in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island

New York City in the 1930s: A Glimpse into the Lives of New Yorkers during the Depression Era

351 Views 1 Comment

The 1930s brought hardship and numerous economic challenges to New York City. The Great Depression cast a long shadow over daily life, but the city also saw remarkable feats of construction, cultural vibrancy, and social change. This period laid much of the groundwork for modern New York.

Life and Society

Life in New York City during the 1930s was challenging due to the economic hardships of the Great Depression. Unemployment rates soared, and many families struggled to make ends meet. Breadlines and soup kitchens became common sights, providing essential relief to those in need.

Neighbors often helped each other, and various social services and charity organizations worked tirelessly to support the city’s poorest residents. The Works Progress Administration (WPA), part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, provided jobs and income to many unemployed New Yorkers.

Famous Places and Landmarks

Several iconic landmarks and buildings were constructed during the 1930s, reflecting the city’s ambition and resilience. The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, became an instant symbol of New York City’s spirit. Standing at 1,454 feet, it was the tallest building in the world at the time and remains an architectural marvel.

Read more

Another significant landmark from this era is Rockefeller Center, which began construction in 1931 and was completed in 1939. This massive complex of commercial buildings includes the famous Radio City Music Hall and became a central part of the city’s business and entertainment landscape.

The Chrysler Building, though completed in 1930, continued to be a symbol of the city’s Art Deco elegance. Its striking spire and unique design made it one of the most recognizable structures in the city.

Economy and Industry

The economy of New York City was severely impacted by the Great Depression. The stock market crash of 1929 had devastating effects, leading to widespread unemployment and business failures. Many people lost their jobs and savings, and the city’s financial sector faced significant turmoil.

Despite these challenges, New York remained a vital commercial hub. The New Deal programs, including the WPA and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), provided much-needed employment and helped to stimulate the economy. These programs funded public works projects that improved the city’s infrastructure and provided jobs for thousands.

Construction projects like the Triborough Bridge (now known as the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge), which opened in 1936, were part of these efforts. This bridge connected Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, enhancing transportation and commerce.

Construction and Infrastructure

The 1930s saw significant construction and infrastructure development in New York City, driven by New Deal programs. Besides the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center, the city invested in public works to improve transportation and public spaces.

The construction of the Lincoln Tunnel, which began in 1934 and opened in 1937, provided a crucial link between Manhattan and New Jersey. This tunnel improved access to the city and eased traffic congestion on the existing bridges and roads.

LaGuardia Airport, named after Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, opened in 1939. This airport was part of a broader effort to modernize the city’s transportation infrastructure and enhance its status as a global gateway.

The city also invested in public parks and recreational facilities. Central Park saw improvements, and new parks were established throughout the boroughs, providing much-needed green spaces for residents.

Restaurants and Food

The culinary scene in New York City during the 1930s reflected both the economic challenges and the city’s cultural diversity. While many high-end restaurants struggled, more affordable dining options thrived. Diners, cafeterias, and automats became popular, offering inexpensive meals to the city’s working class.

One notable establishment was the Horn & Hardart automat, where patrons could purchase food from vending machines. These automats provided a quick and affordable dining option and became a beloved part of the city’s food culture.

Despite the economic hardships, the city’s ethnic neighborhoods continued to offer a rich array of cuisines. Italian, Jewish, Chinese, and other immigrant communities maintained their culinary traditions, providing a variety of delicious and affordable meals. Restaurants in Little Italy, Chinatown, and the Lower East Side offered everything from pasta to dim sum, reflecting the city’s multicultural heritage.

Street food also remained popular. Hot dog vendors, pretzel carts, and other street food sellers provided quick and cheap meals for New Yorkers on the go. Nathan’s Famous, which started as a small hot dog stand in Coney Island, became a citywide favorite during this time.

Entertainment and Leisure

Entertainment was a vital part of life in New York City during the 1930s, offering a respite from the harsh economic realities. Broadway remained a major attraction, with theaters presenting a variety of plays and musicals. Despite the Depression, the entertainment industry found ways to thrive, and shows like “Anything Goes” and “Porgy and Bess” became hits.

