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 - 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.
1953: Pedestrians at the New York Public Library
Photograph of pedestrians scattering a flock of pigeons along the sidewalk in front of New York Public Library.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
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.
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.
1952: Aerial view of Midtown Manhattan
Aerial photograph of Manhattan including the Chrysler Building and other midtown skyscrapers.
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.
1953: Street Artist Painting a Cityscape
Photograph shows half-length portrait of an street artist working on a painting of Manhattan's urban landscape with the Empire State Building 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: A View across the Brooklyn Bridge
Aerial photograph looking across the East River towards Brooklyn from Manhattan's perspective.
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.
1953: Washington Square Arch
Photograph of the Washington Square Arch located at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, with its iconic fountain in background, visible through arch.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1953: The Fountain Steps of Washington Square Park
Photograph of two women sitting on the Fountain steps of Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village.
Artist Credit: Anthony Angel. Reprinted with permission.
1953: Two Women Talking on City Street
Photograph shows two separate shots of women having a conversation on the curb in front of a New York City taxi.
Artist Credit: Anthony Angel. Reprinted with permission.
1954: Times Square Traffic
Photograph looking north at traffic along 7th Avenue facing Times Square with its many billboards and storefronts.
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