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Washington, D.C. July 2, 1921. Crowds at the Washington Star following the Dempsey-Carpentier fight in New Jersey, which was broadcast by "wireless telephone" back when relatively few people owned radios. Newspapers across the country that had receivers called out the results on the street or posted them on chalkboards. View full size. National Photo Company Collection.
It looks like he's tucking a newspaper into his shirt. But for some reason, he looks nervous about it.
There is a woman just in front of him too, if anyone is counting women in the crowd.
Goodness! The first thought that comes to mind is that it's July, in Washington, DC, and most of this crowd are wearing suits! How is it they aren't all about to pass out from heat? I'm sure the hats helped some, but still! Perhaps I'm just a wimp. Too many memories of marching in the 4th of July parade about 50 miles north of there in the Maryland heat/humidity wearing a wool band uniform, maybe.
Immediately made me think of the Abbott and Costello bit in which a bunch of those hats get busted up...
Every head is covered. If there are any women there you'd have to look under those umbrellas in the upper right. The police presence is minimal, a few cops and mounted patrolmen at the front of the crowd. Were boxing fans so much better behaved then? What is that kid in the lower right slipping under his shirt?
This is Joe Manning. I grew up in DC. Harvey's Restaurant is in the background, at 11th and Pennsylvania Avenue.
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