Radio City Music Hall, part of Rockefeller Center, opened in 1932 and quickly became one of the city’s premier entertainment venues. Known for its lavish stage shows and movie screenings, it offered a glamorous escape for many New Yorkers.

Movies were incredibly popular during the 1930s. The advent of “talkies” and the establishment of grand movie palaces provided an affordable form of entertainment. The Roxy Theatre and the Paramount Theatre were among the many places where New Yorkers could watch the latest films.

Jazz music continued to flourish, with Harlem being the epicenter of this cultural explosion. Clubs like the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater showcased legendary performers such as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Louis Armstrong. These venues were not only entertainment spots but also crucial spaces for cultural expression and social gathering.

Coney Island remained a beloved destination for leisure and fun. Its amusement parks, beaches, and boardwalks offered an affordable escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The Wonder Wheel and Cyclone roller coaster were particularly popular attractions.

Social Issues and Reforms

The Great Depression brought many social issues to the forefront, and New York City was no exception. Unemployment and poverty were rampant, and many families struggled to survive. However, this period also saw significant efforts toward social reform and community support.

The New Deal programs provided much-needed relief to the city’s residents. The WPA and CCC not only created jobs but also funded projects that improved the city’s infrastructure and public spaces. These programs played a crucial role in helping the city recover from the economic downturn.

Housing was a major issue during the 1930s. Overcrowded and inadequate living conditions were common, especially in immigrant neighborhoods. The city began to address this problem through public housing projects. The construction of affordable housing units provided better living conditions for many low-income families.

Education remained a priority. Despite the economic challenges, the city continued to invest in its public schools. Efforts were made to ensure that children received a basic education, which was seen as crucial for the city’s future.

Health and Public Services

Public health saw improvements during the 1930s, driven by both government initiatives and private organizations. Efforts to combat diseases like tuberculosis and influenza led to better sanitation and public health measures. The establishment of public hospitals and clinics provided more people with access to medical care, improving overall public health.

The city also expanded its fire and police services. The fire department modernized its equipment and training, making it more effective in responding to fires. The police department continued to professionalize, with efforts to reduce corruption and improve public safety.

Education was a priority in New York City during the 1930s. Public schools expanded, providing more children with access to education. Compulsory education laws ensured that children spent time in school rather than working in factories or on the streets.

Higher education institutions also grew during this period. Columbia University and New York University expanded their campuses and programs, attracting students from around the country and the world. These institutions played a crucial role in the intellectual and cultural life of the city.

Fashion and Lifestyle

Fashion in the 1930s reflected both the economic hardships and a desire for elegance. Women’s fashion saw the rise of more practical and affordable clothing, yet Hollywood glamor influenced styles with evening gowns and tailored suits. Men’s fashion emphasized a more relaxed and streamlined silhouette compared to the previous decade.

New York City in the 1930s was a place of immense growth and transformation. The developments in construction, economy, culture, and public services during this period laid the foundation for New York’s future as a global metropolis. The city’s resilience, diversity, and innovation were evident in every aspect of life, making it a unique and dynamic place to live.

#4 Traffic before Brooklyn Borough Hall on Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, circa 1935.

Traffic Before Brooklyn Borough Hall On Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, Circa 1935.

1 Point
Upvote Downvote

#10 People entering Yankee Stadium for World Series, 1930s

People Entering Yankee Stadium For World Series, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#11 Young men promoting J S Krum Chocolatier, Bronx, circa 1935.

Young Men Promoting J S Krum Chocolatier, Bronx, Circa 1935.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#22 Hillside Housing Inc., Boston Post Road, Bronx, 1930s.

Hillside Housing Inc., Boston Post Road, Bronx, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#23 Third Avenue Elevated Line station information, 1930s

Third Avenue Elevated Line Station Information, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#28 Furniture of evicted tenants on the street, Bronx, 1932.

