A visit to 42nd Street and Broadway in 1909, New York City


I get a big kick out of perusing the images on the Duke University ROAD (Resource of Outdoor Advertising Descriptions) site, especially when I find a photo that I want to step into, like this one, of Broadway at 42nd Street in Manhattan, New York, New York. I'm going to suggest that we take the streetcar. There are plenty!


I've decided that I want to be the man on the left, and you, if female, can choose to be with me (dressed in black), or if male one of the guys standing there waiting to get on the trolley. Just as long as we're all wearing hats!


By the way, if you want to know how I know that it's 1909, it's because the date changes every year for the Follies. Maybe we should go?


Waitaminute, looky there - it's one of those horseless carriages over there, which are becoming more popular all the time. I wouldn't mind going for a ride in one of those things someday!


While we're waiting to get on the streetcar, let's take a look at the ads. Have you ever been to the Simpson Crawford Company? Looks like it's been there for thirty years. That Blue Label Ketchup and Soups sound good! And yes, I am wearing dermophile underwear, how did you know? Never tried Hunter whiskey, will have to give it a try. Or maybe some Benedictine cordial! Not sure what Turkish Trophies are? Cigarettes?


At first I thought that was an ad for Morton Salt, but it looks like it's for Heatherbloom petticoats. Silks only rival! And look what's showing over at the New Amsterdam Theatre: the Love Cure.


By the way, if you're wondering what the big jagged thing is in this photo, it's broken glass. The original photo wasn't shot on film, it was shot on glass. Fragile stuff, so a nice print like this is wonderful to have. This was a long time ago, and it's been a long time since glass negatives, and horses on 42nd Street and Broadway.

Thank you for visiting Manhattan in 1909 with me!
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