The two gents at left certainly didn't want their faces recorded. Easier to deny to their Missus they were down at Shoomakers. I wonder if they served schooners of beer at Shoomakers?

There appears to be a sign for "On With the Dance" which came out in 1915. So if the Liberty Bond sign is from 1917, then the movie posters were up in those windows at least two years.

["On With the Dance" was a play being staged at the nearby National Theater in October 1917. - Dave]

I suspect that any 'lady' entering that establishment would no longer be one upon exiting. Reminds me of similar places I used to see in downtown Providence. Shoomaker's looks a little on the dumpy side, too, but that beautiful dome and the eagles over the Globe makes this picture worthwhile. Of course, they're all gone now, right? I'm afraid to look. Lately I've been reminding myself that buildings like these were very probably familiar to Walt Whitman when he lived in DC for ten years in the 1860s and 70s.

The Liberty Loan poster in the left window seems to be one designed by a Miss Eugenie De Land. That would narrow the date of the photo to after Oct. 1, 1917.

[Which was the issue date for bonds of the Second Liberty Loan. Alex is today's recipient of the Shorpy Sleuth Merit Badge! - Dave]

Since I'm a female I need an escort to enter Shoo's establishment. Besides, you sound like very good company. I may be a little late since I must buy a hat.

I'm going to start with lunch on the left, have my shoes shined and my hat blocked, drop off my laundry, snack on peanuts, stop in at Shoo's for a couple of beers, and then enjoy dinner at the Globe, topped off with cigars.

A new Shorpy picture of a retail block is always a delight! I try to be as thorough as possible on the first look, but there’s always stuff that only strikes my eye on later viewings.

Right now I’m taken by the fancy electrified façade of the Franklin Laundry. I mean, why would you take your clothes anywhere else?

Imagine the flirting that could take place in a combined Ladies and Gentlemen’s Shoe-Shine Parlor! Oh, the glimpses of delicate, silk-clad ankle a fellow could steal! If he was lucky, and had a nickel in his pocket, he could treat her to some hot peanuts on the way out.

I’m intrigued by the “Established 1858” sign. The “18” looks painted over – must have been for some aesthetic reason, surely?