Furniture Of Evicted Tenants On The Street, Bronx, 1932.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#31 Work with schools by Bronx Traveling Library, 1930s

Work With Schools By Bronx Traveling Library, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#37 Kingsbridge Road, looking northeast from Fordham Road, Bronx, 1930.

Kingsbridge Road, Looking Northeast From Fordham Road, Bronx, 1930.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#38 Warehouse district, Water and Dock Streets, Brooklyn, looking west under Brooklyn Bridge to Lower Manhattan, New York City, 1936

Warehouse District, Water And Dock Streets, Brooklyn, Looking West Under Brooklyn Bridge To Lower Manhattan, New York City, 1936

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#39 Entrance View of Ebbets Field Baseball Stadium, Brooklyn, 1930s

Entrance View Of Ebbets Field Baseball Stadium, Brooklyn, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#40 Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan Skyline View from Brooklyn, circa 1930

Brooklyn Bridge And Lower Manhattan Skyline View From Brooklyn, Circa 1930

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#41 Downtown Brooklyn View from Hotel St George, circa 1930

Downtown Brooklyn View From Hotel St George, Circa 1930

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#42 Northward View Along South Street with Brooklyn Bridge at Center, early to mid 20th century

Northward View Along South Street With Brooklyn Bridge At Center, Early To Mid 20Th Century

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#45 Union Organizer Urging Longshore Workers to Join, Brooklyn, 1930s

Union Organizer Urging Longshore Workers To Join, Brooklyn, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#46 Cherry Blossom Trees in Brooklyn Botanic Garden, circa 1935

Cherry Blossom Trees In Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Circa 1935

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#47 Annual Police Field Games at Gravesend Avenue and King’s Highway, Brooklyn, circa 1935

Annual Police Field Games At Gravesend Avenue And King'S Highway, Brooklyn, Circa 1935

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#48 People outside a fishing tackle shop on Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, circa 1935.

People Outside A Fishing Tackle Shop On Emmons Avenue In Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Circa 1935.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#49 View through the girders of Fulton Street Station, on the Fifth Avenue Line elevated railway in Brooklyn, circa 1935.

View Through The Girders Of Fulton Street Station, On The Fifth Avenue Line Elevated Railway In Brooklyn, Circa 1935.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#50 Opening day at Ebbets Field with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Brooklyn, 1939

Opening Day At Ebbets Field With The Brooklyn Dodgers, Brooklyn, 1939

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#51 Men stacking barrels at a shipping yard in Brooklyn, circa 1936.

Men Stacking Barrels At A Shipping Yard In Brooklyn, Circa 1936.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#52 Fourth Avenue, No. 154, Brooklyn, 29th October 1936.

Fourth Avenue, No. 154, Brooklyn, 29Th October 1936.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#53 View towards Manhattan from rooftops in Brooklyn, 8th May 1936.

View Towards Manhattan From Rooftops In Brooklyn, 8Th May 1936.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#54 Women protest against high meat prices in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, circa 1937.

Women Protest Against High Meat Prices In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Circa 1937.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#55 Crowd at Bennett Field in Brooklyn welcomes Howard Hughes, 14th July 1938.

Crowd At Bennett Field In Brooklyn Welcomes Howard Hughes, 14Th July 1938.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#56 Entrance arch to Prospect Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Brooklyn, circa 1930.

Entrance Arch To Prospect Park, One Of The Largest Municipal Parks In Brooklyn, Circa 1930.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#57 Tinker looks over his shoulder while tying a box to his wagon in Brooklyn, circa 1936.

Tinker Looks Over His Shoulder While Tying A Box To His Wagon In Brooklyn, Circa 1936.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#58 Coney Island in Brooklyn can have 400,000 visitors on a weekend day, circa 1933.

