Feel What It Was Like to Live in the 1920s With These Color Images

It’s hard to believe that the 1920s were 100 years ago, but time flies, and now we live in a whole new world that people back then could never have imagined. The 1920s was an exciting time because there was a lot of new technology and emerging industries, and cities around the country were growing by leaps and bounds. It was also a more innocent time than we know today, and that will become very clear in the pictures as we look back at what life was like in the 1920s.

In our search to learn more about what life was like in the 1920s, 24/7 Tempo searched through many historical sources, including PBS, the Library of Congress, and The National Archives. We also reviewed background information from History.com, Encyclopedia.com, and more. We really think you’re going to enjoy this incredible photographic journey. If you enjoy this gallery, then take some time to also check out the 33 photos that show what life was like in the 1960s .

Then, we transport you back to the 1920s by adding color to these amazing images.

Boarding an American Airlines Flight

In this amazing photo that shows what life was like in the 1920s, we see a line of people boarding an American Airlines plane. It’s an amazing sight for many reasons, and it’s very different from today. Not only is it odd to see people boarding a plane from outside, but the plane itself is a fraction of the size of what we fly today. Plus, flying was a big event and people dressed up for the occasion. That’s not so much the case these days.

Boarding Passes Please

In color the sense of scale is clearer – this plane is tiny!

Fun at the Beach

This photo is similar to what we’d see today. Hundreds of people bringing their families to the famous Ocean City boardwalk in New Jersey. Go to the beach in 2024 on any hot day, and you’ll see a similar scene. This famous boardwalk is still open today. In addition to sitting on the beach, you can also ride bikes or jog as you take in the gorgeous ocean and scenery.

Sea and Sand

The detail revealed by the color shows swimsuits that are very different to today’s.

The Divisive Prohibition Period

From 1920 to 1933, America experienced the Prohibition Period, where the United States prohibited the sale, production, and transportation of alcohol for the country’s greater good. However, many folks did not take it well. There were people secretly selling and serving alcohol, and many people, like those in this picture, destroyed wine and spirits either in support or to show their irritation with the laws.

Flaming Protest

In color, the detail of the bottles in the wooden crates is clear.

The First Miss America Pageant

Wondering what life was like in the 1920s? It was fun! There were a lot of new ideas being thrown around, and people wanted to try to enjoy life when the world wasn’t always so nice. One idea was to throw the first Miss America Pageant as an idea to extend the summer tourist season in Atlantic City. The first winner was Margaret Gorman from Washington D.C., and she seems to be having a blast. Today, the pageant is still going strong.

Winning Beauty

Color shows us the wonderful fabric of the winner’s dress.

The Lights of Broadway

New York City has always been an exciting place, and in the 20s, there was no place more exciting than Broadway. There were so many amazing shows, dazzling lights, and creative people to behold and it was truly magical. It was a real treat to see a Broadway show like it is today. Most of these buildings are still there in 2024.

Let’s See a Show

You can appreciate just how bright the lights were in the colorized image.

Immigrants at Ellis Island

What life was like in the 1920s for immigrants? Well, everyone came in through Ellis Island. As part of the process, they were given numerous tests, including the medical exams seen in this photo. People came in and eventually became proud Americans. Then, their children grew up and called the United States home.

Border Checks

With the benefit of color these checks look quite scary!

Immigrants Sitting Down to a Meal

This is an amazing picture of a massive group of immigrant sitting down to eat at at the Atlantic Park Hostel in Eastleigh, Hampshire. This was a reoccurring event for immigrants that we’re going from Eastern Europe to the United States. It wasn’t always an easy journey, but it was worth it to one day become Americans.

A Welcome Break

The detail with color is incredible – you can even see the pattern on the plates.

A Dedication to the Historic Wright Brothers

In this image, we see workers at the Science Museum in London add a dummy figure to the famous biplane that the Wright brothers invented in 1903. We saw earlier how people lined up to take an American Airlines flight. While that seemed advanced at the time, the fact is that the miracle of flight had not really been a reality for a long time leading into the 20s. It’s amazing how far we’ve come.

