42nd Street: A Photographic Time Capsule of New York City's Theater District in the Early 1900s

At the turn of the 20th century, 42nd Street in New York City was a bustling, vibrant area filled with energy and excitement. The street was lined with theaters, shops, and restaurants, and was a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

One of the most notable features of 42nd Street at the time was its theaters. The street was home to a number of Broadway theaters, including the famous New Amsterdam Theater, which opened in 1903 and was known for its opulent design and impressive stage productions. The theater district was a major draw for theatergoers, and it was not uncommon to see lines of people waiting to buy tickets to the latest show.

In addition to the theaters, 42nd Street was also home to a number of shops and businesses. Department stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue were popular destinations for shoppers, while restaurants and cafes offered a wide variety of dining options. The street was also home to a number of hotels, including the luxurious Grand Central Hotel, which was a favorite among wealthy travelers.

Despite the hustle and bustle of 42nd Street, the area was not without its problems. The street was known for its seediness, and it was not uncommon to see prostitution and other illegal activities taking place. However, the city was working to clean up the area, and by the 1920s, 42nd Street had become a more respectable place.

Overall, 42nd Street at the turn of the 20th century was a vibrant and exciting place, full of energy and activity. It was a popular destination for theater-goers and shoppers, and offered a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. Despite its seedier elements, the street was a major center of culture and commerce in New York City.

#1 Horse and Wagon in 42nd Street, 1904

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#2 Opening day of the New York Public Library at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue.

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#3 Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, New York, New York, 1909

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#4 Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, New York, New York, 1909.

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#5 Fifth Avenue and New York Public Library at Forty-second Street, New York City, New York, USA, Detroit Publishing Company, 1908

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#6 Hammerstein’s Roof Garden (Victoria Theatre), Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street, New York, New York, mid to late 1900s.

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#7 Times Building, 42nd Street and Longacre Square, New York City, 1908

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#8 Two women in dresses in New York, on 42nd Street, summer 1907

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#9 The New Amsterdam Theatre, New York, New York, mid to late 1900s

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#10 New York Times Building, Broadway and Seventh Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, New York, 1907.

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#11 Hotel Belmont, west side of Park Avenue between E 41st Street and E 42nd Street, New York, New York, 1906.

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#12 New York Times Building, Broadway and 42nd Street, New York, New York, 1906

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#13 New York Times Building, Broadway and 42nd Street, night view, New York, New York, 1906.

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#14 Interior of a writing/living room at the Hotel Belmont, Park Avenue and 42nd Street, New York, New York, 1906.

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#15 View of the ‘Old King Cole’ mural painted above the Flemish oak bar in the Knickerbocker Hotel, on the southeast corner of Broadway and 42nd Street, New York City.

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#16 Grand Central Station and Hotel, Manhattan, 42nd Street, New York City, 1905

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#17 42nd Street at dusk, from Daily News Buidling.

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#18 42nd Street with theatres by night, 1905

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#19 The Times Building, Broadway and W 42nd Street, New York, New York, 1905.

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#20 Peanut Stand, West 42nd Street, New York City, 1905

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#21 Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street, showing the New York Times Building under construction (Stereograph), 1900

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#22 The exterior of the Belasco Theater at West 42nd Street near Broadway in Times Square, New York City is seen as it appeared in 1904.

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#23 Times Building under Construction, 42nd Street and Longacre Square, New York City, 1904

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#24 Effigy of Frank Curry, strike-breaker, hanging over 42nd Street and Wentworth Avenue during the Chicago City Railway Strike, Chicago, Illinois, November 19, 1903.

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#25 Front view of the New York Public Library, 42nd street and Fifth avenue, 1900

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#26 Great White Way – Broadway and 42nd Street.

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#27 The Apollo Theatre on 42nd Street, early 1900s

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#28 Waitresses standing near tables where male patrons eat at a Childs Unique Diary Lunch Room, possibly the location at 47 East 42nd Street, New York City.

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#29 View looking east along West 42nd Street from 6th Ave, New York, New York, 1900.

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#30 Rector’s restaurant with its entrance illuminated at night, on 42nd Street in New York City, 1900s

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#31 St. Bartholomew’s Church parish house, East 42nd Street, New York City, 1905

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#32 St. Bartholomew’s Church parish house and clinic, East 42nd Street, New York City, 1905

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#33 New York City, Snap Shatow, 42nd Street, showing entrance to Grand Central Station, New York City, 1905

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#34 42nd Street at Park Avenue, looking west, New York City, 1905

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#35 Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, New York City, 1908

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#36 Knickerbocker Hotel, Broadway & 42nd Street, New York City, 1907

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#37 Hotel Manhattan, Madison Avenue and 42nd Street, New York City, 1904

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#38 Knickerbocker Hotel, Broadway & 42nd Street, 1909

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#39 Hotel Manhattan, 1904. Hotel Manhattan, 42nd Street.

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#40 Peanut stand, West 42nd Street, 1900

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