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What Brooklyn looked like at the Turn of the 20th Century

As the new century dawned in 1900, Brooklyn had recently become a part of the City of Greater New York, joining with Manhattan and other boroughs in 1898. The amalgamation was a historic moment that would shape the future of the metropolis in more ways than one.

One of the most striking features of Brooklyn in the 1900s was its architecture. Elegant brownstones, with their iconic stoops and intricate ironwork, lined the streets of neighborhoods like Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights. These homes, often built for wealthy families, showcased the prosperity of the time. In contrast, tenement buildings, crammed with newly arrived immigrants, spoke of the struggles many faced. These tall, brick buildings were often overcrowded and lacked proper sanitation, highlighting the stark differences in living conditions.

Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, stood as a symbol of progress and connection. This marvel of engineering, with its towering granite towers and graceful steel cables, linked Brooklyn to Manhattan, opening up a world of possibilities. People flocked to Brooklyn Bridge, strolling across its pedestrian walkway, marveling at the views of the bustling harbor below. It was a place for families to enjoy a Sunday outing, for couples to steal a romantic moment, and for dreamers to gaze towards the horizon, filled with hope for the future.

Brooklynites in the 1900s enjoyed a diverse culinary scene. Neighborhood markets overflowed with fresh produce, meats, and fish, catering to the diverse tastes of its residents. The aroma of freshly baked rye bread wafted from local bakeries, tempting passersby. Pickles, a staple of the New York diet, were sold from barrels on street corners, their tangy scent filling the air. Italian immigrants brought their love of pasta and pizza, while Jewish delis offered up hearty pastrami on rye. Food was a way to connect with one’s heritage and share it with others, adding another layer to the cultural tapestry of Brooklyn.

Life in Brooklyn wasn’t all sunshine and roses. The early 1900s saw a series of labor strikes, highlighting the growing tension between workers and factory owners. Textile workers in Williamsburg, known for its booming garment industry, walked off their jobs demanding better wages and working conditions. These strikes, often met with resistance from authorities, showcased the struggle for fair treatment and the growing power of organized labor.

Despite the challenges, Brooklyn in the 1900s was a place of incredible innovation. The first subway line in Brooklyn, the IRT Lexington Avenue Line, opened in 1904, revolutionizing transportation. People could now travel quickly and efficiently, connecting different parts of the sprawling borough. The opening of Prospect Park in 1867, designed by the same architects as Central Park, provided a much-needed green oasis for residents. Families picnicked on its grassy meadows, children sailed toy boats on the lake, and couples strolled hand-in-hand through its picturesque gardens.

Entertainment flourished in Brooklyn during this era. Coney Island, with its dazzling amusement parks and boardwalk attractions, became a popular destination for thrill-seekers. From the dizzying heights of the Wonder Wheel to the wild rides of Luna Park, Coney Island offered a taste of escape and pure enjoyment. Vaudeville theaters, with their mix of music, comedy, and acrobatic performances, attracted large crowds. These venues, often located along Fulton Street, provided an affordable source of entertainment for people from all walks of life.

#2 Taking a patient’s pulse, Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, 1901

#3 Brooklyn Bridge Design by John Augustus Roebling, 1901

#4 Italian Immigrants on South Street near Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1901

#5 Aerial view of First Culver Line Terminal in Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1900s

#11 Brooklyn Navy Yard. Vew from Sands Street entrance, 1904

#14 Manhattan, East River and Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn, 1904

#16 River Crossing, 1907. Brooklyn Bridge, East River, New York.

#17 Turnaround Time, 1906. Williamsburg Bridge Plaza in Brooklyn, New York.

#18 East River from Brooklyn tower of Williamsburg Bridge, 1903

#19 New East River bridge from Brooklyn, 1902. The Williamsburg Bridge under construction.

#20 A group of patients, Brooklyn Navy Yard hospital, 1900

#21 Visiting a patient in Brooklyn Navy Yard hospital, 1900

#22 Group of patients, Brooklyn Navy Yard hospital, 1900.

#23 Stewards and nurses, Brooklyn Navy Yard hospital, 1900

#24 Sick Bay, 1900. A ward in Brooklyn Navy Yard hospital.

#29 The New Montauk theater in Brooklyn at Livingston Street and Hanover Place, 1905

#34 Post Office and Eagle Building. Brooklyn, N.Y.” At the Alcazar Theatre, 1906

#35 Three New York-Brooklyn bridges from Brooklyn, 1908

#36 Newsboys selling on Brooklyn Bridge at 3 a.m. on Sunday, February 23, 1908.