Coney Island In Brooklyn Can Have 400,000 Visitors On A Weekend Day, Circa 1933.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#60 Two-Story Wood Frame Houses with Towers at Ends, Next to ‘Would You Want to Live in a Churchless Nation?’ Sign

Two-Story Wood Frame Houses With Towers At Ends, Next To 'Would You Want To Live In A Churchless Nation?' Sign

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#61 People Promenading on the Boardwalk at Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1938

People Promenading On The Boardwalk At Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1938

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#63 Union Organizer Urges Longshore Workers to Join Union, Brooklyn, 1930s

Union Organizer Urges Longshore Workers To Join Union, Brooklyn, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#64 Luna Park in Early Evening, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1930s

Luna Park In Early Evening, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#67 Bank of the United States closes in Brooklyn following Wall Street crash, December 11, 1930

Bank Of The United States Closes In Brooklyn Following Wall Street Crash, December 11, 1930

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#68 African American Woman and Two Children on Talman Street, Brooklyn, ca. 1936

African American Woman And Two Children On Talman Street, Brooklyn, Ca. 1936

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#69 Cobblestone Streets and Clapboard Buildings at Graham and Metropolitan Avenues, Brooklyn, 1937

Cobblestone Streets And Clapboard Buildings At Graham And Metropolitan Avenues, Brooklyn, 1937

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#70 Victims and Survivors of Morro Castle Disaster Docked in Brooklyn, 1934

Victims And Survivors Of Morro Castle Disaster Docked In Brooklyn, 1934

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#72 Midtown Manhattan skyline with Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 1933

Midtown Manhattan Skyline With Rockefeller Center And St. Patrick'S Cathedral, 1933

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#74 Macdougal Alley, between West 8th Street and Washington Square North, Manhattan, 1936

Macdougal Alley, Between West 8Th Street And Washington Square North, Manhattan, 1936

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#78 40th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, from Salmon Tower 11 West 42nd Street, 1930s

40Th Street Between Sixth And Seventh Avenues, From Salmon Tower 11 West 42Nd Street, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#79 Seventh Avenue looking south from 35th Street, 1930s

Seventh Avenue Looking South From 35Th Street, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#81 Oldest apartment house in 142 East 18th Street, 1930s

Oldest Apartment House In 142 East 18Th Street, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#84 Starrett-Lehigh Building, 601 West 26th Street, 1930s

Starrett-Lehigh Building, 601 West 26Th Street, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#86 28th Street looking east from Second Avenue, Manhattan, 1931

28Th Street Looking East From Second Avenue, Manhattan, 1931

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#89 Church of God, 25 East 132nd Street, Manhattan, 1936

Church Of God, 25 East 132Nd Street, Manhattan, 1936

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#90 Downtown Skyport, Pier 11, East River, Manhattan, 1936

Downtown Skyport, Pier 11, East River, Manhattan, 1936

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#92 Herald Square, 34th and Broadway, Manhattan, 1936

Herald Square, 34Th And Broadway, Manhattan, 1936

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#94 The New York Central Building at center, 230 Park Avenue – East 45th Street, Manhattan

The New York Central Building At Center, 230 Park Avenue - East 45Th Street, Manhattan

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#95 Tri-boro Barber School, 264 Bowery, Manhattan, 1935

Tri-Boro Barber School, 264 Bowery, Manhattan, 1935

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#96 Union Square, 14th Street and Broadway, Manhattan, 1936

Union Square, 14Th Street And Broadway, Manhattan, 1936

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#98 Communist demonstration in Harlem at the funeral of Allad Luro, Manhattan, 1930s

Communist Demonstration In Harlem At The Funeral Of Allad Luro, Manhattan, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#99 Unemployed queue outside employment agency at 60 Lafayette Street, Manhattan, 1930

Unemployed Queue Outside Employment Agency At 60 Lafayette Street, Manhattan, 1930

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#100 Fifth Avenue at 57th Street looking west, Manhattan, 1938

Fifth Avenue At 57Th Street Looking West, Manhattan, 1938

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#101 Gathering outside Hip Sing Association Headquarters in Chinatown, Manhattan, 1931

Gathering Outside Hip Sing Association Headquarters In Chinatown, Manhattan, 1931

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#102 View of the George Washington Bridge looking south from Manhattan, 1930s

View Of The George Washington Bridge Looking South From Manhattan, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#103 Two people purchase items from a vendor on Manhattan’s Eastside, 1930s

