This Is What Buffalo Looked Like 100 Years Ago And It May Surprise You
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Samantha Gill
Author
In the beginning of the twentieth century, Buffalo was an industrial powerhouse, taking reigns in the steel and grain industry. Immigrants were pouring in from Ireland, Poland, Italy, and Germany, lending to the diverse and unique culture of Buffalo and her suburbs. Streets were lighting up during the Pan-American Exposition and ties were being formed with Canada as talks of a Peace Bridge were occurring. Join us in taking a trip back in time to Buffalo’s original glory days!
The 1920s were a time of industrialization and business in Buffalo. The Great Lakes and the Erie Canal were seen as a gateway to the West and Buffalo was advantageously in the crosshairs.
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In 1901, Buffalo hosted the Pan-American Exposition. Streets were lit up for the first time in the country thanks to hydroelectric power generated by Niagara Falls, leading to Buffalo’s nickname, "City of Lights."
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While the Pan-American Expo was a great event for Buffalo, it did have dire consequences. When President McKinley was assassinated while visiting the event, Theodore Roosevelt took the Oath at the Wilcox House on Delaware Avenue. Delaware Avenue was the place to be for Buffalo’s wealthy bankers and industry owners.
In the early 20th century, the Iroquois Hotel was a sight to behold in Buffalo. That was, until 1923, when E.M. Statler bought the hotel and closed it when he opened his hotel, The Statler.
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The Olympic Theater was located on Broadway in Buffalo. The theater was said to have housed a very rare pipe organ, but after its demolition in 1929, no one knows where the organ went!
The Prudential (Guaranty) Building is the earliest skyscraper in Buffalo. The building’s facade is covered in terra cotta blocks with intricate designs resembling those of Egyptian hieroglyphs.
In 1917, the Erie Canal celebrated its 100th anniversary. The building of the Canal connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, increased trade, and inspired the culture, arts, and architecture that Buffalo is known for today.
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The Erie County Savings Bank and D.S. Morgan Buildings are no longer standing today, but back in the day they housed financial and insurance institutions.
Lehigh Valley Terminal, located on Main Street in Buffalo, was a passenger station connecting Buffalo to New York City by way of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the building only stood until 1960. Today, you can find a Courtyard Marriott in its place.
Buffalo is full of history and culture! Share your pictures with us!
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