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A City in Crisis: See How Times Square Mirrored New York’s Struggle and Survival in the 1970s Through Vintage Photos

The 1970s marked the absolute low point for Times Square. Against the backdrop of New York City’s severe financial crisis, the area descended into a state of urban decay, becoming infamous nationwide for its crime and adult entertainment industry.

The Reign of “The Deuce”

The transformation of 42nd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, known as “The Deuce,” was complete. This block became the undisputed epicenter of New York’s commercial sex industry. The sidewalks were lined with adult movie theaters, known as grindhouses, that showed pornographic films around the clock.

Neon signs advertised live peep shows, massage parlors, and adult bookstores. The atmosphere on the street was one of open lawlessness. The once-grand theaters of the area were now rundown shells, their ornate lobbies converted into seedy arcades.

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An Epicenter of Crime and Neglect

Times Square in the 1970s was one of the most dangerous areas in the city. Street-level crime was rampant, with muggings and pickpocketing being daily occurrences. Drug dealers and prostitutes operated openly on street corners and in hotel lobbies.

The city’s near-bankruptcy meant that basic services were cut back. Garbage piled up on the sidewalks, graffiti covered nearly every surface, and the police force was too overwhelmed and understaffed to control the widespread illegal activity. The entire district felt abandoned and dangerous, especially after dark.

A Cultural Touchstone for Urban Decay

This version of Times Square was captured and immortalized in popular culture. The gritty, menacing atmosphere became a cinematic backdrop for films that defined the era. Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver” (1976) presented a haunting vision of the area’s nighttime world of steam-filled streets and desperate characters. The crime-ridden environment was also central to movies like “The French Connection” (1971). These films did not exaggerate the conditions; they documented the reality of the district.

Broadway’s Island of Survival

Amid the surrounding decay, the legitimate Broadway theater district fought to survive. While many tourists and New Yorkers avoided the area, landmark shows still managed to attract audiences. Musicals like “A Chorus Line” (1975) and “Annie” (1977) became massive hits. These successful productions were islands of artistic light in a sea of darkness, operating just a block away from the squalor of The Deuce. The contrast was stark: patrons in their finest clothes would hurry past grindhouse theaters on their way to see a show.

#1 A street scene at 47th Street near Times Square, showing the Rivoli cinema at night, circa 1970.

A Street Scene At 47Th Street Near Times Square, Showing The Rivoli Cinema At Night, Circa 1970.

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#2 A street scene in Times Square, showing people crossing the street.

A Street Scene In Times Square, Showing People Crossing The Street.

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#3 Jerry Quarry, challenger for the heavyweight title, held an open-air workout in Times Square in preparation for his fight with Joe Frazier, June 16, 1960.

Jerry Quarry, Challenger For The Heavyweight Title, Held An Open-Air Workout In Times Square In Preparation For His Fight With Joe Frazier, June 16, 1960.

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#4 The Kilgore, Texas band and Snoopy move through Times Square during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, November 27, 1969.

The Kilgore, Texas Band And Snoopy Move Through Times Square During Macy'S Thanksgiving Day Parade, November 27, 1969.

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#5 A sign on Times Square reads “War is Over… If you want it. Happy Christmas from John and Yoko,” December 15, 1969.

A Sign On Times Square Reads &Amp;Quot;War Is Over... If You Want It. Happy Christmas From John And Yoko,&Amp;Quot; December 15, 1969.

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#6 Theater marquees and neon signs lit up at night on Broadway, Times Square, 1960.

Theater Marquees And Neon Signs Lit Up At Night On Broadway, Times Square, 1960.

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#8 Traffic and pedestrians on Broadway between West 47th and West 48th Streets, north of Times Square, 1960.

Traffic And Pedestrians On Broadway Between West 47Th And West 48Th Streets, North Of Times Square, 1960.

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#9 Theatre actor Eli Ask poses in Times Square, 1960.

Theatre Actor Eli Ask Poses In Times Square, 1960.

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#10 Cheers rise from the crowd as the clock strikes twelve in Times Square on New Year’s 1960.

Cheers Rise From The Crowd As The Clock Strikes Twelve In Times Square On New Year'S 1960.

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#11 An unidentified veteran stands near the corner of West 43rd street in Times Square, August 1, 1960.

An Unidentified Veteran Stands Near The Corner Of West 43Rd Street In Times Square, August 1, 1960.

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#12 Pedestrians at the intersection of Broadway & 7th Avenue (near West 44th Street), in Times Square, August 1960.

Pedestrians At The Intersection Of Broadway &Amp;Amp; 7Th Avenue (Near West 44Th Street), In Times Square, August 1960.

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#14 A Presidential campaign banner for John F Kennedy and Lyndon B Johnson hangs above Broadway in Times Square, October 1, 1960.

A Presidential Campaign Banner For John F Kennedy And Lyndon B Johnson Hangs Above Broadway In Times Square, October 1, 1960.

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#15 The ‘Gorgeous Gobbler’ turkey balloon drifts over Times Square during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, November 24, 1960.

The 'Gorgeous Gobbler' Turkey Balloon Drifts Over Times Square During Macy'S Thanksgiving Day Parade, November 24, 1960.

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#16 Busy intersection of cars, traffic, and pedestrians in Times Square, Broadway and West 45th Street, 1960s.

Busy Intersection Of Cars, Traffic, And Pedestrians In Times Square, Broadway And West 45Th Street, 1960S.

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#18 The Horn And Hardart automat and cafeteria on Times Square at nighttime, circa 1961.

The Horn And Hardart Automat And Cafeteria On Times Square At Nighttime, Circa 1961.

