseemly for such a business. Could its full name have been "Old Dutch Farms"? [Old Dutch Market was a grocery chain with over a dozen stores. - Dave] HydrantsThey're different hydrants. The steamer connection ( 4") is not between the two 2 1/2". The 4" is between the 2 1/2s in the newer pic. Side note. The hydrant is Out of Service in the google pic. Good old DC water department! (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo, PDS, Stores & Markets)
Dressed to Drive: 1922
October 6, 1922. Washington, D.C. "Emily Dial, daughter of Senator Dial." National Photo ... photograph proves that they had a speed Dial way back in 1922. We've seen some of Emily's younger siblings before on Shorpy: https://www.shorpy.com/nathaniel-dial-children-1922 As well as her sister Fanny: https://www.shorpy.com/node/4091 ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2011 - 8:12pm -

October 6, 1922. Washington, D.C. "Emily Dial, daughter of Senator Dial." National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Spotlight sidelightThe spotlight doesn't just light up what's ahead. It can be adjusted to see a driveway or an address on the side of the road. And most roads had no lights at all in those days. To the Farkmobile!Farked again! Speed DialThis photograph proves that they had a speed Dial way back in 1922. We've seen some of Emily's younger siblings before on Shorpy: https://www.shorpy.com/nathaniel-dial-children-1922 As well as her sister Fanny: https://www.shorpy.com/node/4091 https://www.shorpy.com/node/4105 Somebody has to say itDon't touch that Dial! Click.Wasn't there a floor lamp with that same shade in the radio display photo we saw few days ago? That spotlightWhy did so many of these old cars have a big spotlight on the driver's side? Most of the headlights were HUGE and the roads seemed to be well lit. So was it just a "cool" feature like chromed wheels, or did it have a real purpose? Keys, PleaseI kept missing the references to the wind-up key, because I never thought twice about what I saw. That "Spam-can" key at the rear of the car is one of a pair of what are commonly called "Bair" brackets, and the metal or wood bows of the folding top bunch up and rest in them when retracted. On smaller cars the brackets were less prominent. I haven't been able to identify this car from the limited visual clues , but it's a big 'un. NiceShoes! Hope she remembered to wind the car up before she got in; wonder how many miles per turn of the key she got? Kinda CuteBetter looking than Fanny anyway. Rush RushAnd no time to iron my dress. Confused about sizeIs she a really small woman or is the car really that big? It doesn't look like she would have a good grip on the steering wheel. Were all steering wheels of the time that large? Does it have something to do with the lack of "power" steering? Well-heeledThe shoes are spiffy and unworn. She obviously owned more than one pair. (Yes, I am ever the shoe hound). Any guesstimates on her age? Love the hat ...Why don't women wear hats like that anymore? Not much out there on her; just this from The Nevada (MO) Daily Mail of Apr. 29, 1924: "A notable wedding in Washington today will be that of Miss Laura Emily Dial, daughter of Senator and Mrs. Nathaniel B. Dial, and James Lawrence Brownlee of Birmingham, Ala." Daddy served one term in the Senate and then failed to be renominated for a second term. The seat was the one held by Strom Thurmond for 44 years and which is now occupied by Lindsey Graham. No problemIf this car runs out of gas or the battery goes dead. I see that convenient wind up key at the back to keep it going. The DialsI wrote a story a while back on the Dial family, after seeing a picture of four other Dial children on Shorpy: http://www.morningsonmaplestreet.com/dialchildren1.html Popeye PowerYes, the fine cars of that era really are huge. Ole Henry Ford made his cheap ones tiny, which makes people today think cars of the era were small, but the high class and high priced cars were big on the outside. The sitting area in them is small though. I was riding in a 1923 Studebaker the other day. It supposedly accommodated six, but you could barely fit four real people in it. Lots of leg room but no width. A friend has a White touring car. He keeps it in a warehouse because it is too big to fit through a regular garage door. You feel like a mouse looking at an elephant when you walk up to climb