#45 Southeast View from East River Bridge Tower, Brooklyn Bridge, 1901

#47 Uniformed Cyclists at a Coney Island Parade, 1901

#49 Concert Grove House in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 1901

#50 Suspension Bridge, Now Known as Brooklyn Bridge, 1901

#51 Bird’s-Eye View of Brooklyn Bridge from Tribune Building, 1901

#56 Young Women Eating Lunch on Coney Island Beach, circa 1900

#57 People Enjoying Ocean Beach at Coney Island, circa 1900

#58 Doctor Taking Patient’s Pulse at Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, circa 1900

#59 Portrait of Stewards at Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, circa 1900

#60 Young Revelers Dressed as Pirates at Coney Island, circa 1900

#61 Pedestrians on Coney Island Boardwalk, circa 1900

#62 Pedestrians on Brooklyn Bridge Promenade, circa 1900

#63 People Relaxing on Brooklyn Bridge Promenade, circa 1900

#66 Manhattan Beach Hotel Lawn View, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1900s

#68 Riverfront View South from Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1900

#69 Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch, Brooklyn, 1900

#71 Brooklyn Bridge Spanning the East River, Brooklyn, 1901

#77 Cleft Ridge Span in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 1902

#79 Brighton Beach Hotel, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1903

#80 Electric Tower at Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1903

#81 Firefighters at Work in Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1903

#83 Hotel and Boardwalk at Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, 1903

#85 Beer Delivery on Ocean Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1904

#86 Dreamland Theme Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#88 Manhattan Entrance to Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1905

#93 Amusement Parks View from Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1900s

#94 View of City Hall Park focusing on the Pulitzer Building, Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, 1900s

#95 View of Brooklyn Bridge from the Brooklyn side with Governor’s Island and Manhattan in the background, Brooklyn, early 1900s

#96 Moored sailboats in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, early 1900s

#97 View of the Oriental Hotel and grounds along the coast of Manhattan Beach, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1900s

#98 Pedestrians at Manhattan Beach Hotel grounds, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1900s

#99 American transport ship Missouri docked at Dows Stores grain elevator, Brooklyn, 1900s

#101 Pedestrians walking across Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1905

#102 Pedestrians walking across Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1905

#103 Whirl of the Whirl ride at Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#104 The Old Mill ride at Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#105 Promenade at Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#106 Miniature Railway at Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#107 Three young girls wading into water at Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#110 New York tower of Brooklyn Bridge over the East River, Brooklyn, 1909

#111 Methodist Episcopal Church on Washington St., Brooklyn, 1909

#113 Brooklyn Bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, Brooklyn, circa 1900

#114 Offices of Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper, Brooklyn, 1909

#115 Manhattan skyline viewed from Brooklyn, Brooklyn, 1909

#117 Dreamland amusement park at Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#119 Brooklyn Bridge vista crossing the East River, Brooklyn, 1900s

#120 Vintage photo of Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1900s

#122 Patients at Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, Brooklyn, 1900

#123 Interior of a modern home in Brooklyn, Brooklyn, early 1900s

#124 Commandant’s Residence at Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn, 1900s

#125 Johnstown Flood reenactment on Surf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1902

#127 Brooklyn Bridge and East River, Brooklyn, circa 1905

#128 Johnstown Flood reenactment on Surf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1902

#129 Torpedo boats at Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn, circa 1900

#130 Brooklyn Bridge and East River, Brooklyn, April 1909

#133 Pedestrians Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1905

#134 Operating Room at Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, Brooklyn, 1900

#135 Launching of Battleship Arizona from Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn, 1909

#137 Filming Auto Race at Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, 1910s

#138 Family with Chauffeurs and Their 1918 Buick, Possibly Brooklyn, 1909

#139 Bird’s Eye View of Flatbush Ave with Streetcars, Brooklyn, 1909

#140 Brooklyn Bridge and Elevated Road to Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn, 1909

#141 Art Inspired by Johnstown Flood at Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1902

#142 New York Skyscrapers Viewed from Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, Early 1900s

#143 Surf Avenue at Coney Island on a Rainy Day, Brooklyn, 1904

#144 Saint Finbar’s Roman Catholic Church, Bath Beach, Brooklyn, 1909

#146 Pedestrians Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1905

#147 Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Brooklyn, 1910

#148 Sailors Convalescing at Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, Brooklyn, 1900

#149 Bird’s-Eye View from Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 20th Century

#150 Launching Battleship Arizona at Brooklyn Navy Yards, Brooklyn, 1909

#152 Brooklyn Public Library, South Branch, Brooklyn, 1910

#154 Art Inspired by Brooklyn Bridge and Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn, 1896

#155 Ferry Boat Approaching Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1905

#156 Commandant’s Residence at Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn, 1896

#157 Operation at Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, Brooklyn, 1900

#158 Manhattan View Across Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1903

#159 Entrance to Dreamland Amusement Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#160 Hotel and Boardwalk at Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, 1903

