New York in the early 1940s was a city in the midst of transformation. It was a time of both war and change, as the world grappled with the effects of World War II. The city’s skyline, already iconic, rose even higher as skyscrapers were still being built. The economy was booming thanks to the war effort, and industries thrived with the production of arms and materials for the military.
Despite the war, the city was alive with optimism, as people hurried about their business, yet there was a palpable sense of unity in the air, whether through the crowds at war bond rallies or shared moments of quiet reflection in the midst of the rush.
Take a look at these stunning photos to see what New York street scenes looked like from the early 1940s.
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| Looking south along west side of Greenwich Street toward Battery over elevated structure, photo by Stanley P. Mixon, New York, September 7, 1940 |
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| Collier’s House at PEDAC, New York City, photo by Gottscho-Schleisner, July 15, 1940 |
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| Girl at gasoline pump, New York, photo by Royden J. Dixon, 1940 |
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| Sachs Quality Furniture Inc., 150th Street & Third Avenue, New York, photo by Gottscho-Schleisner, November 5, 1940 |
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| Schrafft’s, 625 Madison Avenue, New York, photo by Gottscho-Schleisner, December 1, 1940 |
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