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 - 1945 to 1950
After six years of a world at war, the Allies have emerged victorious, an event which would fuel the American economy well into the next two decades. New York would ride this wave of prosperity and renewed celebration, filling the city with parades while expanding its financial and cultural footprint. Popular culture also began to cross social barriers as Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers crosses the baseball color line.
1947: 110th Street from Park Avenue
A photograph taken after a rain storm beneath an overpass looking east on 110th Street from Park Avenue.
Artist Credit: Al Aumuller. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1945: Residents of Little Italy Celebrate Allied Victory
Residents of New York's "Little Italy" in front of 76 Mulberry Street greet the news of Japan's acceptance of Allied surrende.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1945: Crowd at Times Square on V-J Day
Crowd of people, many waving, in Times Square on V-J Day at time of announcement of the Japanese surrender in 1945.
Artist Credit: Dick DeMarsico. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1945: Times Square Crowd Celebrates the Surrender of Japan
Crowds Gather in Times Square to Celebrate V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) on Tuesday August 14, 1945
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission. The National Archives
1945: Kissed in Times Square
Photograph of a sailor kissing an unknown woman in Times Square upon the announcement of Japan's surrender.
Artist Credit: Victor Jorgensen. Reprinted with permission. The National Archives
1947: Jazz Band at Times Square
A portrait of musicians Art Hodes, Kaiser Marshall, Henry (Clay) Goodwin, Sandy Williams, and Cecil (Xavier) Scott, playing on the back of a wagon in Times Square.
Artist Credit: William P. Gottlieb . Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1947: Portrait of Jazz Musicians in Times Square
Photograph of jazz musicians Art Hodes, Kaiser Marshall, Henry (Clay) Goodwin, Sandy Williams, and Cecil (Xavier) Scott at Times Square.
Artist Credit: William P. Gottlieb . Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1948: 52nd Street at Night
Rows of parked cars reflect the neon lights of the bars and clubs on a rain-soaked 52nd Street.
Artist Credit: William P. Gottlieb . Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1947: Billie Holiday on Stage
Photographic portrait of Billie Holiday, performing at Downbeat - a jazz club in Midtown Manhattan located on 52nd Street.
Artist Credit: William P. Gottlieb . Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1947: Portrait of Billie Holiday
Close up photographic portrait of Billie Holiday singing at Downbeat Jazz Club.
Artist Credit: William P. Gottlieb . Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1947: Ann Hathaway at Washington Square Park
Photograph of Ann Hathaway posing in front of the Washington Square Arch of Triumph with the 5th Ave skyline and a glimpse of the Empire State Building.
Artist Credit: William P. Gottlieb . Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1948: Riding Tricycles at Washington Square Park
Photograph of youngsters with tricycles stopped at a puddle near a curb in Washington Square with people on benches in midground, trees behind them.
Artist Credit: Fred Palumbo. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1949: Saint Anthony's Playground
Photograph shows a nun with a group of children on the basketball court at Saint Anthony's playground.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1947: Puerto Rican Family in New York City
Photograph shows a group of Puerto Ricans, at Newark airport, who just arrived by plane from Puerto Rico waiting to be transported to New York.
Artist Credit: Dick DeMarsica. Reprinted with permission. Library of Congress
1945: Traffic on 37th Street
Long lines of delivery trucks stall traffic on the corner of West 37th Street, looking west from 7th Avenue, in front of Howard Clothes store.
Artist Credit: Al Aumuller. Reprinted with permission. Library of CongressNext Chapter: History of NYC - 1950 to 1955
At the apex of its postwar recovery, New York City continues to prosper at an unprecedented rate. A collaboration of Allies was successful not just in winning the war, but build... Continue Reading