NY gallery from 40's in color

[kcowyo]

A rare glimpse at the Big Apple from the early 40's. In color.

 

[hrjaw]

I love how all the guys were all dressed (mostly) in suits back then. no matter where you were going, you were always dressed up. very dapper.

 

[slooowr6]

It's amazing how much things have changed in 70 years.

 

[isaac]

It's amazing how much things have changed in 70 years.

As someone who has lived in NY the last 5 years, my reaction was the opposite: it looks amazingly the same. I think few American cities have changed LESS than NY since the 1940s, the superficial things notwithstanding. Of course the cars and clothes are different. But every other city I've lived in has had major changes to its skyline and to the essential human experience of its inhabitants: highways cutting through downtown, new business districts or mass exodus to the wonderbread suburbs. NYC seems to me a constant, and we (the people there) are just passing through.

 

[isaac]

For instance any of the 3 photos above could have been taken yesterday, aside from the particular beverages sold on the wooden pushcart (and the fact the pushcart isn't stainless stell, like they all are now). But my point is, there's still a pushcart on every corner. Those old guys, and the lady reading the newspaper - that could be Little Italy or Nolita this weekend. Looks timeless and instantly familiar to me.

- Isaac, now living in Hyderabad, ex of Prince, Elizabeth and Thompson streets and Court Square LIC Queens!

 

[SeaRubi]

another Isaac in NY? hey :bike_rider:

I totally agree - the shot (from the link) of Trinity Church down Wall St. is identical to today's view. well, almost - there's definitely more wimmins in today's view :sombrero:

 

[Pskhaat]

reaction was the opposite: it looks amazingly the same

Agreed. I used to live about 5th & 55th in ~1998 and those photos don't shock me. Seeing that in downtown Pheonix or L.A. is one thing, New York I wouldn't glance twice. I always felt underdressed in NYC.

 

[048642]

More Recent NY Photo

Only a few years old, workers still sitting on breaks. I liked the sign in the background when I shot this photo waiting for a light to change.