in. The big steering wheels were needed to get leverage because you were really turning the whole steering mechanism with your shoulders and arms. Chow down on that spinach before you take one of these things for a spin because they really are steered by Popeye power. What of the eldest Dial daughter?Close examination of Laura Emily Dial's 1924 wedding story in the Post reveals that there was a fourth Dial daughter - Rebecca, then married to M.G. Williams. In the Library of Congress archives is an awful 1922 photo of her (dressed up as a fairy). But by the 1970s, as Rebecca Dial again, she wrote a biography of her father ("True to his Colors") and an autobiography ("My Stream Without a Name"). SheridanThis car is a 1920 or 1921 Sheridan. Less than 1000 were made and it appears that only two exist. You can learn more about them here. http://www.geaaonline.org/sheridan.html Both Captain Eddie Rickenbacker and William Durant were involved with the manufacturer of these cars. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, D.C., Farked, Natl Photo)
Baby Bears: 1922
Washington, D.C., January 1922. "517-19 Thirteenth Street." Another of those National Photo ... but the T has two DC plates - one 1921 and the other 1922. Interesting that they have different numbers. Baby Bear Burlesque Washington Post, Jan 8, 1922 This Week's Attractions Capitol - "Baby Bears." A ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2011 - 11:31pm -

Washington, D.C., January 1922. "517-19 Thirteenth Street." Another of those National Photo portal-to-the-past streetscapes that must have seemed very prosaic at the time they were taken. 8x10 glass negative. View full size. We mean business Anita Stewart Brewood Eanet & Bacher Gilda Varesi Harry S. Levan Jack Schular Lew Talbot Shannon & Luchs Wineman ClassThere's a big difference between the car parked in front of the furrier and the ones in front of the print shop and "rooms to let." Haven't seen a Shannon & Luchs sign, or heard the name, for a long time. Two years laterThe Warner Theater would by built on the corner near this location. Baby Bears! A winter scene - snow on the streets and so cold they wrapped the radiators in blankets. Completely different todayThis scene is 100% different today. All those buildings have been torn down and replaced. The only thing that hasn't seemed to have changed is the road grade. Blankets on the car radiatorsNowadays cardboard is used to accelerate warming of the engine in winter. I don't think I've seen blankets. Also interesting that rear-view mirrors appear not to have been standard equipment, eleven years after being popularized by Ray Harroun, winner of the first Indy 500. Harroun, in turn, had seen one on a hansom cab in 1904. If only I knewGee, I wonder what will be showing at the Capitol the week of January 8th? "Winter Front"The Model T coupe has a genuine, designed for the purpose, "winter front". These were common in the days before thermostats, to keep heat in the engine - for the heater if you had one, otherwise for radiant heat. Notice the flaps for regulating the temp. Must have been a cold day since it is all buttoned up. The touring car has to make do with an old horse blanket. We have seen a number of cars in these pictures with two plates, one for DC and one for a neighboring state, but the T has two DC plates - one 1921 and the other 1922. Interesting that they have different numbers. Baby Bear Burlesque Washington Post, Jan 8, 1922 This Week's Attractions Capitol - "Baby Bears." A brand new burlesque show will be presented at the Capitol theater this afternoon when Lew Talbot's "Baby Bears" open their week's engagement. Founded on a snappy French farce, of which Mr. Talbot has purchased the exclusive American rights, the performance abounds in humorous situations and brilliant lines. A program of more than 20 musical and dancing numbers forms a background for the production. The chief comedy role is in the hands of Harry S. Le Van, famous on the burlesque stage as a Hebrew comedian. Same street in 1943Here is a photo of the same street in 1943, after the Warner Theater was built. You can see the three of the buildings still there in this photo: Harry's Final CurtainHarry LeVan's long career in burlesque and vaudeville would eventually lead to work as an early television performer in Philadelphia. Here is his obituary from the Final Curtain notices in