The only thing better than living in Buffalo now is living here in the past! Not because it was better, but because living history can be fascinating. Since we’re betting that most of our readers live in the here-and-now (time travel isn’t a thing yet, as far as we know) we thought that sharing some photos of the past would be a nice way to honor the history of this wonderful city. These old photos of Buffalo will remind you what life used to be like here.
- This is Mike Quinn’s Bar on 115 Chicago Street in Old First Ward around 1927.
Norm Hamilton via Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook You can almost smell the bar’s aroma.
- A walk down Lower Main Street in Buffalo meant a White Tower burger!
Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook Newer burger places in the city are great, but it’s just not quite the same.
- This shot was taken on May 14th in 1948 WBEN-TV 4 began broadcasting.
Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook Somehow Lana Turner was taken on a tour and shown the broadcasting equipment.
- Shelton Square around July 1950.
Buffalo News archives via Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook This crossroads cars and bus traffic allowed folks in Buffalo to see if the city was running on time.
- This photo of the lower Main Street area dates back to October 1958 and show how much the landscape of the city changed during this time.
Buffalo News archives via Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook You can see the old Michigan Avenue bridge here. The photo was likely taken from the top of the Fairmont Creamery Building.
- This is Charles B. Roach’s Delicatessen on 4558 Main Street, Snyder.
Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook There are plenty of current places for a coffee break and a sandwich, but nothing really feels the same as the delis of the old Buffalo.
- Polish Cadets of Buffalo celebrating the summer and heritage in Riverside Park on July 4, 1972.
Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook One of the best things about Buffalo is the strength of the Polish heritage that floods our celebrations and festivals. Is wonderful to see that this has been going on for years and years.
- The RAC 4th of July tent was something to look forward to.
Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook Does anyone remember clam broth? Or, those prices?!
- It takes a special city to bring out a crowd like this.
Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook Nearly everyone knew someone who came out for this huge event. The community came together to make it special and it’s still one of the best memories.
- This aerial shot of Buffalo was taken in 1954 or 1955.
Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook It’s so interesting to see how much has stayed the same. But, look at all those boats in the river! Anyone see that now?
- A fun day out at the park never got old!
Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook Does anyone else remember the final hill on the coaster that made you feel as if you were heading straight into the lake below?
- Hard to believe that the Buffalo Metro Rail opened in 1985!
Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook The stores in the photo might not be there anymore, but it’s a wonderful reminder of a city on the move.
Thanks to Forgotten Buffalo on Facebook, who does a wonderful job of documenting the history of the city to share with all of us.
Norm Hamilton via Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook
You can almost smell the bar’s aroma.
Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook
Newer burger places in the city are great, but it’s just not quite the same.
Somehow Lana Turner was taken on a tour and shown the broadcasting equipment.
Buffalo News archives via Forgotten Buffalo / Facebook
This crossroads cars and bus traffic allowed folks in Buffalo to see if the city was running on time.
You can see the old Michigan Avenue bridge here. The photo was likely taken from the top of the Fairmont Creamery Building.
There are plenty of current places for a coffee break and a sandwich, but nothing really feels the same as the delis of the old Buffalo.
One of the best things about Buffalo is the strength of the Polish heritage that floods our celebrations and festivals. Is wonderful to see that this has been going on for years and years.
Does anyone remember clam broth? Or, those prices?!
Nearly everyone knew someone who came out for this huge event. The community came together to make it special and it’s still one of the best memories.
It’s so interesting to see how much has stayed the same. But, look at all those boats in the river! Anyone see that now?
Does anyone else remember the final hill on the coaster that made you feel as if you were heading straight into the lake below?
The stores in the photo might not be there anymore, but it’s a wonderful reminder of a city on the move.
Another great (and sweet!) way to experience Buffalo’s past is by visiting this candy shop on Main Street that’s been around since 1927.
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