Washington, D.C., circa 1943. "Potomac Electric Power Co. substations. Brightwood station car barn." Photo by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

Circa 1940. "Beach with sunbathers." Chapel Point, Washington's "playground on the Potomac" near La Plata, Md. Photo by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

Cleveland circa 1931. "Night alley to Terminal Tower." Amazing shot from an 8x10 negative by the undeservedly obscure Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

February 10, 1948. Washington, D.C. "Potomac Electric Power Co. -- commercial kitchens, restaurants and lighting. Mayfair Restaurant dining room." You'll come for the food and stay for the flattering indirect illumination. 8x10 acetate negative by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

Washington, D.C., circa 1940. "Nation's Business. Children leaving Randle School." Nitrate negative by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

Washington, D.C., c. 1939. "Library of Congress annex (John Adams building) and Folger Library from northwest." Photo by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

Washington, D.C., circa 1930. "Construction of Memorial Bridge over Potomac River." Acetate negative by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

Washington, D.C., circa 1935. "Shopping at Center Market." Perusing the original whole foods. Acetate negative by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

Washington, D.C., circa 1931. "Construction of Arlington Memorial Bridge over Potomac River." Acetate negative by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

Washington, D.C., circa 1931. "Cavalier Hotel, exterior." A three-room furnished apartment in this building at 3500 14th Street N.W. rented for $115 a month in 1928. 8x10 safety negative by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

December 3, 1946. Washington, D.C. "Potomac Electric Power Co. -- commercial kitchens, restaurants and lighting. Sholl's Georgian Cafeteria, 3027 14th Street N.W." 8x10 safety negative by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

Washington circa 1942. "Potomac Electric Power Co. Building. Air raid equipment and personnel." View full size. 8x10 safety negative by Theodor Horydczak.

The Blue Bell diner at 619 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington. June 1948. View full size | Even larger | Read the menu. The Blue Bell had an upscale cousin on 10th Street, the Waffle Shop. Photograph by Theodor Horydczak.

Entrance to the Waffle Shop at 522 10th Street NW, Washington D.C. Circa 1950 photograph by Theodor Horydczak. View full size.

The Waffle Shop, 522 10th Street NW, Washington D.C. Circa 1950 photograph by Theodor Horydczak. View full size. The diner still exists but is about to close. This, kids, was the epitome of fast food. (McDonald's? Beh.)