Billboard, published on November 24, 1950. What was the function?Of this type of photo? Was it for insurance purposes, real estate, or some other official documentation? [Most of these seem to have been taken for the various Washington newspapers or their advertisers, to illustrate news stories or real estate listings. - Dave] Class IIThe car parked in front of the furrier is a 1920 Buick, either a model K-50 with a 124 inch wheelbase or a model K-47, 118 inch wheelbase. In 1920 Buick went to straight door handles compared to the loop handles of previous years. In 1921 Buick revised the entire front of its cars and the hoods and radiators were much higher so that there was a straight line from the top of the radiator to the center of the windshield. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, D.C., Natl Photo, Stores & Markets)
Tidalists: 1922
August 15, 1922. Washington, D.C. "Florence Skadding and Mark Coles." At the Tidal Basin ... Maj. Werts Too Washington Post, Aug 16, 1922 District Swim Titles to Cole and Miss Skadding The ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2011 - 4:44pm -

August 15, 1922. Washington, D.C. "Florence Skadding and Mark Coles." At the Tidal Basin bathing pavilion. National Photo glass negative. View full size. First place Goes to Mark in the most-revealing-swimsuit competition. But what was HER trophy for? Throw the man a towel! From the looks of it, the water must not have been very cold. NBCMark looks like an ancestral David Gregory. Re: Her TrophiesMy goodness, how did Hipster remember Miss Skadding from three months ago? Good memory. CoolWhere can I get a sweet outfit like that? Honestly, that swimsuit is more revealing than today's Speedos. Maj. Werts Too Washington Post, Aug 16, 1922 District Swim Titles to Cole and Miss Skadding The championship swimming series was brought to a close at the Tidal basin bathing beach yesterday with the crowning of Miss Florence Skadding and Mark Coles as the champions of the respective classes. These two winners were presented with beautiful loving cups as a token of their accomplishments. The presentation was made by Maj. W.C. Werts, officer in charge of the public buildings and grounds. ... Her trophiesIf I recall, Ms. Skadding possesses, ahem, Great Big Tracts of Land. https://www.shorpy.com/node/6723 MelanomaniaThat Mark Coles tan would make George Hamilton and Zonker Harris proud. (The Gallery, D.C., Sports, Swimming)
Dirty Girls: 1922
Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Potomac bathing beach." Our second glimpse of these sandy lasses . ... the girl on the left has blue eyes. This photo is from 1922 and the film was probably orthochromatic -- not sensitive to blue. If her ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/05/2012 - 4:59pm -

Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Potomac bathing beach." Our second glimpse of these sandy lasses. National Photo Company glass negative. View full size. WowThe one on the left (no, not the one with the shower cap) is stunning! The dark haired beautyThe girl on the left with the long, dark hair is lovely. Such composure and she has beautiful eyes (I am guessing blue) and (despite the hole in her sock) her figure is elegant-even her hands are quite comely. But she never smiles, and sadly, we will never know why. Hmmm, that girl on the far right...looks more than a little like the actor, Mark Wahlberg ( I wonder if he has any old-tyme bathing beauties in his family tree) The lighter haired beautyThe girl to her immediate right is also pretty. I think they are sisters .. their eyes are the same. Potomac bathing beach is now the Tidal BasinThey dredged it to build the Jefferson Memorial. And I want to believe the one in the middle is a redhead. Our DaughtersLike most other viewers, I see honest, unpretentious beauty in these young women's faces. But because I have a daughter, the ultimate impact is different. Unseen in these images are these girls' fathers. My connection with them across the decades is instantaneous. As kindred spirits, we anticipate with angst our daughters' inexorable journey toward wisdom and independence. "Wow" is right. High HopesThe two leering guys seated behind them seem to be enjoying the scene but probably don't have a shot. It's my guess that the bathing beauties are professional models and have their sights aimed higher. Best seat in the houseThe boys who have