Historic Trucks Parked at 39th St. Ferry, 1915-1920

This photograph captures trucks parked at the 39th Street Ferry during the years 1915 to 1920. Taken by a photographer for the Bain News Service, it showcases early 20th-century transportation methods and the bustling urban life of the era. The 39th Street Ferry, located in Brooklyn, New York, served as a critical transit point for both people and goods, linking various parts of the city and facilitating trade and travel.

Trucks like those in the photograph were becoming increasingly common during this time, marking a transition from horse-drawn vehicles to motorized transport. This shift significantly changed the way cities operated, enabling faster delivery of products and enhancing the overall efficiency of urban logistics. As part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, this image offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in American transportation history.