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Take A Photographic Journey Across New Jersey Through The Decades

A nostalgic journey through New Jersey's history with photos from the 1870s to the 1990s.

Published Apr 11, 2020

Written by 

Kristen Koennemann

Sometimes it's nice to relax and reminisce. We recently shared a post featuring photos of New Jersey in the 1970s and it seemed to bring back fond memories for many. I was delighted to see all the positive feedback and wanted to spread a little more joy. I thought a journey through the decades could be fun...let me know what you think!

Broad Street, Newark, 1870s

Historic photo of a street scene in Newark, featuring buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and a large archway.
G.C. Robinson & Co/Wikipedia

Hoboken Waterfront, 1890s

Historic black-and-white image of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad depot in Hoboken, with boats at the dock.
British Library/Wikipedia

Atlantic City, 1900s

A crowded beach scene from the past, with people enjoying the shore and a ferris wheel in the background.
Library of Congress/Wikipedia

State & Broad Streets, Trenton, 1910s

Historic street scene featuring vintage cars, a streetcar, and early 20th-century buildings and advertisements.
Library of Congress/Wikipedia

Atlantic City, 1910s

Historic boardwalk scene featuring vintage buildings and advertisements, with people walking and horse-drawn carriages.
Library of Congress/Wikipedia

Stanley Theatre, Jersey City, 1920s

Interior view of a grand theater with ornate architecture and rows of empty seats.
charmainezoe/Flickr

Along The Cooper River, Camden, 1920s

Aerial view of a cityscape with industrial buildings, a river, and a bridge in the distance, captured in black and white.
Independence Seaport/Flickr

Lake Hopatcong, 1930s

Black and white photo of a lake with a building labeled "Lake Hopatcong Gardens" and trees reflected in the water.
Photo Credit: New Jersey State Archives, Department of State

Jersey City, 1930s

Aerial view of a cityscape with buildings, vintage cars, and advertisements, shrouded in a hazy atmosphere.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress/LC-USF33-003046

FSA Agriculture Camp, Bridgeton, 1940s

A person stands outside a large tent, with makeshift structures and a cloudy sky in the background.
John Collier/Photogrammar

57th Infantry Brigade, Fort Dix, 1940s

Two soldiers and a woman pose with a truck in a wooded area, one soldier holding a rifle.
Richard/Flickr

Steeplechase Pier, Atlantic City, 1950s

Aerial view of a vibrant amusement park with rides, colorful buildings, and beach umbrellas along the shore.
Kent Kenouse/Flickr

Sandman Motor Lodge, Bordentown, 1950s

Vintage postcard of Sandman Motor Lodge, featuring a sign, room interior with a bed, TV, and retro decor.
Roadside Pictures/Flickr

Randolph Chevrolet, Camden, 1950s

A vintage car dealership with numerous classic cars parked outside, featuring a large sign and a clear blue sky.
Alden Jewell/Flickr

Route 46, Saddle Brook, 1960s

Black and white photo of roadside signs along U.S. Route 46 in New Jersey, showcasing various businesses and advertisements.
Roadside Pictures/Flickr

Sand Castle Motel, Wildwood Crest, 1960s

A vibrant pool scene at the Sand Castle Motel in Wildwood Crest, NJ, with guests enjoying the sun and water activities.
1950sUnlimited/Flickr

Conte's Automatic Car Wash, Long Branch, 1960s

A vintage car wash with several classic cars parked outside, featuring a large sign that reads "Conte's Car Wash."
Roadside Pictures/Flickr

Gladstone Station, Peapack-Gladstone, 1970s

A vintage train station with a red and gray building, a classic car parked nearby, and a train approaching on the tracks.
Marty Bernard/Flickr

Sandy Hook Schoolchildren At Spermaceti Cove Nature Center, 1970s

A group of children gathers outside a small community college building on a sunny day.
Arthur Tress/Wikipedia

Dial-A-Ride Bus, Haddonfield, 1970s

A busy street scene featuring vintage cars and a bus, with shops and trees in the background.
Jim Pickerell/Wikimedia

Abe's, Atlantic City, 1970s

Brightly lit diner sign reading "Abe's Fabulous Inc." with menu specials and a bustling entrance.
Library Of Congress/Wikimedia

Fairy Tale Forest, Oak Ridge, 1980s

A woman and a young girl walk hand in hand past a colorful castle-themed building with flags.
Photo: Author's Own

Beach Haven, 1980s

A busy street scene featuring shops, cars, and a sign for Annette's Art Gallery on a sunny day.
Tchamber236/Flickr

Playboy Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, 1980s

A view of a beach with waves, featuring modern buildings and a boardwalk in the background under a clear blue sky.
Tchamber236/Flickr

Palace Amusements, Asbury Park, 1990s

A colorful mural on a large building, featuring playful designs and characters, with construction barriers in the foreground.
WillJay/Wikipedia

Beach Theatre, Cape May, 1990s

A vintage photo of a beachside shopping area with storefronts and parked cars in front.
Onazill/Bill Badzo/Flickr

Which of these photos is your favorite? Share your New Jersey photos and memories with us in the comments. What's changed? What's stayed the same? Are there any restaurants, stores, or attractions that you wish were still around? Did you have an amazing summer at the shore in 1978? Let us know!

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