Lost Capitol Hill: Souvenirs of the Capitol

One of the must-do stops on a tour of Washington DC is in one of its ubiquitous souvenir shops. And why not: Souvenirs are a big business, as can be attested by the large – and growing – gift shops attached to every major sight on the Hill, whether the Library of Congress, the Capitol, or the Navy Yard. Souvenirs are hardly a new item, but a story written in the Washington Post over 100 years ago does indicate that souvenirs were once somewhat…different.

The article, entitled “Profits in Souvenirs: Washington Chief Center of Relic Hunters” was published on September 27, 1903. It was thus at the beginning of the great wave of tourism that was to engulf the world over the next 100 years.

Much of the article concerned itself with the provenience of the souvenirs sold all over DC, such as a “cup and saucer of excellent china, with a picture of Cabin John Bridge on one side and Arlington on the other. … The porcelain, china, and shell pieces are hand painted by the members of some German family, who do the work at home.” It’s hard to imagine, but 100 years ago, you went to Germany for cheap labor. The article also points out that the above cup and saucer was sold for 75 cents, while if it were produced in this country, it would cost at least $2.25.

Some objects were produced in the US, such as the “macerated greenbacks at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing” — still a popular item today — and post cards of the various sights, including “the departments, Ford’s Theater, Mount Vernon, &c.” Even with the latter, though, the Germans were proving to be tough competitors, turning out better quality wares.

Much of the article was a long quote from one of the 30 or so souvenir sellers who lined Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House. He found sales to be brisk, with every visitor not only interested in buying something for himself or herself, but for every one of his family and friends as well, so that – even with most items under $2 – the total turnover in DC during a year was between 100,000 and 150,000 dollars.

In short, other than replacing “China” for “Germany,” little has changed in the last 100 or so years. Much more intriguing is the reference to the old days, when “Mr Hank Higgenson, of Tallow Creek, visited the Capital, he either bought a few ‘purties’ at some china store for the old woman and the children or else tried his hand at vandalizing, by whittling a shaving from one of the chairs in the Capitol or breaking a fragment of the White House wall, treasures which he ‘toted’ home in his pocket.”

Imagine trying to remove pieces of the White House or the Capitol today!

Paperweight from the United States Capitol Historical Society (USCHSCatalog.org)

Instead, if you want a piece of the Capitol, let me recommend you check here. Not only will you have your own piece of the old east front, but it will come with a letter of authenticity – and the knowledge that you have helped the United States Capitol Historical Society in their mission to keep people informed as to the history of the big white building down at the end of Pennsylvania Avenue.