Two People Purchase Items From A Vendor On Manhattan'S Eastside, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#104 Union Parade on Fifth Avenue, members of the American Federation of Labor Unions participate in a parade, Manhattan, 1939

Union Parade On Fifth Avenue, Members Of The American Federation Of Labor Unions Participate In A Parade, Manhattan, 1939

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#105 General Post Office Building, cars passing and an inscription above the colonnade bears the U.S. Postal Service Creed on Eighth Avenue, Manhattan, 1935

General Post Office Building, Cars Passing And An Inscription Above The Colonnade Bears The U.s. Postal Service Creed On Eighth Avenue, Manhattan, 1935

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#106 Billboards on Times Square, including an advertisement for Camel Cigarettes, Manhattan, 1939

Billboards On Times Square, Including An Advertisement For Camel Cigarettes, Manhattan, 1939

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#107 High angle view looking west in Greenwich Village, intersection of Grove Street and Seventh Avenue South, Manhattan, 1936

High Angle View Looking West In Greenwich Village, Intersection Of Grove Street And Seventh Avenue South, Manhattan, 1936

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#108 Boarded residential building on the corner of Madison Avenue and East 133rd Street, Harlem, Manhattan, 1938

Boarded Residential Building On The Corner Of Madison Avenue And East 133Rd Street, Harlem, Manhattan, 1938

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#109 Harlem Street: II, 422-424 Lenox Avenue, Manhattan, 1938

Harlem Street: Ii, 422-424 Lenox Avenue, Manhattan, 1938

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#110 Lyric Theatre, Third Avenue between 12th and 13th Street, Manhattan, 1936

Lyric Theatre, Third Avenue Between 12Th And 13Th Street, Manhattan, 1936

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#111 Duffy Square part of Times Square, gaudy signs for beverages and movies confront pedestrians, cars, and taxis, Manhattan, 1930s

Duffy Square Part Of Times Square, Gaudy Signs For Beverages And Movies Confront Pedestrians, Cars, And Taxis, Manhattan, 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#112 Teen boys playing street hockey in Queens, 1930s.

Teen Boys Playing Street Hockey In Queens, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#113 The 1939 World’s Fair Constitution Mall pond with statues and the Trylon and Perisphere in the background, 1939.

The 1939 World'S Fair Constitution Mall Pond With Statues And The Trylon And Perisphere In The Background, 1939.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#122 The southwest corner of 81st Street and 34th Avenue, 1930s.

The Southwest Corner Of 81St Street And 34Th Avenue, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#150 Far Rockaway Bouleva and Mott Avenue, Queens, 1930s.

Far Rockaway Bouleva And Mott Avenue, Queens, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#151 Grand Central Parkway and Alpine Avenue, Queens, 1930s.

Grand Central Parkway And Alpine Avenue, Queens, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#152 New York World’s Fair grounds, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens, 1939.

New York World'S Fair Grounds, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens, 1939.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#153 New York World’s Fair of 1939-40, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens.

New York World'S Fair Of 1939-40, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#154 American Telephone and Telegraph Company Exhibit, New York World’s Fair of 1939-40, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens.

American Telephone And Telegraph Company Exhibit, New York World'S Fair Of 1939-40, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#155 The New England corner at Lawrence and Rodman Streets, New York World’s Fair of 1939-40, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens.

The New England Corner At Lawrence And Rodman Streets, New York World'S Fair Of 1939-40, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#156 Brazil Building, New York World’s Fair of 1939-40, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens.

Brazil Building, New York World'S Fair Of 1939-40, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#158 Grand Central Parkway and 77th Street, Queens, 1930s.

Grand Central Parkway And 77Th Street, Queens, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#159 Greenpoint Avenue and Van Dam Street, Queens, 1930s.

Greenpoint Avenue And Van Dam Street, Queens, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#160 Hillside Avenue and 161st Street, Queens, 1930s.

Hillside Avenue And 161St Street, Queens, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#162 Grasmere, Hylan Boulevard just north of Old Town Road, circa 1937.

