1945-1950 NYC: Post-War Transition, Mid-Century Revival & Community Redevelopment

Timeline of New York City: 1945-1950

1945: On August 14, Times Square in New York City became the backdrop for one of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century, capturing the spontaneous joy and relief marking the end of World War II on Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day). The famous images taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt and Victor Jorgensen each offer a unique perspective on this historic moment. Eisenstaedt’s photo, published in Life magazine, showcases the bustling scene of Times Square, symbolizing the collective national elation. In contrast, Jorgensen’s photograph, titled “Kissing the War Goodbye” and featured in The New York Times, zooms in on the intimate embrace of a sailor and a nurse, highlighting the personal joy and relief felt by individuals amidst the larger public celebration.

The identities of the figures in these photographs have been the subject of enduring intrigue and debate. George Mendonsa and Greta Zimmer Friedman are widely recognized as the sailor and the nurse in Eisenstaedt’s photograph, supported by forensic analysis and personal accounts. However, the claim by Glenn McDuffie, substantiated by forensic artist Lois Gibson, adds a layer of mystery and continued fascination with these images. Further personalizing the narrative, Rita Petry, who appears in the background of Eisenstaedt’s photo and later married Mendonsa, and Kay Hughes Dorius, identified as the woman in Jorgensen’s photograph, enrich the historical and emotional depth of these moments. These photographs not only document the jubilation of V-J Day but also weave individual stories into the broader tapestry of American history, serving as a powerful visual narrative of the day’s significance.

1945: The Bowne House, constructed in 1661 and one of the oldest existing structures in New York City, was transformed into the Bowne House Historical Society. This historic site, nestled in Flushing, Queens, holds a significant place in American history due to its original owner, John Bowne. Bowne is celebrated for his pivotal role in advocating for religious freedom; his defiance against the ban on Quaker worship in New Amsterdam led to his arrest and consequential trial. His courageous actions were crucial in shaping the principles of religious freedom that would later be integral to the U.S. Constitution. This transition of the house into a historical society was motivated by a commitment to preserve and highlight this profound legacy of championing civil liberties.

The establishment of the Bowne House Historical Society initiated a focused preservation of this critical element of New York’s colonial heritage, which later evolved into a museum. Today, the Bowne House not only acts as a testament to New York City’s early influence on religious and civil liberties in America but also serves as a vital educational tool. It sheds light on the historical and social narratives of its era and attracts scholars and visitors interested in the roots of American religious freedom. Situated in a diverse borough, the museum enhances the cultural and historical fabric of New York City, ensuring that John Bowne’s legacy and the historical importance of the Bowne House continue to resonate with and educate future generations. This enduring focus on preservation and education reaffirms New York City’s prominent role in historical and cultural conservation, enriching the community’s engagement with its deep historical roots.

1945: Adam Clayton Powell Jr. made history by being elected as the U.S. Representative for New York's 22nd congressional district. His election represented a significant milestone in American politics as Powell became one of the first African American politicians from a major urban center to serve in Congress. Prior to his political career, Powell was a pastor at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, where he was an active advocate for civil rights and social reform. His transition from local activism to a national legislative platform was driven by his commitment to address and rectify racial inequalities and economic disparities affecting African Americans and other marginalized groups in New York City and beyond.

The election not only marked a crucial advancement in the representation of African Americans in political office but also underscored New York City's role as a burgeoning center for civil rights activism in the mid-20th century. His tenure in Congress saw significant legislative contributions, including efforts to expand access to education and labor rights, which had a lasting impact on both his constituents in Harlem and the broader American society. Powell's influential career in Congress, beginning with his election on this pivotal year, highlighted New York City's influence in shaping national policies related to civil rights and social justice, reinforcing the city’s historical and ongoing commitment to political and social progress.

1945: On December 17, WABD, one of the pioneering television stations in New York City, transitioned from Channel 4 to Channel 5. This station, initially part of the DuMont Television Network, was integral in shaping the early television broadcasting landscape in the United States. The reallocation to Channel 5 was directed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as part of its ongoing efforts to regulate and optimize the burgeoning television network system across the country. This shift was critical for WABD as it allowed the station to reach a broader audience and provided a more stable broadcasting frequency, enhancing the station's ability to deliver quality programming to viewers in the New York metropolitan area.

The move of WABD had lasting impacts on New York City's media and cultural landscape. As television emerged as a dominant media force post-World War II, having a foundational station like WABD solidly positioned on Channel 5 helped establish New York City as a major center for broadcast media. This adjustment not only facilitated WABD's growth but also contributed to the wider development of the television industry in the region, enhancing New York City’s role in the national media market. The station's successful reallocation underscores the city’s historical and ongoing commitment to supporting innovations in media and communications, which continue to shape its identity as a leading hub for technology and entertainment.

