New Jersey Then and Now

New Jersey, is a place rich with history and transformation. From lively boardwalks and iconic amusement parks to the bustling streets of cities like Jersey City and Hoboken, New Jersey has undergone extraordinary transformations over the decades. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and see how some of New Jersey’s most beloved spots have changed over the years.

Comparison of a historic black-and-white photo and a modern color photo of a waterfront scene with a boat, paddle boat, and a pavilion.

Ocean Grove, NJ- Wesley Lake looking towards Asbury Park in 1935 compared to today.

Two images of a city street, one with cars and storefronts and another with empty streets and closed shops.

Camden, NJ- Broadway and Kaighn Ave in the 1960s compared to today.

Jersey City, NJ- Grove Street and Railroad Ave (now Christopher Columbus Drive) in the 1950s and today.

Two street scenes, one black and white and from an earlier time with old cars and a small storefront, and the other in color showing a modern, busy urban intersection with cars, pedestrians, and a Dunkin' Donuts store.
A street scene with pedestrians and vehicles. The top part shows a black-and-white photo with a large billboard advertising Krueger beer, and people walking on the sidewalk. The bottom part is a colored version showing a bright, modern street with cars parked along the side, signs, and buildings, including a large billboard advertising vehicle savings and dealership promotions.

Point Pleasant Beach, NJ- The Advertisements on Bay Ave in the 1940s compared to today.

Comparison of two photographs showing the same building: an old black and white photo from the early 20th century and a modern color photo. The old photo depicts a three-story brick building with a porch, a small shop on the ground floor, and vintage vehicles in front. The modern photo shows the same building with updated signage and decor, located beneath a metal train bridge, with a small parking garage sign nearby and contemporary street features.

Cranford, NJ- The Cranford Hotel on South Union and Walnut Ave in 1928 compared to today.

Comparison of two different small-town main streets with buildings, parked cars, and pedestrians.

Boonton, NJ- The corner of Plane Street and Main Street in the 1960s and today.

Comparison of a historic building and a modern reconstruction in an urban setting.

Jersey City, NJ- the corner of Summit and Newark Ave in the early 1900s compared to the same location today.

Comparison of an old black and white photo and a modern color photo of the same bridge showing its structure and vehicles crossing.

Palmyra, NJ- The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge in 1929 compared to today. The bridge was a quicker route to the Jersey Shore for Philadelphians.

Top: Vintage street scene with a theater, cars, and a corner building. Bottom: Modern street scene with McDonald's sign, cars, and a corner building.

Passaic, NJ- Main Ave and Lexington Ave in 1966 compared to today.

Comparison of an old black-and-white photo of a three-story brick building with a horse-drawn carriage in front, and a modern color photo of the same building with cars and a clock on the street.

Upper Montclair, NJ- Valley Road and Bellevue Ave in the early 1900s and today.

Comparison of two streets, with vintage artwork of a colorful downtown with cars on a broad street and modern photograph of a downtown with brick buildings and crosswalks under a bright blue sky.

Manasquan, NJ- Main Street and South Street in the 1940s and today.

Comparison of an old black-and-white photograph and a recent color photograph of the same bridge over a highway, showing the bridge's structure and surrounding trees.

Brielle, NJ- The Route 35 overpass bridge in the 1930s and today.

Comparison of two images showing the exterior of a Circle Liquor Store, one during daytime in a different building design, and the other at a different location with a parking lot and cars.

Somers Point, NJ- Circle Liquor Store in the 1960s compared to today.

Comparison of two residential neighborhood streets, one with single-family houses and parked cars, the other with a single car parked and a visible designated handicap parking space.

Lavallette, NJ- Bay Beach Way in 1971 and today.

Comparison of two images showing a road with power lines. The top image is an old black-and-white photo with a dirt road, utility poles, a car, and a house in the background. The bottom image is a modern color photo of the same location, with paved roads, traffic lights, cars, trees, and new utility poles.

Moorestown, NJ- Lenola Road and Kings Highway in the 1920s and today.

Comparison of two buildings on a street corner: the top image shows an old black-and-white photo of Miller's Pharmacy, a vintage drugstore with signage and an upper-story sign, while the bottom image shows a modern color photo of a residential building and street with new cars and updated surroundings.

Magnolia, NJ- The corner of Warwick Road and Lapierre Ave in the 1930s and today.

Comparison of two images showing Main Street in a small town; the top image is an old, vintage photo with classic cars from the mid-20th century, and the bottom image is a modern color photo with contemporary vehicles, both featuring storefronts and trees lining the street.

Spring Lake, NJ- Third Ave looking North in the 1950s compared to today.

Asbury Ave and 8th Street, Ocean City, NJ in the early 1900s and today.

Comparison of historic and modern views of Ocean City, New Jersey, looking north from Asbury Ave from 8th Street. The top image shows an old street scene with vintage cars and storefronts, while the bottom image depicts a contemporary street with pedestrians, bikes, and modern storefronts.
Comparison of two photos of the same building; the top photo shows the building filled with people at an event, while the bottom photo shows the building under renovation with its frame visible, and graffiti art on the side.

Asbury Park, NJ- Fans of the band, Hot Tuna, waiting to get into the show in 1972 compared to today. Hot Tuna was formed in 1969 by former Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady.

Comparison of two train stations, one historic with people and the other abandoned with empty platforms.

The Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, during rush hour in the 1950s compared to today.