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 become affordable for the working class, leading to the construction of TWAs iconic terminal, and a lot more immigration. Puerto Rico becomes a US territory, granting citizenship to its inhabitants and establishing a strong link between the City of Dreams and the caribbean’s richest port. The Puerto Rican Parade begins its yearly celebration and the musical “West Side Story” becomes a box office hit. The Guggenheim Museum building opens and The Village Voice newspaper begins publication. A sister city relationship is established with Tokyo, Japan – a move which benefits both communities in the long term while increasing the City’s international profile.
1957: Midtown Manhattan from Roosevelt Island
Panoramic photograph of Manhattan's skyline taken from Roosevelt Island, known at the time as "Welfare Island".
Artist Credit: Samuel H. Gottscho. Reprinted with permission.
1959: Saint Paul's Chapel
Historic American Buildings Survey photograph showing the church yard of St. Paul's Chapel from the west, framed by Broadway & Fulton Streets.
Artist Credit: Historic American Buildings Survey. Reprinted with permission.
1956: Balthazar Korab with TWA model
Photograph of architect Balthazar Korab with a scale mode of his proposed design for the Trans World Airlines Terminal and John F. Kennedy Airport in Queens.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1955: TWA Terminal, Exterior Facade
Photograph of an exterior wall of the Trans World Airlines Terminal which highlights its mid-century modern aesthetic.
Artist Credit: Balthazar Korab. Reprinted with permission.
1955: TWA Terminal Ticket Counters
Photograph of TWA Terminal Interior. On the left we see the mezzanine support structure with ticket counters beyond the right.
Artist Credit: Balthazar Korab. Reprinted with permission.
1956: Fly TWA Advertisement
Art poster featuring an abstract interpretation of Times Square in New York with a TWA jet and jetstream at the top of the image.
Artist Credit: David Klein. Reprinted with permission.
1956: A New Diamond in Manhattan's Sky
Photograph shows beacon lights beaming brightly from atop the Empire State Building at night illuminating the clouds in the sky.
Artist Credit: Associated Press. Reprinted with permission.
1956: Marquee in Times Square
Photograph of Marquee in Times Square - The neighborhood would become renowned for go-go bars and peep show establishments.
Artist Credit: Angelo Rizzuto. Reprinted with permission.
1956: Mayor Wagner and Robert Moses
Photograph of Mayor Robert Wagner joined by Robert Moses and Frank Meistrell on a housing project tour.
Artist Credit: Unknown. Reprinted with permission.
1957: Guggenheim Museum Facade Under Construction
Photograph of the construction site and scaffolding at the Guggenheim Museum.
Artist Credit: Samuel H. Gottscho. Reprinted with permission.
1957: Guggenheim Museum Roof Construction
A close up photograph of the roof construction at the Guggenheim Museum.
Artist Credit: Samuel H. Gottscho. Reprinted with permission.
1957: Guggenheim Museum Under Construction
Photograph of cars parked across the street from the Guggenheim Museum.
Artist Credit: Samuel H. Gottscho. Reprinted with permission.
1956: Central Park West
Panoramic view of Central Park from Apartment 9D at 146 Central Park West.
Artist Credit: Carl Van Vechten. Reprinted with permission.
1957: Midtown Manhattan from Roosevelt Island
Photograph of Midtown Manhattan's skyline taken from Roosevelt Island.
Artist Credit: Samuel H. Gottscho. Reprinted with permission.
1957: The United Nations
Photograph of the United Nations taken from 47th Street and First Avenue.
Artist Credit: Samuel H. Gottscho. Reprinted with permission.Next Chapter: History of NYC - 1960 to 1965
During the early 60s, New York City and its infrastructure continued to grow under the direction of Mayor Warner and prolific architect Robert Moses. Not all of his ideas were a... Continue Reading
