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Washington, D.C., circa 1860s. "Old Winder Building, 17th & F. St. NW." Wet plate glass negative. Brady-Handy Collection, Library of Congress. View full size.
Below is the same view from October of 2003.
It is hard to believe that this photo is that old. It looks as if it were taken yesterday. I know a little town that just installed street lights that are strikingly similar to the ones picture.
This historic structure narrowly escaped demolition in the 70's, according to the article. Thanks to those concerned citizens who banded together to save it.
Surprisingly modern looking building for 1848. But whatever that sheathing is didn't hold up very well- it's already peeling off exposing the brick beneath.
The Winder Building is now the headquarters of the US Trade Representative, across the street from the Old Executive Office Building, which itself is beside the White House. I worked at USTR until this past spring. Inside, the hallways of have been restored to their pre-Civil War configuration, with plaster walls, brick floors, and the old gas lamp fixtures still in place (now electrified).
It's a somewhat strange building to work in, despite its modernization. The offices are odd sizes and the plumbing is exposed. Still, it's a very solid building!
The Winder Building, a stone's throw from the White House, is one of the few remaining pre-Civil War office buildings in D.C. Opened in 1848, it was Washington's first "skyscraper."
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