taken up their watch against the wall right behind these girls seem to be expressing their happiness in finding a choice spot from which to view the activities. Changing topics, you would think that out of the thousands of people in all these early beach pictures that at least one or two individuals would have dreamed up the brilliant idea of bringing along a beach towel or blanket to avoid being covered with sand. I don't think they are blue.I don't think the girl on the left has blue eyes. This photo is from 1922 and the film was probably orthochromatic -- not sensitive to blue. If her eyes were blue she would look like a zombie. I do have a question, which of their fathers took care of the guy in the background who was ogling them? MommaThe lovely girl at the far right looked much better in the previous photo, in my opinion. And I have to agree that the other two beauties are sisters. I'll go one further and guess that the lady with the cap is their mother, along as a chaperone. And judging by the looks on the faces behind them, good thing. Youth is wasted on the young. PreferencesGolly gee, I’ve always liked dirty girls! re: orthochromatic Orthochromatic film was blue sensitive. It was not red sensitive. Blues appear light and reds very dark. People with ruddy complexions often look dirty-faced in old photos, because the red shows as dark blotches. And yes, blue eyes will look light, maybe zombie-ish. Their grandaughters are wearing bikinis! For the 1920's these are about as revealing swimsuits as you can get. Although, the girl on the right would most likely not look too out of place on the beaches of today if her suit were made of modern materials. as for the eyes colors I would thing the Girl on the right has brown eyes and the other two have green. I agree with RadioMattM about the orthocromatic film. Any way, all three of the young ladies are very lovely. She's Married, Fellers!Nobody yet has commented on her ring. It's irrelevant to the important points about this photo - who's the cutest and how ortho film reacts to various eye colors - but I think it's no accident she has made her hand quite visible. And the guy just back (girl X's brother perhaps?) is obviously just smiling for the camera. No need for pop to 'stand his ground'. Were towels then too expensive or difficult to clean for owners to subject them to such abuse? Married?Unless the photo is mirrored, the ring is on her right hand. She may have made her hand visible, but not to show a wedding ring. Bathing Beach RulesThe woman to the right and the man in the background are both wearing lanyards with matching tokens - perhaps tags for checked valuables? Washington Post, September 5, 1918. Bathing Beach Rules. Hours at Tidal Basin Are 7 A. M. to 12 M.; 2 P. M. to 7 P. M. The public buildings and grounds has announced the following rules for the new bathing beach on the shore of the Tidal Basin in Potomac Park: Bathing hours—7 a. m. to 12 m.; 2 p. m. to 7 p. m. Open daily, including Sunday and holidays. Bathing Suits rented, 25 cents for men and 35 cents for women. A charge will be made for soap, towels and checking valuables. No children under 6 years of age allowed to bathe unless accompanied by adult member of the the family. PaparazziI'll bet the photographer followed these beauties around while they were at the beach. If you look at the differences between the two photos of the girls, you can see they were taken at different times that day. In one, the girls look clean and somewhat happy, in the other they're sandy and seem a little annoyed. (And just a little further down the beach.) In both photos, there are boys behind them, but not the same boys. And oddly enough, in both photos, there is a boy laughing behind the two girls on the right. (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo, Swimming)
Freddy and Harley: 1922
"Fretwell, 1922." Fred "Freddy" Fretwell of Washington on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. ... passenger all the way. Washington Post, July 30, 1922 He is a hottie! Just changed my name to Harley. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/06/2013 - 11:57am -

