Framed or unframed, desk size to sofa size, printed by us in Arizona and Alabama since 2007. Explore now.
Shorpy is funded by you. Patreon contributors get an ad-free experience.
Learn more.
Washington, D.C., circa 1924. "Judd & Detweiler, Florida Avenue and Eckington Place N.E." Even as you read this, there is an excellent chance that within your household are one or more things that came from this building. What might they be? National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size.
National Geographic's subscription department was located nearby, at 1709 Third St. NE -- the building is now owned by the DC public schools, but the bespectacled owls that NG had placed on the facade are still there:
Washington Post May Jan 20, 1914Visits new Printing Plant
Geographic Society Elated With Its
Home for Monthly PaperThe board of managers of the National Geographic Society yesterday made a tour of inspection of the new printing plant in which the National Geographic Magazine will be published, at Florida avenue and Eckington place northeast. The building was erected for the society by Judd & Detweiler, printers, from plans prepared by Arthur B. Heaton, architect. The cost of the building was $40,000. Luncheon was served after the inspection.
As you can see by comparing the Google street view to the 1924 photo, the building was expanded in both directions.
The company still exists, but obviously not at that location.
I can't seem to help it, every time I see a Shorpy exterior shot from the teens or twenties I find myself looking for Lizzies. Three in this picture.
A very handsome building with strong masonry detailing and a design that has held up well over the past 86 years and counting. The original architect would be pleased to see that his work has proven so enduring.
Well I'll be darned. They printed the National Geographic Magazine. Their faded name can still be seen on one side of the building in the Google street view.
The National Geographic of course!
"Put to bed," as they say in the publishing biz. The ubiquitous National Geographic magazine was printed here for many years. I see it says "Big Print Shop" on the side but I would have imagined a much bigger plant!
Perhaps the XM Radio satellite programming to which I am currently listening?
On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5