1913 Central Park Ice Skating Couples’ Delight

This photograph captures Irving Brokaw and his wife enjoying a leisurely day of ice skating on Central Park Lake in New York City, taken in March 1913. Central Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, has long been a vital recreational space for New Yorkers, facilitating various outdoor activities since its opening in 1858. The park’s lakes and meadows provided a backdrop for both relaxation and social interaction, making it a hub of urban leisure.

During this period, ice skating was a popular winter pastime, drawing crowds to Central Park’s picturesque settings. The image highlights not only the couples engagement in winter sports but also the fashion of the time, showcasing the styles typical of early 20th-century New Yorkers. This visual record serves as a snapshot of societal trends and recreational practices, illustrating how public parks fostered community interactions and leisure pursuits in the heart of bustling New York City.