Vintage Street Vendor Selling Derby Hats in NYC, 1910

This photograph captures a street peddler in New York City around 1910, actively selling derby hats on a bustling city corner. The man is immersed in his trade, a reflection of the vibrant street market culture that characterized urban life during this period. Derby hats, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were often associated with respectability and were a staple of mens fashion, making this vendors offering significant in the context of the time.

The image, produced by Bain News Service, showcases not just the individual and his goods but also the lively atmosphere of New York City streets at that time. The early 1900s were marked by rapid urbanization and a growing economy, where street vendors played an essential role in the local commerce landscape. These peddlers were often the frontline faces of small business, offering accessible goods to city dwellers from all walks of life. Through this photograph, we gain insight into the daily routines and commercial practices that shaped the fabric of city life in the early 20th century.