An imaginary visit to Asbury Park, New Jersey in 1935


As I was browsing the Duke University Libraries Digital Collection, which I find myself doing a lot of nowadays, I found this wonderful photo of Asbury Park, New Jersey in 1935, and thought that it would make a wonderful imaginary journey for us.

No, I've never been to New Jersey, and probably never will, so this is the closest I'll come to it, in my imagination. And if you're wondering why I chose this photo, it's because of the amazing detail in it, including the swan. Let's take a closer look.


It looks like it's a beautiful day for a row. We could get a rowboat, like those kids have, but since this is imaginary, and money is no object (even though this is during the Depression) let's rent the swan. I like how it seems to be moving along nicely, with a bit of a wake. I wonder how fast I can get it going?

By the way, before I forget, the reason that this photo was taken, and why the Duke University has it scanned in, is because of the billboards. This is their collection called "ROAD" (Resource of Outdoor Advertising). Yes, people study that sort of thing. Advertising has always been big business, and nowadays old advertising is the subject of scholarly study. So if that's you, I understand, but I just enjoy looking at these photos, and stepping into them.


Here's a closer view at the advertising, and you can also see that there's parking for twenty-five cents. That doesn't sound expensive from a modern point of view, but back in 1935 it was pretty expensive. You couldn't get a "shave-and-a-haircut for two bits" (25 cents) anymore, but I guarantee that twenty-five cents would easily buy you enough ice cream and candy at the Colonial Cafe for you to get sick on! But like I say, this is imaginary, so park as long as you want, and buy as much as you'd like. As for me, I'm going for another ride on the swan!


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