Breathtaking Vintage Photos Of New York City Released By Municipal Archives Show Astounding Views of City
The South Street Seaport circa 1875.
My hubby is a big James Cagney fan so our kids often find him watching one of Cagney’s movies. He’ll usually call one of them asking them to watch something that he finds funny. So while they might walk into the room somewhat reluctantly, more often than not, they are interested in how things looked way back in the 30s and 40s.
Just yesterday, I peered over my computer as The Strawberry Blond was on and while I admit I got really into the romanticized portrayal of 1940s courting for a split second, what grabbed me most was what they wore, how the city (albeit a recreated NYC filmed in a Burbank studio) looked, and how incredibly different life was less than 100 years ago.
And I know I’m not alone. Last week, the New York City Municipal Archives vamped up their archives adding vintage photos of New York City. They currently have close to one million photos showing amazing views and classic shots of city workers, buildings and streets.
For any kid (or adult) interested in history, these archives are truly fascinating and a wonderful history lesson. (And wow, would this make an awesome history PowerPoint presentation!)
When the photos were first released to the pubic, the New York City Municipal Archives website hit all-time highs and couldn’t even handle the traffic going to it to view the photos. It is still extremely busy. You might want to try it on off hours.
But in the meantime, scroll through a handful of photos here:
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Grand Central Terminal
Breathtaking view of Grand Central Terminal bathed in sunlight circa 1935-1941
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
42nd Street
A pair of girls walk east along 42nd Street in 1890.
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Brooklyn Bridge
Painters are suspended from wires on the Brooklyn Bridge in 1914. Check out the suits (and the one guy on top who doesn't even have shoes on!)
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Flushing Race Track
Markus Mercury Wheel Club in 1894
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Times Square
Different yet the same...
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
George Washington Bridge
The Hudson River from the New York tower of the George Washington Bridge in 1936.
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
New York CIty Fire Department Steam Pumper
Quite a difference from the firetrucks of today
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Aerial View
Sky view of New York City
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
View of Manhattan Bridge
The view of the Manhattan Bridge as it rises above Washington Street in 1908.
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Inside City Hall Subway
Simply magnificent; IRT Lexington Avenue Line in 1904
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Outside City Hall Subway
City Hall Subway Station in 1907
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Skyline
Still an amazing view back in 1938
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
FDNY In Action
Firefighters try to resuscitate victim.
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Coney Island
View from Steeplechase Pier in 1922
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Manhattan Bridge Trolley
The Manhattan Bridge showing trolley tracks and carriage June 24, 1915
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Municipal Building
View of Municipal Building from Centre Street in 1904
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Delancey Street
Workers dig in the street along the sidewalk on the north side of Delancey Street in 1908.
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Dance Party, June 26, 1924
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Street Cleaner
Horse drawn street cleaner
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Queensborough Bridge
Still under construction!
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives -
Before Fairway
Old school way to get your vegetables..at the neighborhood stand
Photo Credit: New York City Municipal Archives
Image: New York City Municipal Archives
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New York City Municipal Archives, not society, but thanks for pulling a nice selection of images.
Thanks for the clarification, Michael. The photos were all so stunning, it was difficult to choose which ones to spotlight.
In my opinion it is obvious. I recommend to look for the answer to your question in google.com
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