#161 Submarine Boat Building at Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1900

#166 Ball Game in Camp at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, 1908

#168 John Hummel at Bat, Brooklyn National League, 1913

#169 South Street and Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1901

#172 Mess Room at Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, Brooklyn, 1900

#173 Men Queuing for Food Handouts Next to Brooklyn Bridge, 1930s

#177 Marine Guard Company Drill on U.S.S. Brooklyn, 1900

#180 Brooklyn Bridge with New Haven Steamboat Line Pier, 1900s

#185 Women Posing at Bush Terminal Rail Yard, Brooklyn, 1900s

#187 Children’s Field Day Wheel-Barrow Race in Brooklyn, 1900s

#188 Piers Along South Street with Brooklyn Bridge, 1908

#189 Portrait of Stewards at Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, Brooklyn, 1900

#190 Brooklyn Public Library, Bedford Branch, Brooklyn, 1910

#191 Luna Park Electric Tower, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1903

#192 Arturo Alfonso Schomburg at Ionic Temple, Brooklyn, 1900s

#194 Children’s Field Day 50-Yard Final in Brooklyn, 1900s

#196 Luna Park Electric Tower, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#197 Home of Mayor William Jay Gaynor, Brooklyn, 1910s

#198 Entrance to Prospect Park with Memorial Arch, Brooklyn, 1900

#199 Elephant Ride at Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#200 Ring-Toss Race at Brooklyn Public School Field Day, 1900s

#201 Luna Park Promenade in Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#202 View of New York Harbor from Brooklyn Waterfront, 1900

#203 Riverfront View South from Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1900

#204 Boardwalk at Dreamland in Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1910

#205 Cocoa and Chocolate Manufacturing for Government at Dean Street, Brooklyn, 1900s

#206 Jake Daubert Receives New Chalmers Car at World Series, Brooklyn, 1909

#207 View of East River and Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1903

#208 Illuminated Towers at Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#209 Whirl of the Whirl in Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#212 Dr. Charles T. Russell Preaching at Brooklyn Tabernacle, 1919

#213 Brooklyn Daily Eagle Newspaper Offices, Brooklyn, 1909

#214 Loop the Loop at Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#216 Entrance to Luna Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#217 Miniature Railway at Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#218 Joseph James Ettor Speaks During Brooklyn Barbers’ Strike, 1909

#220 Old Mill at Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#221 Luna Park Camel Ride in Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#222 Roasting Cocoa Beans at Rockwood Chocolate, Brooklyn, 1918

#223 South Street and Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1900

#225 Cocoa Manufacturing at Dean Street, Brooklyn, 1918

#226 Joseph James Ettor Speaks During Brooklyn Barbers’ Strike, 1900

#228 Mixing Chocolate at E. Greenfield’s Sons, Brooklyn, 1900s

#229 Three Friends on Beach in Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#231 Firemen Battling Fire in Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1903

#232 Chocolate Manufacturing at E. Greenfield’s Sons, Brooklyn, 1918

#234 Observation Tower at Steeplechase Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1901

#235 Portrait of Lifeguards at Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1900

#236 Luna Park Entrance in Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#237 Manhattan Entrance to Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, 1905

#238 E. Greenfield’s Sons’ Trucks, Brooklyn, 1918

#240 Boiler Room at E. Greenfield’s Sons, Brooklyn, 1900s

#241 U.S.S. Brooklyn, Apprentice Boys at School, 1900s

#242 Making Cream at E. Greenfield’s Sons, Brooklyn, 1900s

#243 Wallace and Company Cocoa Bean Roaster, Brooklyn, 1900s

#244 Rear of Plant at E. Greenfield’s Sons, Brooklyn, 1900s

#245 Operating Room in Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, 1900s

#246 Grinding Mill at Pirika Chocolate Co., Brooklyn, 1900s

#248 Preparing Centers for Delatour Chocolates, Brooklyn, 1900s

#249 Baseball Executives at October 9 Event, Brooklyn, 1900s

#253 Mixing Chocolate at E. Greenfield’s Sons, Brooklyn, 1900s

#258 Rear of Plant at E. Greenfield’s Sons, Brooklyn, 1900s

#259 Riot Drill at Brooklyn Navy Yard on U.S.S. Boston, 1900s

#261 Mothers Heading to Sea Breeze, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#263 Mothers Heading to Sea Breeze, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#264 Night at Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1905

#265 Operating room in Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, 1900.

Operating Room In Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, 1900.

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#266 Operation, 1900. Operating room, Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital.

Operation, 1900. Operating Room, Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital.

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#267 High-Angle View Looking Southeast Across Brooklyn, 1900

High-Angle View Looking Southeast Across Brooklyn, 1900

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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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