All Aboard

The dangers faced by the pioneers of air travel are even more apparent in color.

Honoring the Liberty Bell

When we think about what life was like in the 1920s, we think a lot about history. Interestingly, the people of the 20s were also excited about the great moments that had occurred in their past. Here, we see an image of an inaugural parade being led under a massive reproduction of the Liberty Bell. People put a lot of craftsmanship into things like this, and it really shows.

Huge Construction

The scaffolding supporting this huge bell looks a little unstable in color.

Immigrants at the Southern Border

We hear a lot of talk about the southern border these days, and in this image, we see how transversing across the border took place. This is a line of cars bringing Mexicans through the border. Everything was in an orderly fashion. It’s an incredible sight and reminds us that America has always been a great melting pot of people.

Crossing the Border

Even with color, there is little variety in car paintwork in these days.

Fun in the Sun

There was plenty of leisure during life in the 1920s. This picture shows a large group of people enjoying life at the incredible Venetian bathing pool located in Miami, Florida. It’s images like this that make us so happy that cameras were available and advancing by leaps and bounds by this time.

Taking a Dip

The water looks a lot more inviting in color.

Another Day at the Beach

There wasn’t much on TV during the 1920s, so people spent a lot of time outside, especially during the summer. In this photo, taken in 1928, people from around the state flock to a huge beach in San Francisco. It’s also wild to see all of those older cars lined up on the beach. People went there to soak up the sun and spend time with family.

Plenty Of Space

Even though very little color has been applied, it gives warmth to this beach scene.

Coffee and Stock Trading

When we think about what life was like in the 1920s, it’s important to remember that it wasn’t so different from today, just with less advanced technology. In this photo, two stock traders pause their business to have a filling breakfast. Note those old-timey phones on the desk. Those old models really drive home the point that this is a picture from 100 years ago.

Snack Time

Thanks to color we can see that tyhe food may look the same but the container is very different!

1920s Sidewalk Vendor

It’s a sight you don’t see so much these days. A street vendor selling his goods on the sidewalk in 1925. This particular display has shellfish and fish and is most likely at a seafood market. This was likely some of the freshest food you could get in the area.

Fresh Fish

This fresh fish looks a lot more appetizing in color.

Snacks for the Newcomers

In this interesting photo, we see a man serving refreshments to immigrants who had recently arrived at Ellis Island. The server looks pretty happy about the snacks, while the recipients are less thrilled. Still, it’s a nice gesture during a simpler time.

Long Journey

It’s fascinating to see the detail of the outfits in color.

Mobile Home

You’ve heard of a mobile home but this picture brings the concept to a whole new level. This is an entire home being transported on the back of a truck in 1923. Most houses were much smaller than they are these days and foundation work wasn’t quite what it is today. The result is a house that can easily be transported from point A to B.

On the Move

In color, you can even pick out the wondow box plants in this image.

Marathon Dance

Still wondering what life was like in the 1920s? Much different than it is today. Exhibit A is this marathon where couples danced for a distance of 15 miles. This scene had over 300 couples dancing from start to finish. The winners of the marathon would bring home $1,000, which is still decent in today’s money. These are the types of events that you just don’t see that often any more.

All at Sea

Color adds movement and energy to this pic.

1920s School Photo

This is a sweet photo of a class picture for kids in a school in San Francisco. Class photos are still a very real experience these days but there’s a certain type of innocence in this photo. This was taken during the winter and all of the kids are wearing coats.

Top Class

With color you can see more detail on the children’s winter coats.

House Worker in the 20s

This photo, taken sometime in the 1920s, shows a maid or houseworker taking a break during her duties. She holds a tray and broom. Her expression is hard to translate, but we hope she enjoys her work and was paid fairly.

Cleaning the House

Even in color it’s hard to work out exactly what is on her tray.

Home Life in Georgia

This image shows what life was like in the 1920s for many people in the South. The photograph shows a couple of guys resting and working near their cabin in Savannah, Georgia. We don’t know what they do for a living, but this picture shows how different life looked back then.

Wooden House

In color, the simplicity of the house is even more clear.

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