“May the breezes of Summer that breathe of perfume, waft their balmiest dews to so hallowed a shrine.” — Shelley
Beulah O’Brien was a 24-year old bank cashier at the Metropolitan Trust in New York City.
The year was 1939.
Beulah was fond of wearing the latest fashions, her brown hair perfectly waved in the style of the day and she liked cute black pumps to go with most outfits. The nails were done by the Perschel Best Salon every fortnight. Beulah was quite a beauty and had many beaux calling her for dates.
She went to her job on the New York City subways. Horse drawn surface lines were begun in 1831. Elevated railroad lines were constructed during the 1870s and 1880s. The concept of subways were originated in London in 1863 and begun in New York City in 1904. The system began in Manhattan and extended for nine miles.
The earliest attempt as mass transportation was omnibuses on city streets. The driver rode outside the coach exposed to the weather in all seasons. Coach-maker Abraham Brower provided these vehicles beginning in 1831. Following that were the horse-driven streetcars. Those were made of wood, and later of iron.
Beulah took her lunch hour to stop at the Siegel-Cooper Department Store on the east side of Sixth Avenue. During World War I, it had been converted to a military hospital. Beulah picked up a new pair of white kid gloves and some hair ornaments. She ate a quick lunch while sitting on a park bench and returned to work.
The afternoon was pleasant enough with many regular bank patrons stopping to withdraw money or to make deposits. She counted and then closed her money tray. She put her hat on and walked to Cavanaugh’s Restaurant on West 23rd Street. She was meeting Bill for the evening meal. Bill was a furniture salesman staying at the Vanderbilt Hotel. They had met at university and were forming a friendship.
Over a meal of seared scallops and grilled asparagus, they enjoyed the next two hours. Neither drank alcohol, so they enjoyed their tea and coffee. A violinist played classical music as he meandered past the booths. Over dessert of warm apple pie, they decided to meet there again in two weeks when Bill would be back in the City. With a darkening sky, they parted company on the streets of New York City.
Beulah joined with other passengers at the Times Square subway station. She bought the evening newspaper and a magazine for the travel home. She noted that on the globe stanchion was a poster indicating that the 1939-1940 World’s Fair, held in Queens, was still in progress. She reminded herself to ask her girlfriends, Gigi and Maria, if they wanted to take in the Fair that coming weekend.
For a short period of time, 1910 the Hudson Tubes, had offered one car on a train for the use of women exclusively. A sign noted that “This car reserved exclusively for women.” Longitudinal seats had cards above that advertised products. Straps were still suspended from the ceiling and the poles still offered additional support for those who had to stand. The routine meant that getting to and from home and back again was done in reasonable comfort and at reasonable cost.
The subways had murals, paintings, and plaques, some with historical significance and artwork with nautical themes. Paper tickets cost five cents. Ticket choppers were handled by employees and the tickets were cut into two after the passenger departed. Vault lighting illuminated the areas. New Yorkers were observed walking 30% faster than the rest of the country in 1930.
That June night ended peacefully. Beulah finished her toilette and went to sleep. She dreamed of another Summer’s day and gave thanks to her Creator.