Evening star., 1944-07-09

JO "sSssS w VIC COHt1CWCCL
corner Of Eleventh. and D
streets NV, where E. F.
Droop first engaged in the
music business and also the
home of The Euening Star
from 1854 to 1881.
Star Building. was owned at an earlier
date by r. b. Washington, who sold 1t to
Francis Coyle in 1890. and the assessed
value Of improvements as then given
was $500. and the adjoining house to
the east, owned by Mr. Pairo, was as
sessed for $2.5oo. Here was the printing
ONCE Of Mr.. Coyle, who was succeeded
by the Arm Of German IL McDuell and
the turner shop Of James Drury.
In 1878 w. O. Birmingham had a
printing office at 1913 D street and
Judd & Detweiler, printers, occupied
the corner then known as l0l5 D street.
The latter Arm probably moved from
this site early in 1884, since 1t was dur
ing this year they moved to 420-422
Eleventh street, where is now the north
end OF The Star ONCE. At this time
an announcement of the firm states:
THE arm was established in 1853 by
its present proprietors, John G. Judd
and F. M. Detweiler. The former gen
tleman is native of London, England.
where he received 4 thorough education
which has qualified him 50 well for
his responsible position. Mr.. Detweiler
Is a native Of Philadelphia, but his
nearly lifelong residence in the Capital
has identified him thoroughly with the
business interests Of the District. The
firm has lately occupied their fine new
building, an imposing brick structure at
40 and 422 Eleventh street. 1t consists
OF three floors, each having an area of
55 by 100 feet. the first floor being used
for press and job room, while most of
the composing is done on the second
floor, where there are facilities for 30
compositors, and the same number can
be accommodated in the third story.
The motive power is derived from a
powerful steam engine OF the latest and
most improved pattern"
About the center of the square"
says Croggon, "in the early part Of the
century was probably Washingtons
first lace and trimming store, then con-
Quoted by Bragdon IL Twombly, after
ward by J. B. King Il Bro. and Capt.
Joseph B. Tate & Bro. In the EOS there
were on D street the properties of
Thomas Booth, umbrella maker; John
Tucker, bellhanger: James Newall,
shoemaker, and in the 4Os j. K. Boyd,
upholsterer, and P. McArdle watch
makers; Pusley w. Simpson followed
the grocery business near the corner
OF Eleventh, where he was succeeded by
William Orme."
Business Grew
The northwest corner Of Tenth and D
streets is an old auctioneer's stand, be-
ing occupied by James c. MCGUIRE for
Is years from 1S42. And at one time he
had associated with him his son, Fred
B. MCGUIRE. and Thomas J. Fisher.
The older Mr.. MCGUIRE was born in
Westmoreland County, Pa. in 1872 and
came to this city as young man and
found employment at bookbinding with
Jacob Gideon and his brother. George
S. Gideon, proprietors of large print
ing Office and bookbindery on Ninth
street above Pennsylvania avenue.
Leaving this firm. he started in busi-
ness for himself. and his business grew
until it was the largest bookbinding
establishment in the city However, he
had other ideas, and so, in 1852, he
retired from this business and became
commission merchant and auctioneer.
Walter B. Williams, auctioneer, and
others also occupied this building for
extended periods.
1t may be interesting to note here
that on the opposite or northeast cor
ner OF this intersection was once the
home OF Peter Force, and those who are
not familiar with early Washington
may be surprised to know that it was
quite an estate.