An ad-free Educational Platform Offering Access to Restored Vintage Photographs and Prints Documenting New York's Rich History.
Expertly Curated by Joseph A. Gornail & Steven D. Garcia of Fine Print New York • 315 Madison Avenue • Email Us • 212.619.5446

1930-1935 NYC: Resilience, Character & Innovation in The Great Depression Era

The years 1930-1935 in New York City were marked by significant changes and challenges, reflecting a unique period in the city’s history. The early 1930s were dominated by the Great Depression, which had a profound impact on the city’s economic landscape. Despite these hardships, this period also witnessed remarkable resilience and innovation.

The completion of iconic structures like the Empire State Building in 1931, amidst economic adversity, stood as a symbol of hope and ambition. It claimed the title of the world’s tallest building, a testament to New York’s architectural prowess and unyielding spirit. During these years, the city continued to be an epicenter of cultural activity, with the Harlem Renaissance in full swing, bringing a surge in artistic and literary achievements.

This era also saw advancements in public works and infrastructure as part of the New Deal policies. Projects like the Lincoln Tunnel and the Triborough Bridge were initiated, aiming to provide employment and improve the city’s connectivity. These initiatives marked a significant investment in the city’s future, laying the foundation for modern urban development.

The social fabric of New York City during this time was complex. The economic downturn led to widespread poverty and unemployment, yet the city remained a melting pot of cultures and communities. The struggles and triumphs of New Yorkers during this period were reflective of the larger American experience during the Great Depression.

New York City in the early 1930s was a landscape of contrasts, where architectural marvels rose amid economic strife, and cultural vibrancy persisted in the face of adversity. The city’s enduring resilience during these years set the stage for its future growth and continued status as a global metropolis.

1930-1935 Timeline of New York City’s History, USA

Discover how the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, completed in 1931 and 1930, revolutionized NYC's skyline and symbolized urban progress

1930: NYC's Skyline Transformation: Empire State and Chrysler Buildings' Rise

Discover how the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, completed in 1931 and 1930, revolutionized NYC's skyline and symbolized urban progress

Full length photograph of The Chrysler Building at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

1930: The Chrysler Building

Full length photograph of The Chrysler Building at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

Photograph of the Chrysler Building, designed by architect William Van Alen and completed on May 27, 1930.

1930: The Chrysler Building

Photograph of the Chrysler Building, designed by architect William Van Alen and completed on May 27, 1930.

Aerial photograph of Midtown Manhattan with the Chrysler Building as the focal point.

1930: Chrysler Building and Skyscrapers

Aerial photograph of Midtown Manhattan with the Chrysler Building as the focal point.

Unveil the story behind 'Icarus,' Hine's photo that immortalizes the courage of Empire State builders in 1930's New York

1931: Empire State's Icarus: Lewis Hine's Homage to Sky-High Bravery

Unveil the story behind 'Icarus,' Hine's photo that immortalizes the courage of Empire State builders in 1930's New York

Aerial photograph taken from inside the growing structure of the Empire State Building. An epic view of downtown Manhattan is framed by the silhouette of a massive crane hook and steel beam.

1931: Crane Hook and Skyline Looking South from Empire State Building

Aerial photograph taken from inside the growing structure of the Empire State Building. An epic view of downtown Manhattan is framed by the silhouette of a massive crane hook and steel beam.

Explore Lewis Hine's 1931 photo capturing workers on the Empire State Building, a symbol of American resilience

1931: Constructing The Empire State Building: A Historic Lewis Hine's Snapshot

Explore Lewis Hine's 1931 photo capturing workers on the Empire State Building, a symbol of American resilience

The first twenty floors of the Empire State Building are being constructed. There is no visible facade yet, only the steel beam structure and scaffolding of construction workers.

1931: View of Empire State Construction from 34th Street

The first twenty floors of the Empire State Building are being constructed. There is no visible facade yet, only the steel beam structure and scaffolding of construction workers.

