in New York City

New York City During the Great Depression in Photos: A Stark Look at a City of Skyscrapers and Soup Kitchens

When the stock market crashed on October 29, 1929, New York City was the epicenter of the financial earthquake. As the nation’s financial capital, the city was the first and hardest hit. The Great Depression transformed every aspect of life in the five boroughs, creating a landscape of extreme poverty alongside incredible feats of engineering and construction.

The Immediate Aftermath

The crash on Wall Street had a direct ripple effect across the city. Bankers and brokers lost their fortunes in an instant. The crisis quickly spread beyond the financial district. Factories closed, shipping slowed, and stores laid off workers. By 1932, an estimated one million New Yorkers were unemployed.

Lines for food became a common sight. Charitable organizations and churches opened soup kitchens and breadlines to feed the hungry. These lines would often stretch for blocks, filled with people from all walks of life who were now unable to feed their families. For thousands, this became their only source of a daily meal.

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Hoovervilles: Shantytowns in the Parks

As people lost their jobs, they were evicted from their homes. Without shelter, many built shantytowns in the city’s open spaces. These communities of makeshift huts were called “Hoovervilles,” a name that bitterly mocked President Herbert Hoover’s handling of the crisis.

The largest and most famous Hooverville in New York was located in Central Park on the site of the Great Lawn, which was then an empty reservoir. Families constructed shacks from scavenged materials like wooden crates, scrap metal, and cardboard. They were desperate attempts to create a home in the heart of one of the world’s wealthiest cities.

A City of Contrasts

The Depression did not affect all New Yorkers equally. While thousands starved, the city’s wealthy elite continued to live lives of luxury. Formal balls were still held, and exclusive restaurants remained open.

This contrast was most visible in the city’s skyline. In a striking paradox, the Depression era was also the peak of New York’s skyscraper boom. Projects that had been financed during the prosperous 1920s went forward. The Chrysler Building was completed in 1930, followed by the Empire State Building in 1931. These incredible structures became symbols of hope and ambition, but they also highlighted the economic despair on the ground. For years after its completion, the Empire State Building was nicknamed the “Empty State Building” because few businesses could afford to lease office space in it. The construction of these towers did, however, provide crucial jobs for thousands of workers.

The New Deal Changes the City

The situation began to shift with the election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932 and his New Deal programs. In 1934, Fiorello La Guardia became the mayor of New York City and worked closely with the federal government to bring relief.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) had a massive impact on New York. This federal program was designed to create jobs by funding public works projects. WPA workers transformed the city’s infrastructure. They built the Triborough Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and the Grand Central Parkway. They also constructed hundreds of parks, playgrounds, and public swimming pools, many of which are still in use today. The WPA not only gave unemployed New Yorkers a paycheck but also modernized the city for future generations.

#1 Anthony Santelli, a one-armed World War I veteran, sells apples as one of the new apple merchants established by Joseph Sicker, October 30, 1930.

Anthony Santelli, A One-Armed World War I Veteran, Sells Apples As One Of The New Apple Merchants Established By Joseph Sicker, October 30, 1930.

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#2 Unemployed men gather outside an employment agency on 6th Avenue in New York during the Great Depression, circa 1930s.

Unemployed Men Gather Outside An Employment Agency On 6Th Avenue In New York During The Great Depression, Circa 1930S.

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#3 A black man sleeps in the doorway of a New York movie theater during the Great Depression.

A Black Man Sleeps In The Doorway Of A New York Movie Theater During The Great Depression.

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#4 Street hawker selling Consumer’s Bureau Guide on 42nd Street and Madison Avenue, New York City.

Street Hawker Selling Consumer'S Bureau Guide On 42Nd Street And Madison Avenue, New York City.

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#5 Thanksgiving dinner is served to the homeless by the Volunteers of America at the Bowery Tabernacle, circa 1935.

Thanksgiving Dinner Is Served To The Homeless By The Volunteers Of America At The Bowery Tabernacle, Circa 1935.