"Fretwell, 1922." Fred "Freddy" Fretwell of Washington on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. National Photo Collection glass negative. View full size. Re: He is a hottie!I agree ... it seems that Dave is rather parsimonious with (or oblivious to) the proper use of the Handsome Rakes tag. [Alright. Freddy has now ascended to the ranks of Rakedom. - Dave] Harley Smokes Indians Fretwell Double Winner in Motor Cycle Events The bicycle, motorcycle and automobile racing program staged by the Costello post yesterday afternoon attracted about three thousand people to the Arlington race track. Those who journeyed to Virginia side of the Potomac witnessed some fine racing as well as an excellent exhibition cavalary drill put on by Troop B of the Third U.S. calvary from Fort Myer. The Fort Myer band was also on hand to enliven things during the progress of the program. The day's card opened with a half-mile bicycle race for the D.C. championship. V. Messineo covered the dirt course in 1 minute and 19 seconds. Daly and Nigoria crossed the line second and third, respectively, while the rest of the field was closely bunched. The first motorcycle race, a three-mile novice event, went to R. Bean riding an Indian. He covered the course at an average of 44.77 miles per hour, his time for the event being 4 minutes and 43 seconds. Charles Crawford and B. Frazier finished second and third, respectively. Both riders rode Indians. The 10-mile motorcycle race featured the day's program. F. Fretwell, riding a Harley-Davidson, had no trouble outclassing the rest of the field. He finished a full lap ahead of R. Dean, mounted on an Indian, who in turn was two laps ahead of the other entrants. Charles Crawford, also riding an Indian, finished a poor third. Fretwell covered the 10 miles in 12 minutes 37 seconds. The 3-mile race for the D.C. Championship was won by F. Fretwell and his Harley Davidson. Fretwell toyed with the other two entrants in this race, making the distance in 4 ½ minutes. Cy Fendall and Charles Crawford, both mounted on Indian machines, finished second and third. In the sidecar event there were but two entrants. Both machines were of the Harley-Davidson make. Speed Connors with Kellar as a passenger did the distance in 6 minutes, 15 seconds, outclassing George Green with Karart as hi passenger all the way. Washington Post, July 30, 1922 He is a hottie!Just changed my name to Harley. Vintage machinesA Harley Davidson, and the ubiquitous Ford T in the background. I love it! The bike has a very interesting arrangement for the chain drive. The center sprocket looks like it has a pedal attached. Do you pedal it like a bicycle to start the motor? Or that was the clutch/shifter? In LoveOh he is dreamy! If I could only go back in time. Ernest Homer Fretwell Jr., 1899-1966The monkey story mentioning Edmonston -- a small community in Prince George's County, Maryland, just outside Washington -- and the fact that Freddy worked in a garage (which might be the building with the Ebonite oil sign behind him in the photo) sent me delving back into the archive. Fred seems to have been a nickname for Ernest Homer Fretwell Jr., born in 1899. He raced motorcycles in his twenties, married a girl named Hilda, had a daughter, worked as a mechanic and kept a monkey. In the 1950s he owned a Sinclair service station on Annapolis Road in Bladensburg. He died August 24, 1966, at the age of 67, still a resident of Edmonston. Among his survivors were two grandsons, Ronald and Donald Fleshman. Residents Are AlarmedWashington Post, August 23, 1929. ESCAPED MONKEY SPREADING TERROR Pet "Goes Native;" Antics Give Birth to Tale of "Gorilla." RESIDENTS ARE ALARMED A 30-pound monkey with a fierce mien has started a "gorilla" scare in East Riverdale and its environs. Children seeing the monkey have been frightened by its appearance and antics, and have helped spread tales of a ferocious gorilla. Since its escape from the household of Freddie Fretwell, of Edmonston, several weeks ago, the monkey has made its appearance on several occasions. Once it pulled the feathers from all of the chickens in the yard of an Edmonston resident. The chicken owner attempted to capture the monkey, but refrained when he was bitten. Size of Dog. The simian is about the size of a dog, and has an especially ferocious appearance, aided by the long teeth it shows when attempts are made to capture it. It will accept bananas and other food, but begins to snarl when efforts are made to capture it. The monkey has apparently "gone native," and seems to have decided on a woods near the Fretwell home as a hiding place. Two men succeeded in throwing a net over