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 building bridges as the city welcomed a record number of immigrants seeking a new life. Puerto Rico became a US territory in 1952, opening up a wave of migrant citizens from the island and ultimately leading to the first Puerto Rican Day Parade, along with pop/cultural representation in classic NYC films such as West Side Story.
1952: Washington Street Produce Market
A photograph of the produce market on Washington Street at night.
Artist Credit: Walter Albertin. Reprinted with permission.
1953: Times Square Showing Advertisements
Photograph of Times Square showing advertisements and businesses such as the Crossroad's Cafe and Nedicks.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1951: Rush Hour on the West Side Highway
Road construction delays traffic during rush hour on West Side Highway, at 79th Street, New York City.
Artist Credit: Al Ravenna. Reprinted with permission.
1953: Grand Central Sculpture of Light
Photograph shows the interior of main concourse of Grand Central Terminal with sunlight streaming through windows of main concourse.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1953: Midtown Smog Obscures View of Chrysler Building
Aerial photograph of smog obscuring a view of the Chrysler Building from the Empire State Building.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1952: Man Standing in Building Ruins
Photograph of a man standing in the doorway of a building in ruins against a backdrop of skyscrapers.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1952: Houston Street from Broadway
Photograph shows busy intersection at Houston Street looking east from Broadway. An elevated train track visible in the background.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1952: Aerial View of Downtown Manhattan
Photograph shows an aerial view of Manhattan including the East River featuring the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1954: View Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Photograph shows an elevated view across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1952: Aerial View of City Hall Park
Photograph shows view of Broadway looking south from above the 135 highway with large skyscraper in distance and subway tracks emerging from the ground.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1952: The Woolworth Building
Photograph shows the Woolworth building from across Broadway Street.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1952: The Flatiron Building
Elevated perspective of The Flatiron building and the busy intersection of 5th Avenue and Broadway.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1952: The Empire State Building
An elevated perspective of Midtown Manhattan's famous skyscrapers with the Empire State Building casting a long shadow as the sun illuminates 5th Avenue.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1953: Empire State Building at Night
Aerial photograph of the Empire State Building illuminated at night.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1954: Man Looking Towards the Statue of Liberty
Photograph of a man holding an open umbrella, sitting on a dock with a view of the Statue of Liberty across the harbor.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.Next Chapter: History of NYC - 1955 to 1960
In the late 50s New York is still coasting on the success of the previous decade. The economy is strong and the population has just passed 7.7 million people. Air travel has bec... Continue Reading
