Staten Island Ferry c. 1940

Lesley Buckland Crawford made this print of the Staten Island Ferry with graphite sometime in the mid-20th century. The ferry is a fascinating microcosm of New York society. Crawford's image creates meaning through its visual codes, alluding to the social and economic disparities within the city. We get a glimpse of the working class operating the vessel, and the largely faceless passengers standing apart. The artist provides a social commentary on the everyday lives of New Yorkers, connecting the boroughs through this essential form of public transport. By examining passenger records and historical accounts, we start to get a sense of the social interactions and the broader significance of the ferry in connecting communities. Crawford prompts us to consider the ferry not just as a mode of transport, but as a reflection of the city’s intricate social tapestry.