in New York City

Exploring the Street Life of New York City in 1938 through the Lens of FAP

1938 was a year of transition for New York City.  The grip of the Great Depression was beginning to loosen, but its effects were still deeply felt.  The Federal Art Project (FAP) continued to play a crucial role in documenting this period of change, capturing the city’s evolving landscape and the lives of its diverse residents.

Through the lens of FAP photographers, 1938 New York comes into focus, revealing a city poised between the hardships of the past and the promise of a brighter future.

A Shifting Economic Landscape

While the Depression lingered, 1938 saw signs of economic recovery taking root in New York City.  New Deal programs, including the WPA, continued to provide employment opportunities, and new industries were beginning to emerge.  The city’s bustling port was a hub of activity, as international trade slowly regained momentum.

Neighborhoods were rebuilding, communities were coming together, and a sense of hope was beginning to blossom.  The city’s cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and music halls, continued to thrive, providing much-needed entertainment and a sense of normalcy.

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1938 was also a year of social and political change in New York City.  The labor movement was gaining momentum, with workers organizing and demanding better wages and working conditions.  The city’s political landscape was also shifting, with new voices emerging and challenging the status quo.

The FAP photographers documented these social and political changes, capturing labor rallies, protests, and the faces of those fighting for a more just and equitable society.  Their images reflected a city grappling with social issues and striving for progress.

#3 Interior of the First Avenue & 10th Street Market, 1938.

Interior of the First Avenue & 10th Street Market, 1938.

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#17 Boys playing in the wreckage of a building, 1938.

Boys playing in the wreckage of a building, 1938.

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#25 Refreshment stand: Fresh fruit orange drink, 1938

Refreshment stand: Fresh fruit orange drink, 1938

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#27 Bidding at a fruit auction on Penn R.R. Pier 6, 1938

Bidding at a fruit auction on Penn R.R. Pier 6, 1938

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#36 6th Avenue Subway construction, 17th Street, 1938

6th Avenue Subway construction, 17th Street, 1938

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#38 6th Avenue Subway construction, 16th Street, 1938

6th Avenue Subway construction, 16th Street, 1938

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#39 6th Avenue Subway construction, 32nd Street, 1938

6th Avenue Subway construction, 32nd Street, 1938

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#41 West Washington Market—Beef weighing and loading, 1938

West Washington Market—Beef weighing and loading, 1938

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#53 Fulton Fish Market: Fish peddler selling sand shark, 1938

Fulton Fish Market: Fish peddler selling sand shark, 1938

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#56 6th Avenue Subway construction, 23rd Street, 1938

6th Avenue Subway construction, 23rd Street, 1938

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#64 6th Avenue Subway construction, 53rd Street, 1938.

6th Avenue Subway construction, 53rd Street, 1938.

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#73 6th Avenue Subway construction, 17th Street, 1938.

6th Avenue Subway construction, 17th Street, 1938.

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#82 Live sheep at Pennsylvania Railroad Pier 78, 1938.

Live sheep at Pennsylvania Railroad Pier 78, 1938.

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#87 Fulton Street Fish Market: Crab, fish, and frog legs, 1938.

Fulton Street Fish Market: Crab, fish, and frog legs, 1938.

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#95 Loading fish at the Fulton Street Fish Market, 1938.

Loading fish at the Fulton Street Fish Market, 1938.

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#106 First Avenue and 10th Street Market opening, 1938.

First Avenue and 10th Street Market opening, 1938.

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#113 At the opening of the First Avenue and 10th Street Market, 1938.

At the opening of the First Avenue and 10th Street Market, 1938.

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#125 Beef weighing and loading at West Washington Market, 1938.

Beef weighing and loading at West Washington Market, 1938.

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#126 6th Avenue Subway construction at 48th Street, circa 1938.

6th Avenue Subway construction at 48th Street, circa 1938.

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#132 Waterfront scene: underneath the elevated subway, May 1938.

Waterfront scene: underneath the elevated subway, May 1938.

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#134 Waterfront scene: man working on deck, May 1938.

Waterfront scene: man working on deck, May 1938.

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#135 6th Avenue Subway construction at 40th Street, circa 1938.

6th Avenue Subway construction at 40th Street, circa 1938.

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Written by Dennis Saul

Content creator and Professional photographer who still uses Vintage film roll cameras. Not that I loved London less But that i Love New York City More.

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