In January 1943, boarding houses in Washington, D.C., were full of life. With World War II in full swing, the city had become a hub for military and government work. Thousands of men and women arrived for jobs supporting the war effort, and housing was scarce. Boarding houses became a practical solution for many, especially single workers and newly arrived federal employees.
These homes offered a mix of privacy and community. Residents rented a single room, often furnished with a bed, dresser, and small writing desk. Bathrooms were shared, which meant waiting your turn in the mornings as people rushed to work. Kitchens were often communal, but many boarding houses served meals to save time for workers who kept long hours.
The atmosphere inside was busy but organized. Mornings started early, with people leaving in a steady stream for offices across the city. Suits, uniforms, and polished shoes were common sights in the hallways. Evenings brought a different rhythm. Residents returned tired, often gathering in shared living rooms to listen to the radio or read newspapers. These spaces were filled with the hum of conversation, laughter, and the sound of big band music floating from radios.
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For women working in clerical jobs or as stenographers, boarding houses offered safety and structure. Many were run by older women who enforced curfews and house rules. Men and women often lived under the same roof, but social interactions stayed formal. In some homes, dances and small gatherings were organized to break the monotony of long workdays.
Meals were simple and designed to stretch rationed supplies. Breakfast might include toast, oatmeal, and coffee. Dinner was usually served at a set time and eaten at long tables with other boarders. Wartime shortages meant creative cooking, with meatless meals appearing several times a week. Sugar, butter, and coffee were rationed, so desserts were modest and sometimes skipped altogether.
Rooms were small but functional. Most had a single bed, a lamp, and a chair. Personal items like framed photos, books, and small keepsakes gave these spaces a sense of home. Heating came from radiators, which clicked and hissed during cold January nights. Windows often rattled from the wind, but heavy curtains kept the chill out.