the animal but he escaped and jumped into a creek, swimming under water to the opposite side. Monkey Is Trained. Fretwell was given the monkey to keep by a truck driver who had bought it from a carnival. The monkey rode on a pony in the show but was injured when it fell off and was stepped on by the pony. The monkey used to ride on his motorcycle and go to work with him, Fretwell said, and seemed to enjoy the ride. One day he became peeved and began throwing storage batteries around the garage where Fretwell works. It was reported to Fretwell that the monkey was captured several days ago but he has been unable to find the captor. The story of the "gorilla" has spread from Hyattsville to Beltsville and through the intervening territory. The further from the source the tale is traced, the more fierce and enormous is the "gorilla." Re: Ernest Homer Fretwell Jr.A rich, full life. Especially the monkey part. [Really. How many pony-stomped-monkey-gifting truck-driver friends do I have? Zero. - Dave] (The Gallery, D.C., Handsome Rakes, Motorcycles, Natl Photo, Sports)
Train Wreck: 1922
Laurel, Maryland. July 31, 1922. "Two B&O freights wrecked in head-on crash at Laurel switch." ... CREWS ESCAPE BY JUMPING Washington Post, August 1, 1922. 2 FREIGHTS CRASH AT LAUREL SWITCH Both Engines and 4 ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/04/2012 - 11:11pm -

Laurel, Maryland. July 31, 1922. "Two B&O freights wrecked in head-on crash at Laurel switch." National Photo Company glass negative. View full size. CREWS ESCAPE BY JUMPINGWashington Post, August 1, 1922. 2 FREIGHTS CRASH AT LAUREL SWITCH Both Engines and 4 Cars Demolished When B&O Trains Meet in Head-On Collision. CREWS ESCAPE BY JUMPING Leg of Engineer Ramsey Broken, 50 Yards of Track Torn Up, Tie-Up Lasts Hours.         Six men narrowly escaped death yesterday afternoon when two freight trains of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company crashed in a head-on collision near Laurel, Md. David Ramsey, one of the engineers, was taken to a Baltimore hospital suffering from a broken leg. The others escaped injury by jumping just before the crash.         Both engines and four freight cars were demolished and the passenger and freight service of the railroad company was tied up for several hours while wrecking crews removed the debris. Commuters between Washington and Baltimore who were unable to obtain a lift from passing automobiles were forced to walk to their destination. Meet at Open Switch.         The accident occurred at a crossways near Laurel, where the east and westbound freights met in an open switch. The train crews had hardly jumped to the ground when the heavily loaded freight cars crashed into one another, the eastbound engine being hurled 25 feet in the air.         Wrecking crews were quickly sent to the scene, and emergency telephone connections established with the train dispatcher's office at Baltimore. Passenger Trains Diverted.         Passenger trains of the Baltimore and Ohio were sent out over the tracks of the Pennsylvania road to Overton, Md., then to the main line of the Baltimore and Ohio.         Officials of the railroad at the scene of the wreck refused to place responsibility for the accident, and busied themselves at once to clear away and repair the 50 yards of track torn up by the collision. Grand Funk RailroadPics like this always remind me of those 70's album covers. The term"my bad" was coined at that very moment. I do believeThat this situation was called a ‘’cornfield meet.’’ The great train wreckThe most interesting aspect of the wreck, to me, is the way it was covered in the local newspaper, the Laurel Leader. Not at all. The next issue after the accident, on 8/04/22, included front page stories of a collision of two ships near Seattle and the arrest on murder charges of a number of Prohibition agents in Texas, but nary a word on an accident in the back yard. The paper seems, back in the day, to have had almost no local reporting presence, relying on wire services and pre-packaged feature material. (It has much more local focus today, even though it's now published in nearby Columbia.) Even more oddly, perhaps, I don't find any mention of the wreck in the Baltimore Sun (published, after all, in the B&O's home town). (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo, Railroads)
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