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.
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.
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.
1945: Times Square Crowd Celebrates the Surrender of Japan
Photograph of V-J Day in New York City. Crowds gather in Times Square to celebrate the surrender of Japan.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1946: Washington Market
Photograph of long lines of trucks being loaded with produce at Washington Market.
Artist Credit: Al Ravenna. Reprinted with permission.
1948: Long Island City - Northern Blvd
Photograph of Northern Boulevard in Long Island City, Queens - New York City.
Artist Credit: Samuel H. Gottscho. Reprinted with permission.Next 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