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#6 The Brooklyn Daily Eagle headlines for Black Thursday, the first day of the stock market crash, New York City, October 24, 1929.

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle Headlines For Black Thursday, The First Day Of The Stock Market Crash, New York City, October 24, 1929.

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#7 A shipment of gold coins valued into six figures from depositors of the Empire Trust Co. flows back into the Federal Reserve Bank during the crisis.

A Shipment Of Gold Coins Valued Into Six Figures From Depositors Of The Empire Trust Co. Flows Back Into The Federal Reserve Bank During The Crisis.

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#8 Facade of a Child’s Restaurant in New York City during the depression, showing bargain prices, 1930s.

Facade Of A Child'S Restaurant In New York City During The Depression, Showing Bargain Prices, 1930S.

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#9 A Bonus Army camp on the banks of the Hudson River in New York City, where Sergeant Leonard Marsh is setting up a job agency for the men, August 25, 1932.

A Bonus Army Camp On The Banks Of The Hudson River In New York City, Where Sergeant Leonard Marsh Is Setting Up A Job Agency For The Men, August 25, 1932.

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#10 Unemployed people are fed by the International Relief group in lower Manhattan, 1928.

Unemployed People Are Fed By The International Relief Group In Lower Manhattan, 1928.

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#11 Thousands of unemployed men in line waiting to register at the Emergency Unemployment Relief Registration offices in New York riot, October 28, 1931, and are quelled by police reserves.

Thousands Of Unemployed Men In Line Waiting To Register At The Emergency Unemployment Relief Registration Offices In New York Riot, October 28, 1931, And Are Quelled By Police Reserves.

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#12 Police battle with frenzied hordes milling around on Wall Street to learn the latest news of the market crash, October 29, 1929.

Police Battle With Frenzied Hordes Milling Around On Wall Street To Learn The Latest News Of The Market Crash, October 29, 1929.

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#13 Throngs of unemployed wait in line to gain entrance to the Municipal Lodging House for Sunday Dinner, New York City.

Throngs Of Unemployed Wait In Line To Gain Entrance To The Municipal Lodging House For Sunday Dinner, New York City.

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#14 Several women attend a work camp at Bear Mountain for unemployed, homeless, and single women during the Great Depression.

Several Women Attend A Work Camp At Bear Mountain For Unemployed, Homeless, And Single Women During The Great Depression.

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#15 Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt is greeted by a large crowd while campaigning in Indianapolis.

Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt Is Greeted By A Large Crowd While Campaigning In Indianapolis.

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#16 Men and women stand outside Bernarr MacFadden’s 1 Cent Restaurant in New York City, 1932.

Men And Women Stand Outside Bernarr Macfadden'S 1 Cent Restaurant In New York City, 1932.

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#17 An unemployed man lies on a pier in New York City docks, circa 1935.

An Unemployed Man Lies On A Pier In New York City Docks, Circa 1935.

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#18 Supporters of the Works Progress Administration march in protest at layoffs, January 1937.

Supporters Of The Works Progress Administration March In Protest At Layoffs, January 1937.

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#19 Unemployed squatters at the Hard Luck Camp at the foot of 9th and 10th Streets and the East River in New York City, waiting for eviction, May 9, 1933.

Unemployed Squatters At The Hard Luck Camp At The Foot Of 9Th And 10Th Streets And The East River In New York City, Waiting For Eviction, May 9, 1933.

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#20 William I. Sirovich, Heywood Brown, and Reverend Raymond Norman deal out bread and coffee to the hungry and jobless at St. Peter’s Mission, New York City.

William I. Sirovich, Heywood Brown, And Reverend Raymond Norman Deal Out Bread And Coffee To The Hungry And Jobless At St. Peter'S Mission, New York City.

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#21 Feeding New York’s hungry from a doorstep on East 62nd Street, Depression era, New York.

Feeding New York'S Hungry From A Doorstep On East 62Nd Street, Depression Era, New York.

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#22 Unemployed Harlem residents stand in line for food provided by the New York Police, 1932.

