87. ESCOLTA at the turn-of-the-century. A postcard collection

This is a collection of postcards featuring ESCOLTA at the turn-of-the-century

On the north bank of the Pasig River, just across the Walled City, is a street known until today as Escolta. The name originated during the British invasion when the British commander rode down this street always with his escort called escolta.

Early in the 19th century, Escolta took over from the Parian as the commercial hub of Manila. By the 1860s, its handsome' two-story buildings became the offices, shops, and stalls for merchants, many of whom were foreigners who flocked to the newly opened port of Manila. They were Sikh, Portuguese, Mexican, Japanese, and British merchants in addition to the already established Spanish and Chinese merchants.

Caritelas along the busy Escolta street

There were several reasons why Escolta became a bustling trade center. To begin with; there had to be a convenient place to receive the goods that were coming in from ships-and Escolta was not far from the ports themselves and was, in fact, right on the bank of the river Pasig. On this river was ferried the goods that came from the provinces as well as the goods that came from the ships that were anchored out on the bay.

Source: Ayala Museum Diorama Book

Escolta, the principal business street of Manila.

American automobiles parked at the sides of commercial stores and business offices along Escolta.

Singer Sewing Machine Co. office along Escolta

Trambia plying the streets of Escolta from Malabon going to San Juan

Escolta Street from Morga Square, Manila

Escolta Street from Morga Square, Manila

Another view of  Escolta Street from Morga Square, Manila

Another view of  Escolta Street from Morga Square, Manila

1909 Escolta Postcard by Underwood and Underwood

Escolta, during the 1940's

Tuck's painting of  Escolta at the turn of the century