The Empire State Building's ground floors are clad in Indiana limestone panels, sourced from the Empire Mill in Sanders, Indiana, which give the building its signature blonde color.

1931: Facade Construction Begins on Empire State Building

The Empire State Building's ground floors are clad in Indiana limestone panels, sourced from the Empire Mill in Sanders, Indiana, which give the building its signature blonde color.

In the bustling metropolis of New York City in the early 1930s, a monumental feat of engineering and ambition was taking shape - the construction of the iconic Empire State Building.

1931: Empire State with 40 Stories Framed Out

In the bustling metropolis of New York City in the early 1930s, a monumental feat of engineering and ambition was taking shape - the construction of the iconic Empire State Building.

Bird's eye view of midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building, about 75% complete with half of its steel structure visible.

1931: Empire State Building Almost Complete

Bird's eye view of midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building, about 75% complete with half of its steel structure visible.

Aerial photograph of a lone construction worker working on the steel structure of the Empire State Building.

1931: Worker at the Edge of Empire State Platform

Aerial photograph of a lone construction worker working on the steel structure of the Empire State Building.

A work clings to the steel framing of the future Empire State Building with a bird's eye view of Midtown Manhattan, many stories below him.

1931: Empire State Worker Hanging on to Two Steel Beams

A work clings to the steel framing of the future Empire State Building with a bird's eye view of Midtown Manhattan, many stories below him.

Photograph looking up Madison Avenue, north of 49th Street, full of cars and pedestrians with a political banner for the New York Young Democratic Club hanging overhead.

1931: A View of Madison Avenue

Photograph looking up Madison Avenue, north of 49th Street, full of cars and pedestrians with a political banner for the New York Young Democratic Club hanging overhead.

Photograph of the East River and Manhattan's famous downtown skyline taken from Brooklyn.

1931: View of Downtown Manhattan

Photograph of the East River and Manhattan's famous downtown skyline taken from Brooklyn.


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Discover How History101.nyc Sustains Its Ad-Free Educational Platform

History101.nyc has established itself as a leading educational platform, uniquely supported by Fine Print NYC, experts in the restoration of antique, rare, and damaged wallpapers. This collaboration enables History101.nyc to offer rich, well-researched content without the distraction of advertisements. Fine Print NYC's reputation for excellence in the niche field of wallpaper restoration highlights their commitment to preserving history, aligning perfectly with History101.nyc’s educational goals.

Learn More About Wallpaper Reproduction

Meet the Founders: The Creative Minds Behind Our Platform

Joseph Gornail a distinguished printer/photographer and the visionary behind Fine Print New York, hails from SoHo, Manhattan. Rooted in a family tradition of NYC printing, Joseph mastered the craft as a teenager. His significant impact on the New York printing industry ignited in 1996 with Dolo Records/Stretch Armstrong. He founded All City Marketing & Printing in the late '90s and co-created the iconic streetwear label Orchard Street with partners Benjamin Holloway and Greig Bennett in 1999. In 2004, Joseph launched Fine Print NYC, establishing it as a leading commercial printing firm. The company debuted with a landmark project for Nike, epitomizing innovation and resilience in the modern digital landscape.


Steven Garcia a prominent designer/illustrator and creative director at Fine Print, originates from Bushwick, Brooklyn. A graduate of Fashion Industries High School and the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), Steven has carved a notable path in the design world. His early career highlights include a role as a sought-after professional retoucher and storyboard artist at Saatchi & Saatchi in 1996. Embracing his entrepreneurial side, Steven founded ShinyDesign in 1998, which later became a key design partner for Fine Print NYC in 2004. His extensive portfolio features collaborations with elite brands such as Snapple, The Waldorf Astoria, Netflix and Sony, cementing his status as a key influencer in New York's vibrant advertising and design industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Defines History101.nyc? Explore NYC's Historical Journey

Welcome to "History101.NYC," an unparalleled online gallery featuring the beginnings of New York City, exquisitely restored by the experts at Fine Print New York. This exclusive collection vividly resurrects key historical moments, celebrating the city's rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Each meticulously crafted piece in our gallery offers a genuine look into NYC's past, embodying exceptional artistic skill and meticulous attention to detail.

