History of New York City - 1910 to 1915
At the dawn of another decade, New York’s expansion and cultural influence show no signs of slowing. The New York Public Library’s main branch was completed and just a few blocks away, Grand Central Terminal was rebuilt to a luxurious standard, moving thousands of commuters a day. Pennsylvania Station – an architectural marvel in its own right was also completed during this time, along with The North River Tunnels which would connect New York with New Jersey.
1911: Horse-Drawn Fire Engines
Photograph of firemen on their way to the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in Greenwich Village.
1911: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
Photograph of firemen as they battle the fatal blaze which engulfed the Triangle Waist Company in flames, claiming 146 lives.
1911: Memorial for Fire Victims of Triangle Waist Company
A Trade Union procession for Triangle Waist Co. fire victims. This event would mark the beginning of labor movements and laws to protect workers.
1911: Opening Day at the New York Public Library
Photograph of crowds gathering for the opening of New York's iconic Public Library on May 23rd, 1911.
1911: Longacre Square South
Photograph shows Longacre Square, now named Times Square, with theaters, shops, hotels, and the Times Building.
1911: Theaters and Hotels at Longacre Square
Photograph of Longacre (Times) Square shows the New York Theatre on left and Hotel Cadillac in the background.
1911: Wall Street and Nassau Street
Photograph of pedestrians and horse drawn carriages on Wall Street looking, east from Nassau Street.
1912: Old Woman on Lafayette Street
A senior citizen is doubled over as she carries a stack of textiles across Lafayette Street below Astor Place.
1912: Immigrants Looking at Manhattan from Ellis Island
Photograph of immigrants waiting to be transferred at Ellis Island on October 30, 1912. Manhattan's downtown skyline is visible in the distance.
1910: Around the Block for 2 Cents
The automobile would become an attraction all its own. Local children were willing to pay 2 cents ($0.50 today) for a ride around the block.
1911: Orphans Going to Coney Island
Photograph of automobiles lined up to take orphans for a day of fun at Coney Island's famous Luna Park thanks to the efforts of local charities.
1912: Luna Park and Surf Avenue at Coney Island
Photograph shows an overhead view of cars and trolleys making their way down Surf Avenue at the entrance to Coney Island's Luna Park.
1913: Easter Day on Fifth Avenue
Photograph of Fifth Avenue on Easter Sunday. Automobiles had become were already beginning to supplant the city's use of trolleys and horse drawn carriages.
1912: Easter on Fifth Avenue
Photograph of a crowded Fifth Avenue filled with pedestrians and automobiles on Easter Sunday.
1913: 54th Street and 5th Avenue - Easter Day Crowd
Photograph of a large crowd gathered on Fifth Avenue in celebration of Easter.