A Moment Back In History: The Building Of The Subway Along Smith Street

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Here I was, standing in the center of Smith Street, during a momentary lull in the traffic. You see, dear reader, I wanted to stand at the exact location from which the black-and-white photo above was taken on May 1st, 1930.

At that time, the construction of the subway tunnel along Smith Street was in full swing. However, rather than to tunnel deeper underground to cross underneath the Gowanus Canal, the Culver Viaduct, that monolithic steel structure, was built. The train makes its above ground appearance shortly after leaving the Carroll Street Station.
What you see on the left in this wonderful old photo, is the construction of the brick support wall for the above-ground tracks between 3rd and 4th Street. The elevated steel structure starts on 5th Street.
Obviously, lovely rows of brownstones had to be demolished on that side of Smith Street all the way to Union Street. Fortunately, those on the other side were spared.



Click on the links below for more old photos of Smith Street:
Aerial View Of Smith Street Circa 1938
The Very Fashionable Corner Of Smith And President Streets Early 1900's
Where Have All The Pretty Brownstones Gone On Smith?
When The Corner Of President And Smith Street Had Style!