Photographs by the commercial photographer William G. Dudley reflect the daily life of Hartford and the surrounding area in the 1910s and 1920s. Dudley maintained a studio in the Sage Allen building on Main Street for 30 years and many of his photographs document the flourishing downtown businesses and industries. He was also known for his group photographs, including many immigrant organizations as well as sports teams and school graduation pictures. At one time, he served as the local photographer for The New York Times. Dudley died on October 30, 1934 at the age of 57. Today, over 1700 of his negatives, taken between 1916 and 1926, are in the Graphics Collection of The Connecticut Historical Society. They provide a detailed and vivid record of the rapid changes that were taking place in the “Land of Steady Habits” during the Roaring Twenties. In addition to Dudley’s work, the Graphics Collection holds almost 200,000 photographs by other photographers documenting the changing face of the city of Hartford and the state of Connecticut from the mid-19th century through the present day.

Asylum Street facing East from High Street.

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Liggett’s Drug Store, 925 Main Street.

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Wedding Party

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Hartford Fire Department Softball Team

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Hartford Rubber Works Company. Construction Site

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H.S. Weeks Cigar Store, Main Street

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Gardener with Lawn Mower

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Train Derailment

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