From "Modern Framed Structures" by Johnson, Bryan and Turneaure, John Wiley & Sons, 9th Edition, 1916:
P. 14 & 15
Working stress for tension members is usually placed at from 16,000 to 20,000 psi. "It should be understood that this discussion relates to ELASTIC strength and not ULTIMATE strength..."
P. 33
"In compression members the yield point (practically the ultimate strength)is reached with a load of 22,000 psi..."
From "Steel and Timber Structures" by Hool and Kinne, McGraw-Hill, 2nd Edition, 1942, Table 3 page 5:
Unit Stress Allowed on Steel by Various Cities (ksi)
Chicago Dallas Denver Detroit New York San Fran
Tension 18 18 18 18 18 20
Compres. 18 18 18 15 18 18
These valuses are from the noted cities building codes adopted between 1929-1941.
It is interesting to compare them to today's values and also interesting to see the values for San Franciso.
Just some more food for thought.