Grasmere, Hylan Boulevard Just North Of Old Town Road, Circa 1937.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#163 The Swiss Chalet on 18 Nelson Avenue, a Great Kills Mainstay for Many Years, Early on Billed as an Air-Conditioned Restaurant, 1930s.

The Swiss Chalet On 18 Nelson Avenue, A Great Kills Mainstay For Many Years, Early On Billed As An Air-Conditioned Restaurant, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#164 Loading Vehicles at the 69th St. Ferry at St. George, 1933.

Loading Vehicles At The 69Th St. Ferry At St. George, 1933.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#168 Holtermann’s Bakery at 405 Arthur Kill Rd. 1930s

Holtermann'S Bakery At 405 Arthur Kill Rd. 1930S

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#171 Department of Health Building at St. George Ferry Terminal, 1937.

Department Of Health Building At St. George Ferry Terminal, 1937.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#172 Tottenville Residents Walk on Frozen-Over Raritan Bay, Ship Waits for Ice to Thaw, 1936.

Tottenville Residents Walk On Frozen-Over Raritan Bay, Ship Waits For Ice To Thaw, 1936.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#173 Future site of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, 1938.

Future Site Of The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, 1938.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#174 Castlelon Avenue, East from Taylor Street, 1935.

Castlelon Avenue, East From Taylor Street, 1935.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#177 A line of cars moves slowly toward Port Richmond in the Bayonne Bridge’s first traffic jam, on opening day, Nov. 14, 1931.

A Line Of Cars Moves Slowly Toward Port Richmond In The Bayonne Bridge'S First Traffic Jam, On Opening Day, Nov. 14, 1931.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#179 People possibly hanging Christmas decorations outside 91 Richmond Ave, 1939

People Possibly Hanging Christmas Decorations Outside 91 Richmond Ave, 1939

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#180 Jersey Street, New Brighton Being Repaired, 1934.

Jersey Street, New Brighton Being Repaired, 1934.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#181 Richmond Terrace between York Avenue and Jersey Street, 1930s.

Richmond Terrace Between York Avenue And Jersey Street, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#182 St. George Theatre on Hyatt Street with Stars Like Gary Cooper and Mary Pickford, Borough Hall in the Middle, Other Popular Spots Included Palace, Richmond and Strand in Various Locations, 1935.

St. George Theatre On Hyatt Street With Stars Like Gary Cooper And Mary Pickford, Borough Hall In The Middle, Other Popular Spots Included Palace, Richmond And Strand In Various Locations, 1935.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#183 Richmond Terrace, St. George, a Busy Shopping Area, 1934.

Richmond Terrace, St. George, A Busy Shopping Area, 1934.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#184 Guyon Avenue, Looking Towards Amboy Road, Oakwood, 1932

Guyon Avenue, Looking Towards Amboy Road, Oakwood, 1932

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#186 Village Hall, Stapleton, constructed in 1889, served as a community center and health clinic, renamed for James J. Tappen in 1934, a New York City Landmark, 1910.

Village Hall, Stapleton, Constructed In 1889, Served As A Community Center And Health Clinic, Renamed For James J. Tappen In 1934, A New York City Landmark, 1910.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#187 German Clubrooms, constructed in 1874, home to cultural activities, destroyed by fire in 1932.

German Clubrooms, Constructed In 1874, Home To Cultural Activities, Destroyed By Fire In 1932.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#188 Staten Island’s East Shore Was a Summer Destination with Beaches, Amusement Attractions, Restaurants, and Resorts; Various Factors Led to Decline, 1938

Staten Island'S East Shore Was A Summer Destination With Beaches, Amusement Attractions, Restaurants, And Resorts; Various Factors Led To Decline, 1938

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#189 Lunch Counter in St. George Terminal, Staten Island Ferry, 1934.

Lunch Counter In St. George Terminal, Staten Island Ferry, 1934.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#190 A Portion of the Sea View Farm Colony, Pictured in 1933, Now Off-Limits.