1946: Following World War II, New York City embarked on an ambitious public construction initiative to revitalize and expand its park and recreational facilities. Between 1946 and 1949, the city strategically allocated $22.5 million from its budget to address the critical need for urban green spaces and recreational areas. This funding was directed towards both the renovation of older parks and the creation of new playgrounds, meeting the growing demands of the city's expanding population. This period marked a significant shift in the city’s urban planning priorities, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for residents through the development of accessible and well-maintained public spaces.

The investment in New York City's parks and recreational facilities played a pivotal role in shaping the city's postwar landscape. It facilitated the construction of scores of playgrounds, which were often integrated with other public infrastructure projects such as schools, public housing, and highways. This integration was part of a broader urban development strategy that sought to create multifunctional public spaces that could serve diverse community needs. The enhancements made during this period not only improved the aesthetic and functional aspects of the city’s neighborhoods but also contributed to the social and physical well-being of its residents. By prioritizing the development of public recreational areas, New York City demonstrated a commitment to fostering more livable and engaging urban environments, which continue to benefit the community decades later.

1946: On January 12, New York City hosted a grand Victory Parade to celebrate the successful conclusion of World War II and the return of countless service members. The parade was a momentous occasion, symbolizing peace and the nation’s recovery from the long years of war. It wound through the streets of Manhattan, drawing vast crowds of spectators who came to honor the veterans and active duty personnel. The event was part of a broader series of victory parades across the United States, but New York's parade was particularly significant due to the city's prominence and its pivotal role during the war, serving as a major departure and return point for many soldiers.

The Victory Parade in New York City not only provided a cathartic celebration for the city’s residents and returning heroes but also reinforced New York’s position as a national symbol of resilience and unity. Coming together for such a large-scale public event helped restore a sense of normalcy and communal pride. It marked an important chapter in New York’s extensive historical narrative, serving as a demonstration of the city's capacity to unite people from all walks of life in recognition of a common cause. This event remains embedded in the city's memory, symbolizing the end of conflict and the beginning of a hopeful era of rebuilding and renewal, and continues to be a poignant reminder of the city’s historical significance during pivotal global events.

1946: On March 8, New York City became a trailblazer in urban transportation when it issued the first license for commercial helicopter use. This groundbreaking event marked the city's embrace of innovative aviation technology, setting a precedent for other cities worldwide. The introduction of commercial helicopter services offered a novel solution to the challenges posed by urban congestion, providing a faster, more efficient mode of transport that could easily traverse the city's dense and bustling landscape. This advancement was not only a significant achievement in the field of aviation but also a testament to New York City’s commitment to pioneering modern urban transportation solutions.

The licensing of the first commercial helicopter has had a lasting impact on New York City’s economic and logistical landscape. It opened up new avenues for business and tourism, allowing for quick aerial tours of the cityscape, faster commute options for business professionals, and an alternative for rapid response services. As the years passed, the use of helicopters became ingrained in the city’s transport infrastructure, enhancing its image as a dynamic metropolis at the forefront of technological integration. This move on March 8th highlighted New York's role as an innovator in urban transportation, contributing significantly to its history as a city that continually evolves to meet the needs of its residents and visitors.

1946: On May 20, a significant aviation incident occurred in New York City when a United States Army Air Forces C-45 Beechcraft airplane crashed into the 58th floor of 40 Wall Street. The crash tragically resulted in the deaths of all five individuals aboard the aircraft. Despite the high altitude impact, the incident remarkably did not cause any casualties within the building itself, though it did lead to substantial damage to the structure. This event drew considerable attention due to the location of the crash in one of New York City's tallest skyscrapers and its proximity to other iconic landmarks.

The plane crash not only marked a tragic day but also underscored the growing concerns regarding air traffic safety in urban environments, particularly in a bustling metropolis like New York City. The accident prompted a reevaluation of aviation regulations and air traffic control measures, especially concerning flights near high-rise buildings. It served as a catalyst for discussions on urban air safety and contributed to the eventual development of more stringent guidelines and systems to govern airspace over densely populated areas. This event is a critical part of New York City’s history, highlighting the challenges and risks of its evolving skyline and the necessary advancements in technology and regulatory frameworks that followed to prevent future tragedies.

1946: On June 6, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) was officially established in New York City, marking a significant development in the history of professional basketball. The creation of the BAA was instrumental in shaping the modern professional basketball landscape. This new league was formed by owners of the major ice hockey arenas in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States and Canada, seeking to fill their venues on non-hockey nights. By organizing the league in New York City, the founders took advantage of the city's media presence, vast audience, and substantial marketing opportunities, setting the stage for what would eventually become a major national sports organization.

