Visiting Hartford, Connecticut in March of 1929

Let's time-travel back to March of 1929 and go to Hartford, Connecticut. I found this beautiful image on the Duke University site, and with the help of my top history adventurer, figured out the exact location, and date. Well, I figured out the date, by reading it, because it's written on the photo, and my friend figured out the location - he's better at that kind of stuff than I am. I can also tell you that it's 10:22 am, because I can read the clock! We're looking towards the southwest corner of Main Street and Pearl.

When I saw the year, I got to thinking that this was the end of the roaring twenties, which would go out with a crash on October 24th, 1929. I wonder if anyone in this photo had any idea that they were just a few months away from the Great Depression? Hopefully not, I'd like to think that they had more cheerful thoughts on their minds.


Speaking for myself, my eye was caught by the restaurants! The Kings looks good, or if you're really hungry we could go to the buffet at the Boston Branch. If we eat too much, we might go do some sit-ups at Livingston's Gymnasium. Or we could go a few rounds? Do you have your boxing gloves with you?


And yes, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the reason that the Duke University has gone to the trouble of scanning these images isn't just for our amusement, it's a series of historic advertising images. Note that the Coca-Cola's logo is still the same, although it's generally not served in such small glasses anymore. Looks like the other sign was available. And in case you're puzzled as to why the cars, and the people walking, are so blurry, it's because of the long exposure time that this photo originally took - which is the reason the detail is so wonderful!

That was a great meal, but now I need some bicarbonate of soda. Let's go over the the Alderman Drug Company. If you have your Kodak, you can get the film developed there, too. You may want to tell the ladies that Eaton's has dresses for $13.95 and hats 3 for $5. There's a dentist right there, also, if anyone needs some teeth pulled!

I just love the old cars, especially the one in the lower left of the photo. If you know what make and model it is, please tell me, and I'll update this post. Cool suicide doors!

By the way, don't bother looking for any of these buildings - they're all gone. What remains is the fire hydrant! Buildings come and go, fire hydrants stay.




Thank you for visiting Hartford in 1929 with me!

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