Playful Boys Swimming at Rutgers Slip, NYC 1908

This photograph captures a lively scene of boys swimming at Rutgers Slip in New York City around 1908. The dock, a vital part of daily life, served as a popular recreation spot for local youth. With the hustle and bustle of the city surrounding them, these boys likely found joy and a sense of freedom in the water during warm summer days. The image represents a moment in time, illustrating how urban communities engaged with their waterfronts before the drastic changes in the city landscape.

During the early 20th century, swimming and other water-based activities became increasingly accessible to the citys youth. This period saw the rise of public parks and recreational spaces that encouraged outdoor leisure. The simple image of these boys swimming not only reveals their playful spirit but also reflects a growing cultural shift towards leisure and recreation in urban settings, illustrating a facet of life in New York during this dynamic era.