The years immediately after 1929 will always be dominated by the tragedy of the Great Depression; however, in 1930, the economy wasn’t the only issue making headlines. Al Capone’s crimes were in the news, as was the controversy over Prohibition. In the arts, All Quiet on the Western Front won the Oscar for best motion picture and the first Mickey Mouse comic strip was published.
Closer to home, Boston residents saw the city’s first traffic light go up at the intersection of Stuart Street and Tremont Street. The Bruins made it to the Stanley Cup Championship, but were defeated by the Montreal Canadiens.
These snippets create an impression of life back then, but the following 11 photos let you see for yourself what Boston was really like in 1930.
- This was a big year for Boston, as 1930 marked its tercentenary. The city celebrated its 300th birthday with a week of festivities.
Flickr/City of Boston Archives
- Dubbed “Boston Week,” the highlight of the events was a parade. The parade was held on September 17, 1930.
Flickr/City of Boston Archives This image shows the parade as it moved down Tremont Street.
- Filene’s had a float in the parade.
Flickr/City of Boston Archives While the tercentenary was probably a highlight of the year for many Bostonians, there were still everyday pleasures to savor.
- A view of the lagoon in the Public Garden as it appeared in 1930.
Flickr/City of Boston Archives Bostonians have long appreciated this pocket of nature in the heart of the city.
- The Natural History Museum was one of the entertainment options available in 1930.
Wikimedia Commons/BSNH
- You probably know that the Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston…
Wikimedia Commons/BPL …But were you aware that it was the first place in the U.S. where toothpicks were used?
- The corner of North Street and Richmond Street in the North End.
Wikimedia Commons/Boston Transit Commission Everyday businesses like a plumber’s premises and a bakery lined the street.
- The Creek Square area of Boston.
Wikimedia Commons/BPL Back in the day, people would have had their shoes resoled or repaired, rather than buying a new pair.
- The High Victorian Gothic Façade of the Charlestown Savings Bank remains a dramatic presence on Warren Street to this day.
Flickr/City of Boston Archives The Charlestown Savings Bank was founded in 1854 and moved into the Thompson Square location in 1876. The bank was good at advertising, which helped it to survive the Depression years.
- In 1930, this was still City Hall, rather than an office complex.
Wikimedia Commons/BPL It’s actually the city’s third city hall and it’s certainly more appealing than Boston’s fourth city hall.
- We still enjoy the view from the Custom House Tower…
Wikimedia Commons/BPL …even though the architectural landscape has changed.
If you find glimpses of Boston’s past intriguing, you should also check out these historic photos captured during the Great Depression years in our city.
Flickr/City of Boston Archives
This image shows the parade as it moved down Tremont Street.
While the tercentenary was probably a highlight of the year for many Bostonians, there were still everyday pleasures to savor.
Bostonians have long appreciated this pocket of nature in the heart of the city.
Wikimedia Commons/BSNH
Wikimedia Commons/BPL
…But were you aware that it was the first place in the U.S. where toothpicks were used?
Wikimedia Commons/Boston Transit Commission
Everyday businesses like a plumber’s premises and a bakery lined the street.
Back in the day, people would have had their shoes resoled or repaired, rather than buying a new pair.
The Charlestown Savings Bank was founded in 1854 and moved into the Thompson Square location in 1876. The bank was good at advertising, which helped it to survive the Depression years.
It’s actually the city’s third city hall and it’s certainly more appealing than Boston’s fourth city hall.
…even though the architectural landscape has changed.
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