They'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 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]

Alas, you are correct, CVS got them all.

It 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]

"People's Drug Store No. 12" sounds like something out of Soviet Russia or North Korea!

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

It 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.

There'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?

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]

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.

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.

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 bet the sign was a friendly reminder.

Up until the mid-sixties, fish sticks were a Friday staple in my family.

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?