A Room With A View, 1945

The 485-room Dunbar Hotel, named for Paul Laurence Dunbar, opened in 1946 as one of the largest hotels for African Americans in the U.S. . Black owned and operated, the the hotel had 485 bedrooms. It was demolished in 1974. Photographer Addison Scurlock, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institute.

Dancing with the Stars, 1947

Socialites enjoy ‘Guardsmen’ dance at Lincoln Colonade, Washington D.C. [1947]. Photographer Addison Scurlock, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institute.

Dubutantes Ball, 1947

Debutantes line up with escorts and sponsors at the annual Bachelor/Benedict Presentation Ball, Washington D.C. [1947]. Photographer Addison Scurlock, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institute.