History101.NYC is an ad-free learning resource available to the public at no charge. The project is dedicated to exploring New York’s fascinating past. We restore vintage photographs and prints that document the City's history and heritage. We also research the natural forces that shaped the environment, along with the people who formed the landscape and culture.
History of NYC - 1925 to 1930
From 1925 onward, the City would experience a massive cultural renaissance. New venues were opening all over the city to accommodate the growing demand for arts and entertainment, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Savoy Ballroom along with the Paramount, Roxy and Ziegfeld Theatres. The Holland Tunnel would also open its entrance for automobiles, which facilitated the growth of suburban communities in New Jersey.
1927: Air Mail Plane on Display in Times Square
A group of onlookers crowd around the Post Office's Air Mail plane in the middle of Times Square.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. The National Archives
1927: Wall-Demolition
Photograph of a pair of construction workers demolishing a wall.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1925: New York City Laborer
Photograph of a New York City Laborer posing for a portrait with an axe in his hands.
Artist Credit: Doris Ulmann. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1927: 49th and Lexington - The Shelton Looking North
Photograph of The Shelton Hotel, currently known as New York Marriott East Side Hotel.
Artist Credit: Alfred Stieglitz. Reprinted with permission. Getty
1925: 5th Avenue Street Scene
Photograph looking down the center of Fifth Avenue with plenty of cars and pedestrians in midtown Manhattan.
Artist Credit: Robert N. Dennis. Reprinted with permission. New York Public Library
1929: Entrance To Holland Tunnel
New York City Entrance Plaza To Holland Tunnel which was opened by November 13, 1927.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. The National Archives
1925: Babe Ruth Sliding Into Third Base
Photograph of Babe Ruth out in fifth inning trying to go from first to third on Lou Gehrig's single, facing off against Senators third baseman Ossie Bluege.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1928: Wall Street and Trinity Church
Photograph of pedestrians on Wall Street with Trinity Church in the background.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1929: Battery Park Proposal by Eric Gugler
An illustration of a potential design of Battery Park by Eric Gugler. The proposed design featured an obelisk structure and waterfront park.
Artist Credit: Eric Gugler. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1926: Residence of Andrew Carnegie
Photograph of the home of Andrew Carnegie - an American industrialist who amassed a fortune in the steel industry then became a major philanthropist.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1926: Residence of Charles Schwab on Riverside Drive
Photograph of an automobile passing in front of the residence of Charles Schwab on Riverside Drive,
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1927: Aerial View of Brooklyn and Manhattan
A bird's eye perspective of Brooklyn and Downtown Manhattan and both East River Bridges.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1928: Couple at Coney Island
Photograph of a young couple holding each other at Coney Island's Luna Park.
Artist Credit: Walker Evans. Reprinted with permission. Getty
1929: Saint Paul's Church
Photograph of a busy street in front of St. Paul's Church, viewed from Broadway.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1928: New York Public Library Bookmobile
Photograph of a traveling library parked on a grassy verge in the Bronx, with a line of kids waiting to check out some books.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. New York Public LibraryNext Chapter: History of NYC - 1930 to 1935
The 30s would mark a far less jubilant period as the City would come to grips with the grim reality of the Great Depression. An economy at record lows and unemployment at all ti... Continue Reading