Historic Bread Peddlers on East Side Streets, 1915-1920

This photograph captures bread peddlers operating on the bustling east side, likely between 1915 and 1920. During this era, street vendors played a vital role in urban economies, providing residents with accessible, affordable food options. The image showcases how these peddlers were integral to the daily lives of city dwellers, often becoming a familiar presence in their neighborhoods.

Street food culture was thriving in cities at the time, and vendors offered not only bread but also a variety of baked goods. The rise of such peddling practices reflected broader shifts in urban life, including increasing population density and changing social dynamics. Through this image, we glimpse a slice of everyday life from a century ago, illustrating the community and commerce that defined the era.