Category Archives: Old New York In Photos

Series: Old New York In Photos

Old New York In Photos #165 – Broadway & 40th St. 1913

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East Side of Broadway & 40th Street 1913

A Story Of Three Buildings On The Main Stem

This photograph taken by William Roege can be narrowed down to the autumn of 1913. Though photographer Roege engraved the year within the photo, he did not write an exact date.

The Empire Theater

We are looking at the east side of Broadway at 40th Street and the main clue to the time of year is the Empire Theater marquee which announces the appearance of actor John Drew.

John Drew

Drew was one of the turn-of-the-century’s big stage stars and the uncle of actors John, Lionel and Ethel Barrymore. Continue reading →

Old New York In Photos #164 – Elevated Curve At 110th Street

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The Ninth Avenue Elevated Curve At 110th Street c. 1880

The Ninth Avenue Elevated train tracks took a dramatic “S” turn at 110th Street to continue along Eighth Avenue. This part of the El system were very elevated, at certain points rising 100 feet above street level. Because of its phenomenal height Continue reading →

Old New York In Photos #163 – The Financial District During An Air Raid Test

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Pedestrians Scatter As President Eisenhower Runs An Air Raid Test In New York – 1957

My mother and father tell of practicing “duck and cover” in school.

The drill was to supposedly protect oneself from a nuclear bomb. As if crouching under a desk would have done anything to shield you from an atomic blast. Continue reading →

Old New York In Photos #160 – 38th Street Between 11th & 12th Avenues

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An Area Surrounded By Change, 38th Street Off 11th Avenue – 1934

This photograph taken by Percy Loomis Sperr on August 31, 1934 shows a mostly desolate section of the west side of Manhattan. 38th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues has still not been absorbed by the Hudson Yards building boom.

There has been great change, but there are many vacant lots and Incredibly nearly 90 years later, Continue reading →

Old New York In Photos #159 – North Of Central Park 1871

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Paving The Road North Of Central Park

This barren scene is Sixth Avenue (renamed Lenox Avenue in 1887 and additionally named Malcom X Boulevard in 1987) just north of Central Park.

As the northern boundary of the city kept expanding the grading and opening of streets continued further north. Continue reading →

Old New York In Photos #157 – Brighton Baths & Beach 1912

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Bathers At The Brighton Baths & Beach August 3, 1912

The Labor Day weekend is over now and those who went to the beaches found it crowded on three mostly sunny and hot days.

Though the costumes and people are different, 111 years ago on August 3, 1912 New Yorkers also sought the surf at Brighton Beach. This photograph is by William Davis Hassler, and is now in the collection of The New York Historical Society.

A few things to note. Hassler’s camera Continue reading →

Old New York In Photos #155 – New York Herald Building c. 1897

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A Street Level View Of The New York Herald Building 1897

This magic lantern slide from around 1897 shows The New York Herald Building at 35th Street sandwiched between Broadway on the left and Sixth Avenue with the El on the right.

The Herald newspaper became the first paper to abandon newspaper row, where most newspapers had their headquarters along Park Row. The Herald’s new home designed by McKim, Mead and White, opened for business on Monday, August 21, 1893. According to the clock Continue reading →