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Washington, D.C., 1920. "National Engraving Co., exterior, F Street N.W." National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size.
In a 1924 photo of this block, National Engraving has apparently moved. The Bartholdi Cafe is now allowing women into their restaurant, probably because Prohibition was in force and they needed the revenue.
[National Photo moved into this building after its previous quarters at 506 14th Street burned in 1917; by 1923 it had moved from F Street to 1305 E Street N.W.; Bartholdi's started admitting the ladies in 1923. The restaurant declared bankruptcy in 1928. - Dave]
The following caption, published in 1932, describes this photo. A broader street scene of this block of F street is seen at this Shorpy Photo.
The north side of F street between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets northwest. This section has all been remodeled and is now occupied by clothing and shoe stores. Bartholdi's Restaurant may be seen on the left. This was quite a well-known restaurant in those days as was also Topham's Leather Goods Store next to it.Topham's has since located to Third and I streets northeast. Next to Topham's is the Crescent Lunch and Cafe of which George L. Lapsen was proprietor. Then next, or 1335, is the Young Women's Christian Association.
The reader will note that there was no parking problem in those days.
Washington Post, March 15, 1932
I guess the YWCA cafeteria on the right balances out the restaurant for men on the left. When they get lonely, they can all go to the coed lunch in the middle.
Interesting contrast between the two cafes. Crescent Lunch: "For Ladies & Gentlemen." The Bartholdi Cafe: "Restaurant for Men."
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