Dive into our archives for a selection of exclusive, premium-quality art prints, encompassing a range of vintage photos, historical images, and rare lithographs unique to our site. These curated artworks narrate the dynamic evolution of the Big Apple, providing history enthusiasts and art collectors with a rare opportunity to own a part of NYC's illustrious legacy. Don't miss the chance to explore and acquire these captivating representations of New York City's historical journey.

What Time Periods, Eras, Decades of NYC History are available?

We cover a vast span of New York City's history, from its inception as New Amsterdam to the vibrant late 1980s. Our artists are actively working on expanding our collection to include photos from the 90s up to the present day.

Here's our current coverage list, showcasing the city's evolution:

Dutch Era: When New York Was New Amsterdam

NYC in the 1600s

Georgian Era

NYC in the 1700s • NYC from 1800 to 1840NYC in the 1840s • 

Victorian Era

NYC in the 1850s • NYC in the 1860s • NYC in the 1870s • NYC in the 1880s

Progressive Era

NYC in the 1890s • NYC from 1900 to 1905 • 1905 to 1910 • 1910 to 1915 • 

World War 1

NYC from 1915 to 1920

Art Deco

NYC from 1920 to 1925 • NYC from 1925 to 1930

Depression Era

NYC from 1930 to 1935 • NYC from 1935 to 1940

World War 2

NYC from 1940 to 1945

MidCentury Modern Era

NYC from 1945 to 1950 • 1950 to 1955 • 1955 to 1960 • 1960 to 1965 • 1965 to 1970

Energy Crisis

NYC from 1970 to 1975 • 1975 to 1980

Reagan Era

NYC from 1980 to 1985 • 1985 to 1990

Each period is richly represented through a variety of art mediums, offering a comprehensive and immersive historical journey of NYC. This chronological approach provides enthusiasts and scholars a unique lens into the city's architectural, cultural, and social developments.

How many historical Images are on this site?

There are currently 795 photos, lithographs, illustrations and maps on this site. Each one has been digitally restored and cleaned up by hand, which makes this collection truly unique.

Can I License Any of These Images?

Digital licenses are available for educational institutions (schools, universities, non-profit organizations). Please contact legal@fineprintnyc.com to discuss conditions for licensing.

NOTE: Any form of commercialization or redistribution of these images, either as tangible goods or third party licenses, is expressly forbidden.

Can I purchase prints of the historical images available on the site?

History101.nyc is an ad-free and non-profit learning resource. We do not sell prints of these images. All operational costs are covered by Fine Print NYC

Do you accept admissions to this collection?

Absolutely! Feel free to send us an email with a preview of the image and we will let you know if it's a good fit for the archives.

How do you handle feedback or corrections regarding the historical context of images?

We welcome any feedback that you may have. If it proves to be historically accurate the changes will be reflected on the site shortly after our correspondence.

Do you collaborate with other historical societies or archives?

We have collaborated with NYC's Municipal Archives, The Tenemant Museum, Bronx Historical Society and a number of prominent NYC photographers to produce a series of limited edition postcards which free of charge, but only available via street distribution, primarily in Manhattan.

Do you also provide image restoration as a service for personal photos?

Yes, we can repair, restore and cleanup your old family photos, slides and negatives. You can either send us the digital files or the original photos to be professionally scanned.

Can you repair any type of image damage?

We can restore just about any level of damage or signs of aging, within reason. As long as most of the photo is intact we cn work with it. The one flaw we cannot fix is source material that is blurry. A poorly take photo can only be improved so much.

@History101NYC

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History101.NYC is an ad-free learning resource available to the public at no charge.
This project is dedicated to exploring New York’s fascinating heritage through the restoration of vintage photographs and prints.