The BAA's inception in New York City not only catalyzed the development of professional basketball but also reinforced the city's status as a pivotal arena for American sports. This establishment led to significant growth in the sport's popularity and professional organization, culminating in the merger with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to form the National Basketball Association (NBA). The strategic decision to base the BAA in New York leveraged the city's media and advertising capabilities, greatly enhancing the visibility and commercial viability of basketball. The founding of the BAA, in New York has had a profound and lasting impact on the city’s cultural fabric and economic dynamics, continuing to contribute to its identity as a world-leading city for sports and entertainment.

1946: On June 20, New York City made a significant upgrade to its public transportation system by introducing a public address (PA) system on subway car #744, which operated on the 8th Avenue Independent Subway (IND) line. This enhancement was part of the city's broader effort to modernize its extensive subway network. The implementation of the PA system aimed to improve communication with passengers by providing timely and clear announcements about stops, delays, and other critical travel information. This technological integration was particularly crucial for managing the large volume of passengers that the subway system handled daily, ensuring that they were well-informed during their commutes.

The introduction of the PA system into New York City's transit network not only marked an improvement in passenger communication but also significantly contributed to the operational efficiency and safety of the subway service. As the first car to feature this technology, #744 on the 8th Avenue line became a model for subsequent upgrades throughout the system. This initiative reflected New York City's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance urban transit services and passenger experience. By June, with this advancement, New York continued to solidify its reputation as a leader in urban transportation innovation, setting standards that would influence public transit systems globally.

1946: On June 25, a catastrophic fire erupted at the St. George terminal of the Staten Island Ferry in New York City, leading to a significant tragedy. The blaze resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to 280 others, marking one of the darkest days in the history of the city’s ferry service. The fire not only caused considerable human suffering but also inflicted severe damage on the terminal infrastructure, disrupting ferry services that were crucial for daily commuters between Staten Island and Manhattan. This incident exposed serious safety vulnerabilities, prompting city officials and the public to reexamine and demand improvements in the safety measures of public transportation facilities.

The aftermath of the fire, spurred a series of changes in the operations and management of the Staten Island Ferry and the St. George terminal. The city took immediate steps to rebuild and modernize the terminal, implementing stricter safety protocols and emergency response procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The reconstruction of the terminal included enhancements in fire suppression systems and structural upgrades to improve overall safety and efficiency. These efforts not only restored confidence among the commuting public but also strengthened the infrastructure against potential future incidents. The rebuilding of the St. George terminal thus became a critical point in the history of New York City’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of its transportation network, reinforcing the city’s resilience and adaptive response to crises.

1946: Balducci's, a pioneering gourmet grocery store, was established by Louis and Maria Balducci in New York City. Originally starting as a humble fruit and vegetable stand in Greenwich Village, it soon evolved into a much larger operation known for its high-quality produce and wide selection of gourmet and specialty foods. The store quickly became a culinary landmark, setting new standards in food retail through its emphasis on quality and variety. Balducci’s introduction of exotic foods and ingredients previously unfamiliar to many New Yorkers played a significant role in transforming local culinary habits and expectations, making it a forerunner in the city’s gourmet food retail scene.

Balducci's not only enriched the New York City food market but also contributed to the broader cultural fabric of the city. It fostered a greater appreciation for diverse food cultures and influenced the development of similar gourmet markets. Balducci’s impact on New York City extended beyond the mere provision of food; it helped to cultivate a sophisticated food scene that would attract food lovers and chefs from around the world. This evolution marked a significant chapter in the city's post-war recovery, symbolizing its ongoing transformation into a global epicenter of culture and cuisine. The store’s success from its beginnings in 1946 has underscored New York’s dynamic and evolving urban landscape.

1946: The Betty Parsons Gallery, a cornerstone in the promotion of American abstract expressionism, was established at 15 East 57th Street in New York City. The gallery was instrumental in launching the careers of several influential artists of the 20th century, including Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. Betty Parsons, renowned for her visionary approach, was among the first to recognize and support the nascent Abstract Expressionist movement. Her gallery became a focal point for innovative artistic expressions, showcasing groundbreaking works such as Pollock’s first drip paintings and Rothko’s early color field abstractions, which profoundly influenced the direction of American art.

Opening the Betty Parsons Gallery, shortly after the end of World War II, Betty Parsons contributed significantly to establishing New York City as a central hub of the global art scene. By promoting artists who were pushing the boundaries of contemporary art, Parsons helped shift the artistic epicenter from Paris to New York. This transition not only enhanced New York City's cultural prestige but also stimulated its economy through the growing art market. The gallery's role in promoting abstract expressionism mirrored the city's broader cultural evolution, underscoring its status as a place of rebirth and innovation. As such, Parsons and her gallery played a critical role in shaping both the cultural identity and the economic landscape of post-war New York, helping to forge an artistic legacy that continues to influence the global art community.