Maps and Area Descriptions
As part of this photography project, John Wymer divided the city into 57 roughly equal areas and then photographed a sample block from each. For each area, he produced a hand-drawn map as well as a summary of his reflections on the area. This page contains those maps and area descriptions.
In the descriptions, his choice of language is an authentic representation of the attitudes of some people in the mid 20th century. Much can be learned about the frame of mind of middle class, white, urban Americans by reading his text. These descriptions and photographs are a brief, but immersive glimpse into how Wymer viewed the people and city of Washington, DC. To read more of Wymer's writing, visit the 'In his own words' page.
To navigate this section quickly, click on the hyperlink for the area you want to jump to that section.
The images of this page are part of the John P. Wymer Photograph Collection; copyright is held by the Historical Society of Washington, DC.