Thick Canopy of Trees Along University Avenue--1942

By the mid-twentieth century, trees planted in the late 1800s and early 1900s towered over the meandering pathways of Irvington.  Children who grew up in the neighborhood in the 1920s through the 1960s spoke of streets in deep shade.  In this photo, taken in 1942, Shirley Custer (5515 University Avenue) played with a neighboring dog who dwelled with the Moffat family at 5511 University.  With the sun radiating off her golden hair, she and the pooch seem to be the only subjects in sunlight.  Notice the allée of trees behind her.  Most of the houses are not easily seen this photo, but you can see the front porches of 5511 and 5515 University Avenue.  The facade of 5527 University Avenue, an American Four Square, is also visible.  I have included a photo of that home in 2013. The historic image is courtesy of Custer family.

Shirley Custer in the front yard of 5511 University Avenue in 1942

5527 University Avenue in 2013