Walking down Main Street in 1935 in Asbury Park, New Jersey


I feel like going for a walk, but it will have to be an imaginary one. Right now, as I write this in the Phoenix, Arizona area, it's nearly 100 degrees and humid, so I won't be going for a walk IRL (In Real Life). I'm going for a walk based on a photo that I found yesterday on the Duke University site, in Asbury Park, New Jersey in 1935. Time-travel with me! Yes, the location is real, but the rest I'm just gonna make up.


Call me Ishmael. It's June 14th, 1935, and it's 9:45 in the morning. At least that's what time I think it is, I don't have my specs on and it's difficult to read the clock across the street. You're looking south on Main Street at Bangs Avenue, and I'm walking towards you.


I'm dressed in a suit with a vest and my favorite cap. I just walked past Casner's Cafe, where I could have gotten something to eat, even a drink or some beer, since Prohibition is over, but I didn't feel like it. I just want to walk.


There's a Depression going on, but there still seems to be a lot of money around. That's a nice car parked over there in front of Zimmers! And those are some nice cars at the Appleby Building, in front of the Ocean Grove Bank. I also see a sign that says "Time to insure", which I would do, but I ain't got nothin' to insure.

But I've got my health, and my shoe leather is holdin' up just fine, so I'm happy. Thank you for walking with me!

Image from the Duke University Library Digital Collections.
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