Unemployed Harlem Residents Stand In Line For Food Provided By The New York Police, 1932.

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#23 Unemployed people wait in line at Grand and Christie Streets in NYC for nourishment, despite heavy rain.

Unemployed People Wait In Line At Grand And Christie Streets In Nyc For Nourishment, Despite Heavy Rain.

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#24 Police distribute food from trucks to needy men and women in New York.

Police Distribute Food From Trucks To Needy Men And Women In New York.

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#25 A man extends his plate to get food from a soup line during the Great Depression, New York City, 1932.

A Man Extends His Plate To Get Food From A Soup Line During The Great Depression, New York City, 1932.

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#26 Joseph Sicker, National Chairman of the International Apple Association, helps three former unemployed men become apple merchants.

Joseph Sicker, National Chairman Of The International Apple Association, Helps Three Former Unemployed Men Become Apple Merchants.

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#27 Depositors congregate outside the state-ordered closed doors of the Union Bank of New York City, 1931.

Depositors Congregate Outside The State-Ordered Closed Doors Of The Union Bank Of New York City, 1931.

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#28 Members watch fluctuations in the New York stock market during the Wall Street crash in a London club, October 31, 1929.

Members Watch Fluctuations In The New York Stock Market During The Wall Street Crash In A London Club, October 31, 1929.

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#29 Unemployed people manifest in front of City Hall in New York, July 15, 1931.

Unemployed People Manifest In Front Of City Hall In New York, July 15, 1931.

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#30 A policeman guards a drugstore during rioting in Harlem, March 19, 1935, which began after a minor incident escalated due to economic tensions during the Great Depression.

A Policeman Guards A Drugstore During Rioting In Harlem, March 19, 1935, Which Began After A Minor Incident Escalated Due To Economic Tensions During The Great Depression.

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#31 Men waiting outside an Employment Agency on Sixth Avenue, New York City, December 1937.

Men Waiting Outside An Employment Agency On Sixth Avenue, New York City, December 1937.

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#32 Portrait of a migrant worker with his wife and four children, resting on a car, Marysville, California, 1935.

Portrait Of A Migrant Worker With His Wife And Four Children, Resting On A Car, Marysville, California, 1935.

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#33 Alumni of Columbia University hold banners outside the university building before protesting in Washington for unemployed college graduates, May 1, 1933.

Alumni Of Columbia University Hold Banners Outside The University Building Before Protesting In Washington For Unemployed College Graduates, May 1, 1933.

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#34 A fruit and vegetable vendor stand on 61st Street between 1st and 3rd Avenues, New York City.

A Fruit And Vegetable Vendor Stand On 61St Street Between 1St And 3Rd Avenues, New York City.

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#35 A crowd gathers in front of the New York Stock Exchange on “Black Thursday,” October 24, 1929.

A Crowd Gathers In Front Of The New York Stock Exchange On &Amp;Quot;Black Thursday,&Amp;Quot; October 24, 1929.

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#36 Children playing in the street on 61st Street between 1st and 3rd Avenues, New York City.

Children Playing In The Street On 61St Street Between 1St And 3Rd Avenues, New York City.

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#37 A crowd of unemployed men gather in the rain in front of employment agencies on Sixth Avenue, New York City, 1931.

A Crowd Of Unemployed Men Gather In The Rain In Front Of Employment Agencies On Sixth Avenue, New York City, 1931.

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#38 A “Bowery Bum” or homeless man, New York City, 1932.

A &Amp;Quot;Bowery Bum&Amp;Quot; Or Homeless Man, New York City, 1932.

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#39 Traffic on Fifth Avenue approaching 57th Street on a summer afternoon, New York City.

Traffic On Fifth Avenue Approaching 57Th Street On A Summer Afternoon, New York City.

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#40 Garbage cans on 61st Street between 1st and 3rd Avenues, New York City.

Garbage Cans On 61St Street Between 1St And 3Rd Avenues, New York City.

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#41 Trade union members picket Macy’s in New York City.

Trade Union Members Picket Macy'S In New York City.

