Vintage pictures of Puerto Rico in Color
All these photos were taken by photographer Jack Delano. Mr. Delano was sent by the U.S. Gov to document the life of the inhabitants of Puerto Rico in 1940. Mr. Delano fell in love with our people and culture and eventually moved to Puerto Rico.
These photos were colorized from the original negative plates using software.
Jack Delano was an American photographer and composer known for his work with the Farm Security Administration (FSA) during the Great Depression. Jack Delano was born on August 1, 1914, in Ukraine, and his family immigrated to the United States when he was a child. He developed an early interest in music and photography. Delano studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and later at the Federal Art Project in Philadelphia.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Delano worked as a photographer for the FSA, documenting the lives of people affected by the Great Depression. His photographs captured the struggles and resilience of rural communities. In 1941, Jack Delano and his wife, writer and editor Irene Delano, were assigned by the FSA to document life in Puerto Rico. The couple fell in love with the island and its people, leading them to make Puerto Rico their permanent home.
Delano’s Puerto Rican work focused on various aspects of life on the island, including agriculture, industry, and daily life. His photographs from this period are considered valuable historical documents that provide insights into Puerto Rican culture and society.
Jack Delano’s contributions to photography and documenting social issues have left a lasting impact. His images not only showcase the challenges faced by communities during difficult times but also celebrate the strength and dignity of individuals. Delano continued his career in Puerto Rico, working as a photographer and filmmaker. He also pursued his passion for music and composed several pieces inspired by Puerto Rican culture.
We hope you enjoy this treasure, a glimpse of our hard but beautiful and naive past.
About The Author
