1916 Tranquil Tea Garden on Governors Island

This historical photograph captures a tea garden on Governors Island, taken on May 26, 1916, by a photographer from the Bain News Service. At that time, Governor’s Island served as a military outpost and a recreational area. The image provides a glimpse into the leisurely activities enjoyed by visitors, showcasing the gardens serene atmosphere, where people could gather to socialize and enjoy the outdoors amid the busy backdrop of early 20th-century New York.

In the early 1900s, Governors Island was a popular retreat for city dwellers seeking to escape the urban hustle. The tea garden depicted in the photograph reflects the eras social customs, where afternoon tea was not just a meal but a communal event. This image serves as a visual document of daily life during the Progressive Era, illustrating how leisure and social spaces played a role in the lives of Americans at the time.