TRUCKS, WEST AND DESBROSSES STREETS
JUNE 18, 1936. ABBOTT FILE 135

Produce arriving by ship at the Hudson River piers was distributed throughout New York City by truck. Although Abbott avoided photographing the waterfront at its busiest time, when trucks filled the streets and loading docks, she did capture these trucks waiting at Pier 31, the National Carloading Corporation. With little else to do, the truck driver and dock workers watched Abbott photograph their workplace.

On the site of this pier shed is now a parking lot, and along the river is an interim promenade (1994) extending from Battery Park City to Greenwich Village. The development of this waterfront is currently the subject of strenuous debate between city, state, and community representatives.

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