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: Third Avenue Elevated Train at Cooper Union
Photograph shows an elevated perspective of Cooper Union facing north and flanked along its east wall by the Third Avenue elevated railroad.
1952: The Flatiron Building
Elevated perspective of The Flatiron building and the busy intersection of 5th Avenue and Broadway.
1952: Aerial View of The Flatiron Building
Photograph shows an aerial perspective of the Flatiron Building looking south from Madison Square.
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.
1954: Sidewalk Bicycle Repair
Photograph of a man crouched on a sidewalk working on a bicycle, which is turned upside down in front of him.
1954: Woman Being Photographed in the Rain
Photograph shows a woman being photographed on a street corner. Two men, one holding an umbrella stand behind the camera which is on a tripod.
1952: Houston Street from Broadway
Photograph shows busy intersection at Houston Street looking east from Broadway. An elevated train track visible in the background.
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.
1953: Empire State Building at Night
Aerial photograph of the Empire State Building illuminated at night.
1952: View of Manhattan Looking South
Aerial photograph of Manhattan, looking south towards the downtown skyline. The Hudson River is also visible on the right.
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.
1953: Times Square at Night
Aerial Photograph of a busy night in Times Square, illuminated by its many billboards, storefronts and the lights of passing traffic.
1954: Pedestrians in the Theater District
Photograph of people walking on a Manhattan sidewalk with several theatre marquees visible in the background.