The 1930s was a struggling and tough era for New Yorkers, as the Great Depression took a toll on the city and the country. The unemployment rates were high, the people who still had the jobs were facing huge wage cuts. Many New Yorkers found themselves so poor they could not afford to eat on their own expense and they were evicted from their homes.
Here are some amazing historical photographs of New York City from the 1930s that show the lives of ordinary New Yorkers, the diverse people of the city, the places they live, work and play and their daily activities. These photographs were captured by Berenice Abbot, a pioneer female photographer of the 20th century. Abbott documented the side streets, stores, commuters and domestic areas of the huge city in her photographs. The Federal Art Project distributed her images to high schools, libraries and other public institutions.
Take a look at some of Abbott’s marvelous snapshots of New York city from the 1930s. Also check, the heartbreaking photos of New York slums from the early 20th century.