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#42 A tenant on 61st Street between 1st and 3rd Avenues, New York City.

A Tenant On 61St Street Between 1St And 3Rd Avenues, New York City.

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#43 Members of the Emergency Unemployment Relief Committee meet at a dinner at the Hotel Astor to open the campaign to raise at least $15,000,000, November 10.

Members Of The Emergency Unemployment Relief Committee Meet At A Dinner At The Hotel Astor To Open The Campaign To Raise At Least $15,000,000, November 10.

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#44 Thousands mill around the New York Stock Exchange during the worst break in its history, October 24th, with police called to dispel unruly crowds.

Thousands Mill Around The New York Stock Exchange During The Worst Break In Its History, October 24Th, With Police Called To Dispel Unruly Crowds.

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#45 Fuerst Brothers restaurant in downtown New York displays discount prices, 1935.

Fuerst Brothers Restaurant In Downtown New York Displays Discount Prices, 1935.

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#46 President Roosevelt inspects Civilian Conservation Corps camps in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, August 12, 1933.

President Roosevelt Inspects Civilian Conservation Corps Camps In Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, August 12, 1933.

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#48 Prominent New Yorkers attend a dedication ceremony and flag raising at the new National Recovery Administration state headquarters in Manhattan.

Prominent New Yorkers Attend A Dedication Ceremony And Flag Raising At The New National Recovery Administration State Headquarters In Manhattan.

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#49 Impoverished men eat a meal of soup and a sandwich in a cafeteria-style restaurant on the Bowery, New York City.

Impoverished Men Eat A Meal Of Soup And A Sandwich In A Cafeteria-Style Restaurant On The Bowery, New York City.

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#50 A speaker addresses rent strikers gathered on the street below from a fire escape, urging mass picketing in front of apartments facing eviction, Bronx, March 14, 1932.

A Speaker Addresses Rent Strikers Gathered On The Street Below From A Fire Escape, Urging Mass Picketing In Front Of Apartments Facing Eviction, Bronx, March 14, 1932.

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#51 Women rush to assist a man under arrest during unemployed protests outside the Home Relief Bureau in Brooklyn, April 28, 1933.

Women Rush To Assist A Man Under Arrest During Unemployed Protests Outside The Home Relief Bureau In Brooklyn, April 28, 1933.

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#52 Elevated view of a crowd gathered outside the New York Stock Exchange following the stock market crash, late 1929.

Elevated View Of A Crowd Gathered Outside The New York Stock Exchange Following The Stock Market Crash, Late 1929.

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#53 Men load food baskets in New York City for distribution during the Depression, 1932.

Men Load Food Baskets In New York City For Distribution During The Depression, 1932.

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#54 A cook works large containers of soup in a commercial kitchen in New York City, preparing food for distribution during the Depression, 1932.

A Cook Works Large Containers Of Soup In A Commercial Kitchen In New York City, Preparing Food For Distribution During The Depression, 1932.

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#55 Relief organization Bowery Mission in New York supplies bread for tramps and vagrants, with homeless men queuing at night.

Relief Organization Bowery Mission In New York Supplies Bread For Tramps And Vagrants, With Homeless Men Queuing At Night.

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#56 Hundreds of unemployed New Yorkers sell apples on the streets, having sold over 30,000 boxes in three weeks, November 13, 1930.

Hundreds Of Unemployed New Yorkers Sell Apples On The Streets, Having Sold Over 30,000 Boxes In Three Weeks, November 13, 1930.

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#58 A New York City businessman speculator tries to sell his car for $100 cash after losing everything on the stock market during the Wall Street Crash, 1929.

A New York City Businessman Speculator Tries To Sell His Car For $100 Cash After Losing Everything On The Stock Market During The Wall Street Crash, 1929.

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#59 Crowd gathering on Wall Street in New York after the Wall Street crash, late October 1929.

Crowd Gathering On Wall Street In New York After The Wall Street Crash, Late October 1929.

