A Scene from Harlem in the 1920s

A Scene from Harlem in the 1920s

The exact location of this street scene in Harlem is unknown, however, it captures the energy, commerce and fashion in Harlem during the 1920s. As James Weldon Johnson described in The Making of Harlem, Harlem was a "self supporting community". Economically many Harlem residents worked and saved their money and this picture shows the independent businesses that were thriving during this period due to their ambition. This scene looks like it fits right in with the rest of New York City. Women and men are wearing western clothing. Women followed the trends of cloche hats, fur trim and long coats, and men wore suits and flat caps or fedoras. The atmosphere was bustling and upbeat, and residents looked determined to succeed and improve the community that offered them so much opportunity.

Unknown

A Scene from Harlem in the 1920s. 1920s. Harlem. Jazz Age Manhattan and the Making of Modern America. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <http://www.wnyc.org/story/jazz-age-manhattan-and-making-modern-america/>.

WNYC

November 18th 2015

Theresa Patti

1920s