History of New York City - 1915 to 1920
After years of growth and success, the City faces some of its most harrowing challenges in the form the Influenza Epidemic, which would later become a full-blown pandemic due to its spread during World War 1. All of the city’s workers were issued face masks for protection and citizens were socially distanced to minimize the impact of the virus which would eventually claim the lives of over 50,000 New Yorkers. By contrast, the end of this time period was one of celebration, as the virus subsided and the city celebrated the Allied victory of the Great War, setting the City up for a full decade of decadence.
1915: Birds Eye View Lower Manhattan
An illustration depicting an elevated perspective of New York Harbor, buzzing with activity from many ships.
1915: Brooklyn Bridge
Aerial photograph of downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge spanning the East River.
1915: Aerial View of Coney Island
A bird's eye view of Coney Island and surrounding areas. We can see Luna Park at the bottom center and throughout the rest of the photo - a far more rural version of Brooklyn than most might imagine.
1916: Horse-Drawn Carriage and Automobiles
Photograph shows a horse-drawn carriage and automobiles on a city street in strong sunlight.
1916: Telephone and Telegraph Building
Photograph of the corner of Broadway and Fulton Street. The Telephone and Telegraph Building was designed by architect William Welles Bosworth and opened in 1916.
1918: Multi-Millionaires March in Liberty Loan Parade
General George R. Dyer, Benjamin Strong, Seward Prosser, J.P. Morgan, Charles H. Sabin, Gates McGarrah and Frank A. Venderlip at NYC's 3rd Liberty Loan Parade.
1917: World War I-Recruiting Parade
Photograph of military procession at Union Square drumming up support and enlistments for World War 1.
1917: Snowbound Automobiles
Photograph of parked cars, locked in place by piles of snow after a blizzard.
1918: Conductorettes Wearing Masks During Pandemic
Photograph of female transit workers wearing face masks for protection from the highly contagious and deadly flu which was spread far and wide by the war.
1918: Influenza Epidemic - Street Cleaner Wearing Mask
Mask worn by a street cleaner to check influenza spread. The catch phrase of the New York Health Board to wear masks has been headed: "Better ridiculous than dead"
1918: Influenza Epidemic - Letter Carrier Wearing Mask
Photograph of a mailman wearing a face mask during the deadly avian flu which was sweeping the world.
1918: Influenza Epidemic - Policeman Wearing a Mask
Photograph of a policeman wearing a mask during the Spanish Flu pandemic. 1700 of these masks were distributed to police throughout the city for protection.
1918: 369th Infantry on the Transport Decks
Photograph of the famous African American regiment arriving home - they never had one of their men captured, and received the Croix de Guerre for their bravery.
1918: Crowds at Parade of the Famous 369th Infantry
Photograph of crowds waiting for the parade of the famous 369th Infantry (Harlem Hellfighters).
1919: 369th Infantry
Some of the men of the 369th Infantry Regiment (aka Harlem Hellfighters) who won the Croix de Guerre for gallantry in action.