History101.NYC is an ad-free learning resource available to the public at no charge. The project is dedicated to exploring New York’s fascinating past. We restore vintage photographs and prints that document the City's history and heritage. We also research the natural forces that shaped the environment, along with the people who formed the landscape and culture.
History of NYC - 1985 to 1990
In the latter half of the 1980’s New York City was working hard to recover from the decay of the 70’s. It would take some time for the economic boom of this period to catch up with the streets, still scarred and littered with rubble. Crime would continue to dominate headlines as citizens and high profile celebrities alike dealt with the harsh reality of life. The subway would continue to play an important role in the city’s development, becoming both a system of transit and mobile galleries as local artists would treat train wagons as their canvases. Despite, or perhaps even because of the hardships, this gritty period would also be defined by great stride in arts, culture and the overall style and fashio nof being a New Yorker.
1985: Statue of Liberty Flame
Photograph taken from the Statue of Liberty shows a recently renovated torch with lower Manhattan's skyline in the background.
Artist Credit: Jet Lowe. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1985: Ellis Island, Baggage and Dormitory Building
Photograph taken from the rooftop of Ellis Island Baggage and Dormitory Building, shows downtown Manhattan skyline in the background.
Artist Credit: Jack Boucher. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1985: World Trade Center and Saint Nicholas Church
Photograph of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers with the silhouette of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in the foreground.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1985: Ellis Island Ferry Building
Photograph of Ellis Island Ferry Building on the New York Harbor, taken from the south.
Artist Credit: Jack Boucher. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1985: South Street Seaport Museum
Constructed as an unified group in 1835-36, these three brick buildings are examples of the Greek Revival commercial style. Recently restored, these buildings are now part of the South Street Seaport Museum.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1986: 71st and Broadway
Photograph of the subway station at 71st Street and Broadway for Interborough Rapid Transit (Original Line).
Artist Credit: David Sagarin. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1986: 96th Street Train Station
Photograph of 96th Street Subway Station showing wall and ceiling treatment along the uptown platform.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1986: City Hall Subway Station Control Room
Photograph of the tile-clad control room at City Hall Subway Station in downtown Manhattan.
Artist Credit: David Sagarin. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1986: 110th Street Train Platform
Photograph of the 110th Street and Lenox Avenue Station platform and control area.
Artist Credit: David Sagarin. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1986: 125th Street and Broadway
Photograph of Manhattan Valley Viaduct station's east stairway and platform showing a new escalator built over the stairs.
Artist Credit: David Sagarin. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1986: 125th Street Train Platform
Photograph of the platform and tracks of 125th Street and Broadway station (formerly Manhattan Street) on Manhattan Valley Viaduct.
Artist Credit: David Sagarin. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1986: 152nd Street and Westchester Avenue
Photograph of the Jackson Avenue elevated station for the Interborough Rapid Transit subway in the Bronx.
Artist Credit: David Sagarin. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1986: 169th Street Train Platform
Photograph looking south on the northbound platform of the Third Avenue Elevated Line at 169th Street in the Bronx.
Artist Credit: Jack Boucher. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1989: Sailor Photographing a Police Man in Times Square
A sailor on liberty during Fleet Week photographs a New York City policeman on horseback in Times Square.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. The National Archives
1989: Three Sailors Posing in Times Square
Three sailors stop to look around Times Square while on liberty during Fleet Week.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. The National Archives