In contemporary New York City, all kinds of food trucks line up along Union Square, the Meatpacking District, and other crowded areas—hoping to sell their treats to a lunch or late-night crowd.
More than a hundred years ago, the proprietors behind this cider wagon, on the left parked beside the lamppost, had the same idea. They set up shop on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge entrance, across from a busy elevated railroad terminal.
Food vendors at the time were busy selling buttermilk, pretzels, potatoes, and lemonade. It looks like cider was a popular street beverage too.
The flags in the windows on the left give the impression that a national holiday just happened or is about to occur. The presence of the cider wagon makes me think it’s autumn.
Here’s a slightly different view of the same scene from 1905.
Tags: Brooklyn Bridge 1905, Cider vendors New York, City Hall Park street, commuters from Brooklyn Bridge, food vendors New York City, Lower Manhattan street, Park Row Brooklyn Bridge, Park Row Terminal, Vintage postcards New York City
Ephemeral New York 
January 14, 2013 at 7:38 pm |
Thanks for the picture. It’s a place that is still there, but with many dramatic changes. By the way, I don’t think those are flags, but red and white striped awnings, from the pre-air conditioned era.
January 14, 2013 at 7:47 pm |
On second glance, I think you’re right about the awnings. So maybe it’s a crisp October day, perfect for a glass of cider.
January 14, 2013 at 9:24 pm |
what great pictures! Nothing like traveling back in time to see what New York used to be! 🙂
May 29, 2014 at 4:14 pm |
Love it!!