1909 Fly Casting Tournament at Van Cortlandt Park

This photograph captures a fly casting tournament that took place at Van Cortlandt Park in New York City on August 21, 1909. Hosted in one of the city’s largest parks, the event showcased a popular fishing technique called Bellows casting, which is characterized by a unique movement reminiscent of a bellows. The photograph, taken by Bain News Service, offers a glimpse into the sporting culture of the early 20th century, where such competitions were not just a test of skill but also a community event.

At this time, Van Cortlandt Park was already a well-established recreational area, providing New Yorkers with a natural retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The tournament exemplified the growing interest in outdoor sports, especially among city dwellers seeking to engage with nature. This image serves as a historical record, illustrating the pastimes that shaped social interactions and athletic pursuits during this vibrant period in American history.