A Portion Of The Sea View Farm Colony, Pictured In 1933, Now Off-Limits.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#191 Borough Hall in St George neighborhood, seen from the intersection of Bay and Hyatt streets, Staten Island, 1930s.

Borough Hall In St George Neighborhood, Seen From The Intersection Of Bay And Hyatt Streets, Staten Island, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#192 Elevated view from Victory Boulevard, at its intersection with Central Avenue and Bay Street, Staten Island, 1930s.

Elevated View From Victory Boulevard, At Its Intersection With Central Avenue And Bay Street, Staten Island, 1930S.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#193 Times Square Stores at the intersection of Vreeland Street and Richmond Avenue, Port Richmond, Staten Island, 1936.

Times Square Stores At The Intersection Of Vreeland Street And Richmond Avenue, Port Richmond, Staten Island, 1936.

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

#195 Sands Street Navy YMCA View from Gold Street, Brooklyn, circa 1935

Sands Street Navy Ymca View From Gold Street, Brooklyn, Circa 1935

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#197 Court Street at Borough Hall Showing Trolley Car and Cars, Brooklyn, 1930s

Court Street At Borough Hall Showing Trolley Car And Cars, Brooklyn, 1930S

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#198 Looking down Pike Street toward the Manhattan Bridge, 1936

Looking Down Pike Street Toward The Manhattan Bridge, 1936

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#200 Night street scene on Broadway looking south to Times Square, Manhattan, 1934

Night Street Scene On Broadway Looking South To Times Square, Manhattan, 1934

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#201 Traffic jam on Fifth Avenue looking north from 37th Street, Manhattan, 1930s

Traffic Jam On Fifth Avenue Looking North From 37Th Street, Manhattan, 1930S

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#202 View down Doyers Street in Chinatown, Manhattan, 1930s

View Down Doyers Street In Chinatown, Manhattan, 1930S

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#203 Traffic and a tour bus on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, 1935

Traffic And A Tour Bus On Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, 1935

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#204 Shopping crowds at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street during the Emergency Banking Act four-day bank holiday, Manhattan, 1933

Shopping Crowds At Fifth Avenue And 42Nd Street During The Emergency Banking Act Four-Day Bank Holiday, Manhattan, 1933

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#205 Elevated view of traffic on Fifth Avenue on Easter Sunday, Manhattan, 1935

Elevated View Of Traffic On Fifth Avenue On Easter Sunday, Manhattan, 1935

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#206 Exterior view of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Manhattan, 1937

Exterior View Of The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, Manhattan, 1937

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#207 Intersection of Victory Boulevard and Forest Avenue, 1937.

Intersection Of Victory Boulevard And Forest Avenue, 1937.

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#208 Bay Street Looking West Towards Victory Blvd., 1930s.

Bay Street Looking West Towards Victory Blvd., 1930S.

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#209 Richmond Avenue (Now Port Richmond Avenue) a Few Days before Christmas, 1930s.

Richmond Avenue (Now Port Richmond Avenue) A Few Days Before Christmas, 1930S.

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#211 Downtown Port Richmond bustling shopping area during the Depression, circa 1930s.

Downtown Port Richmond Bustling Shopping Area During The Depression, Circa 1930S.

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#212 Left Turn on Green Light Only at Targee Street and Vanderbilt Avenue, Stapleton, 1937.

Left Turn On Green Light Only At Targee Street And Vanderbilt Avenue, Stapleton, 1937.

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#213 Looking North on Bay Street at Vanderbilt Avenue, Stapleton, 1938.

Looking North On Bay Street At Vanderbilt Avenue, Stapleton, 1938.

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#214 Bayonne Bridge Traffic Jam: Opening Day After Construction, 1931.

Bayonne Bridge Traffic Jam: Opening Day After Construction, 1931.

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

Written by Adriana Palmer

Blogger, Editor and Environmentalist. A writer by day and an enthusiastic reader by night. Following the Jim Roh's prophecy “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”

Leave a Reply

Comment using name and email. Or Register an account

GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings

One Comment