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#60 Cleaning up the Stock Exchange at Wall Street in New York after the Wall Street crash, late October 1929.

Cleaning Up The Stock Exchange At Wall Street In New York After The Wall Street Crash, Late October 1929.

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#61 People gather on the sub-treasury building steps across from the New York Stock Exchange on “Black Thursday,” Oct. 24, 1929.

People Gather On The Sub-Treasury Building Steps Across From The New York Stock Exchange On &Amp;Quot;Black Thursday,&Amp;Quot; Oct. 24, 1929.

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#62 Crowds panic in the Wall Street district of Manhattan due to heavy trading on the stock market in New York City on Oct. 24, 1929.

Crowds Panic In The Wall Street District Of Manhattan Due To Heavy Trading On The Stock Market In New York City On Oct. 24, 1929.

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#63 Crowds panic in the Wall Street district of Manhattan due to heavy trading on the stock market in New York City on Oct. 24, 1929.

Crowds Panic In The Wall Street District Of Manhattan Due To Heavy Trading On The Stock Market In New York City On Oct. 24, 1929.

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#64 Stock brokers are seen at the stock exchange in New York during the panic selling of “Black Friday,” October 25, 1929.

Stock Brokers Are Seen At The Stock Exchange In New York During The Panic Selling Of &Amp;Quot;Black Friday,&Amp;Quot; October 25, 1929.

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#65 Piles of furniture stacked along a residential street during mass evictions, 1930s.

Piles Of Furniture Stacked Along A Residential Street During Mass Evictions, 1930S.

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#66 Unemployed men sitting in sunshine on Coenties Slip Dock, Lower Manhattan, New York City, 1930s.

Unemployed Men Sitting In Sunshine On Coenties Slip Dock, Lower Manhattan, New York City, 1930S.

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#67 A soup line at The Bowery Mission, Manhattan, New York City, during the Great Depression, 1930.

A Soup Line At The Bowery Mission, Manhattan, New York City, During The Great Depression, 1930.

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#68 A sidewalk apple vendor man during the Great Depression, 1930s.

A Sidewalk Apple Vendor Man During The Great Depression, 1930S.

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#69 Street construction in front of Grand Central Station with a sign for the WPA, New York City, 1930s.

Street Construction In Front Of Grand Central Station With A Sign For The Wpa, New York City, 1930S.

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#70 Homeless people sleep inside the steamer ‘Colonel Clayton’ in New York, undated.

Homeless People Sleep Inside The Steamer 'Colonel Clayton' In New York, Undated.

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#71 Police distribute eggs and bread to the needy at East 104th St. Station House, New York City, 1930.

Police Distribute Eggs And Bread To The Needy At East 104Th St. Station House, New York City, 1930.

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#72 Bread line beside Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, early 1930s.

Bread Line Beside Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, Early 1930S.

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#73 Supporting measures for the unemployed during the Great Depression, October 30, 1930.

Supporting Measures For The Unemployed During The Great Depression, October 30, 1930.

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#74 Dormitories for the unemployed during the Great Depression, November 22, 1930.

Dormitories For The Unemployed During The Great Depression, November 22, 1930.

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#75 Jobless New Yorkers selling apples on the pavement during the Great Depression, New York, 1930.

Jobless New Yorkers Selling Apples On The Pavement During The Great Depression, New York, 1930.

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#76 Men standing on a bread line outside the Water Street Mission in New York City, circa 1930.

Men Standing On A Bread Line Outside The Water Street Mission In New York City, Circa 1930.

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#77 Men standing on a bread line in New York City, circa 1930.

Men Standing On A Bread Line In New York City, Circa 1930.

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#78 African-American Farm Security Administration borrowers sitting in a church, 1920.

African-American Farm Security Administration Borrowers Sitting In A Church, 1920.

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#79 Men in a bread line on 41st St., New York City, February 1915.

Men In A Bread Line On 41St St., New York City, February 1915.

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Written by Frederick Victor

I've been a history writer for a while. I love to explore historical sites because they connect us to our past. They make us feel like we are part of something much bigger.

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