DC of Old

Student Edna Gill doing laboratory work at Dunbar High School (Science Lab) in Washington DC. Scurlock Studio (Washington DC) History of Dunbar High School Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Washington D.C. was America’s first black public high school, the high school produced some of the most successful blacks in the country. Dunbar High was founded in 1870 as the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth in the basement of the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church. It was later changed to M Street High School before being renamed Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1916. Some of Dunbar's Graduates : *Nannie Helen Burroughs, an educator, orator, religious leader and businesswoman. *Elizabeth Catlett, a prominent sculptor and artist. *Mary P. Burrill, an educator and playwright. *Jean Toomer, poet and novelist associated with the Harlem Renaissance. *James E. Bowman, scientist, physician, and pathologist. *James Reese Europe, first African American officer to lead troops in battle in WWI, founder and first president of the Clef Club, and leader of the 369th Hellfighters Infantry Regiment Band. Scurlock Studio Records/National Museum of American History

The Murray Brothers Printing Company, located at 920-922 U St., NW., Washington, DC, 20001. Was home to The Washington Tribune newspaper and steps away from the entrepreneurial F.H.M Murray’s other business, the Murray Palace Casino. Addison Scurlock, Photographer The three Murray brothers, part of an enterprising family, ran a successful printing business in the early 20th century, a lucrative trade in the nation's capital where the chief local business – governing – required enormous amounts of printed materials. The brothers also ran a successful ballroom, Murray's Palace Casino, in the same building. The building was designed by African American architect, Isaiah T. Hatton. Brothers Raymond, Morris, and Norman opened Murray Brothers Printing in 1908 with the support of their father, Freeman Henry Morris Murray. They published books, programs, and brochures. In 1921 they began publishing the Washington Tribune, which became the city's major black newspaper after the Washington Bee folded in 1922. At peak circulation, the Tribune printed 30,000 copies a day on the brothers' modern Goss printing press. I'm not certain when the business closed but I know through old newspaper articles that it was still up and running in the District in 1980. The Murray's other business the Palace Casino was one of the most popular clubs on U Street in the 1920s and 1930s. Social clubs vied to hold their annual balls and dances here.

Owners Alexander Hamilton Underdown and his wife, Margaret Clark Underdown (both standing to the right) pose with two of their employees at the entrance to their deli at 1742 U Street, NW. Washington DC. Addison N Scurlock, Photographer. Washington Post August 22, 1980 Alexander Hamilton Underdown, 68, who had been associated with night clubs in Washington for many years, died of cancer August 16th, at the Veterans Administration Hospital here. His latest venture was Alex's Bar and Lounge on 14th Street NW, which opened in 1978. Mr. Underdown, however, was forced to withdraw after about five months because of ill health. He was born in Washington and attended Cardozo High School where he played football and basketball. In the early 1940s, he was manager of the popular club, Dykes' Stockade. He then served with the U.S. Army in World War II seeing duty in the Pacific. After the war, Mr. Underdown returned to Washington where he and a partner, Louis Murry, opened Louis and Alex's Supper Club on U Street NW. Later he was manager of such night clubs as The Casbah, Crystal Caverns, The Green Door and the 652 Club on Newton Street NW. His marriage to the former Ada Scott ended in divorce. Survivors include two daughters, Adela V. Watson of Memphis, Tennesse, and Robbyn Tyler of the District of Columbia; a sister, Margaret Mitchell, and two brothers, Edward and Welker, all of Washington, and two grandchildren.

The Blue Mouse Theatre, operated by George Martin from 1914 to 1928. Courtesy of Reginald F. Martin, Sr. He also owned George Martin's Cleaning Company at 1343 Wisconsin Ave, courtesy. Across M Street bridge at 1206 26th Street stood the Blue Mouse Theatre, a black theatre that featured movies and vaudeville and was a popular center for the community entertainment. George Martin, who had run successful businesses in Georgetown since the early 1900s, operated the theatre from 1914 to 1928. Ignatius Marshall remembers that he frequently went to movies at the Blue Mouse Theatre: "I used to go every Saturday afternoon to matinees. I think at that time it cost you a nickel or a dime, and we'd stay five or six hours, to see replays." In recalling the Blue Mouse Theatre of his father's era, Reginald Martin, Sr. commented on the strong commitment that businessmen then had for their communities: "People were closer in those days. It isn't that way anymore. It's all gone." Later named the Mott Theatre, it was operated by the manager of the Republic and Lincoln theatres on U Street, N.W. until its closing around 1949.

My mother and big sis photographed in the backyard of my great aunt's house in DC.

Portrait of an unknown couple taken at the New Modern Studio (1333 14th Street, NW, Washington DC by African American photographer, Daniel Freeman. About the photographer: Daniel Freeman, (1867 - 1926), was a painter and sought after society photographer and the first African American photographer to open his own studio in Washington D.C., where he taught photography and started the Washington Amateur Art Society. He also represented the District of Columbia in an exhibition at the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta. Source: "Reflections in Black: A History of Black Photographers 1840 to the Present; by Deborah Willis"