That's a very rare Dayton Motor Bicycle. The motor is indeed very similar to the Smith Motorwheel, but it was a version sold by the Davis Sewing Machine Company, makers of the Dayton brand at the time. The engine is in the middle of the front wheel. The patent is here.

I'll be. It looks like a Smith Motor Wheel. They were usually mounted at the rear of the bike. I've never seen one up front. Just like the one that the lovey Ms. Young has on her Bug.

Originally built for the Baltimore Sun newspaper. Alternate Shorpy view in 1924.

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Bank In Sun Building

American National Acquires F Street Structure

The American National Bank has bought the Baltimore Sun Building, the price it is understood, being between $210,000 and $225,000. The bank will remodel the interior of the building, and will take the entire two first floors for its bankroom, giving it one of the largest rooms, if not the largest in the city. The bank will move into its new building in September or October of the present year, the deed for the purchase of the big office building, one of the finest in the city, and one of the landmarks of F street, is consummated practically on the first birthday of the bank, its first year of existence having ended yesterday. The bank has been looking for a new location for some months, its present building on Fourteenth street not being large enough.
...
The building was the first of the "tall buildings" erected in Washington, and when it was built, about twenty years ago, it was the handsomest business buildings in the city. It cost for the actual construction about $340,000.

Washington Post, May 5, 1904

Motor is mounted on right front fork.

I see the bicycle, but having trouble locating the motor. Maybe he took it with him while he was shopping.

Check out the bike with the cargo sidecar in front of the bank! And what are those brass cans on the sidewalk?

[Fire extinguishers. - Dave]

Check out the motorized bicycle at the far right. The more recent Schwinn Heavy Duty or the Worksman bikes look like that.

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Desio & Co. will Remodel Dwelling

Victor E. Desio & Co. have plans prepared by Julius Wenig, architect, for remodeling the three-story and cellar store building at 1309 F street northwest. The entire building, which is 26 feet wide by 82 feet deep, will be remodeled into two stores. The front will be of all glass show windows, marble base and copper trimming. The second and third floors will be fitted out for store and work rooms, and an electric elevator will be installed from the first to third floor. Metal ceilings and marble floors will be a feature on the first floor.

When completed the work will represent an outlay of $8,000. Work will be started July 12, and Victor E. Desio & Co. will occupy the west store and Howard Deane the east store by September 1.

Washington Post, Jul 9, 1916

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Victor E. Desio Rites Arranged Here Tomorrow

Victor E. Desio, retired jeweler, who for many years conducted business at 1309 F street Northwest, died yesterday at his home, 2400 Fort Scott Drive, Arlington, Va. He was 64 years old.

Born here, Mr. Desio carried on the jewelry business founded by his father, the late Gerome Desio, in 1874. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Lido Civic Club.

Washington Post, Jan 19, 1943

That wonderful steeple -- was this a cathedral of banking? -- is gone.

Please tell me this wonderful building is still there!

["This wonderful building is still there!" - Dave]

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