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#19 An advertisement for Coppertone sunscreen in Times Square, circa 1961.

An Advertisement For Coppertone Sunscreen In Times Square, Circa 1961.

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#20 Reflections of people and billboards in Times Square, 1961.

Reflections Of People And Billboards In Times Square, 1961.

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#21 Eddie Carmel, an eight-foot-seven, 450-pound man, strolls through Times Square.

Eddie Carmel, An Eight-Foot-Seven, 450-Pound Man, Strolls Through Times Square.

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#23 Street Scene and Billboards at Night, Times Square, July 1961.

Street Scene And Billboards At Night, Times Square, July 1961.

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#24 Customers inside Fast food Diner at Night, Times Square, July 1961.

Customers Inside Fast Food Diner At Night, Times Square, July 1961.

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#25 Crowd Outside Booth Theater at Night, New York City, July 1961.

Crowd Outside Booth Theater At Night, New York City, July 1961.

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#28 Thanksgiving Day Parade nears Times Square, November 26, 1961.

Thanksgiving Day Parade Nears Times Square, November 26, 1961.

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#29 Majorettes parade in the Thanksgiving Day Parade near Times Square, November 26, 1961.

Majorettes Parade In The Thanksgiving Day Parade Near Times Square, November 26, 1961.

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#30 Pedestrians walk on 42nd Street between 5th and Madison Avenues, circa 1962.

Pedestrians Walk On 42Nd Street Between 5Th And Madison Avenues, Circa 1962.

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#31 Anti-nuclear protestors march past the Paramount Theater in Times Square, 1962.

Anti-Nuclear Protestors March Past The Paramount Theater In Times Square, 1962.

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#32 An advertisement for Camel cigarettes featuring Roger Maris, in Times Square, circa 1962.

An Advertisement For Camel Cigarettes Featuring Roger Maris, In Times Square, Circa 1962.

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#34 The Elvis Presley film ‘Follow That Dream’ is advertised at a cinema in Times Square, 1962.

The Elvis Presley Film 'Follow That Dream' Is Advertised At A Cinema In Times Square, 1962.

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#35 A souvenir shop selling hats, t-shirts and badges in Times Square, circa 1962.

A Souvenir Shop Selling Hats, T-Shirts And Badges In Times Square, Circa 1962.

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#37 Pedestrians and traffic on Times Square, with commercial signs and advertisements on the buildings, 1962.

Pedestrians And Traffic On Times Square, With Commercial Signs And Advertisements On The Buildings, 1962.

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#38 Street scene in New York, Times Square, circa 1962.

Street Scene In New York, Times Square, Circa 1962.

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#39 Pedestrians cross Broadway, at the West 46th Street intersection, in Times Square, February 1962.

Pedestrians Cross Broadway, At The West 46Th Street Intersection, In Times Square, February 1962.

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#40 Crowd walks on 42nd Street between 5th and Madison Avenues, March 1962.

Crowd Walks On 42Nd Street Between 5Th And Madison Avenues, March 1962.

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#41 Bright lights and neon signs of Times Square, March 1962.

Bright Lights And Neon Signs Of Times Square, March 1962.

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#42 Ed Sullivan is interviewed in Times Square, June 22, 1962.

Ed Sullivan Is Interviewed In Times Square, June 22, 1962.

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#43 The ‘Donald Duck’ balloon takes a bow in Times Square during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The 'Donald Duck' Balloon Takes A Bow In Times Square During Macy'S Thanksgiving Day Parade.

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#44 Times Square at the crossroads of Broadway and 7th Avenue, 1963.

Times Square At The Crossroads Of Broadway And 7Th Avenue, 1963.

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#45 Vehicles and pedestrians create gridlock on Seventh Avenue in Times Square, January 1, 1963.

Vehicles And Pedestrians Create Gridlock On Seventh Avenue In Times Square, January 1, 1963.

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#46 Cars driving on Broadway at Times Square, with commercial signs and theatre marquees advertising films, 1963.

Cars Driving On Broadway At Times Square, With Commercial Signs And Theatre Marquees Advertising Films, 1963.

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#47 Radio broadcaster Long John Nebel standing in Times Square, 1963.

Radio Broadcaster Long John Nebel Standing In Times Square, 1963.

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#48 Actor Tony Randall and a model in Times Square, 1963.

Actor Tony Randall And A Model In Times Square, 1963.

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#49 A construction crew sets up a March Of Dimes mock birthday cake in Times Square, January 1, 1963.

A Construction Crew Sets Up A March Of Dimes Mock Birthday Cake In Times Square, January 1, 1963.

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#50 Exterior shot of the Criterion Theater marquee featuring Lawrence Of Arabia in Times Square, June 1, 1963.

Exterior Shot Of The Criterion Theater Marquee Featuring Lawrence Of Arabia In Times Square, June 1, 1963.

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#51 A huge billboard for the movie Irma La Douce hangs over Seventh Avenue in Times Square, June 1, 1963.

A Huge Billboard For The Movie Irma La Douce Hangs Over Seventh Avenue In Times Square, June 1, 1963.

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#52 Exterior shot of the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum on 42nd Street in Times Square, June 1, 1963.

Exterior Shot Of The Ripley'S Believe It Or Not Museum On 42Nd Street In Times Square, June 1, 1963.

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#53 Two men wait to cross the street at the intersection of West 43rd Street and Broadway in Times Square, June 1, 1963.

Two Men Wait To Cross The Street At The Intersection Of West 43Rd Street And Broadway In Times Square, June 1, 1963.

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#58 Night time view, north along Broadway, of Times Square, February 21, 1964.

Night Time View, North Along Broadway, Of Times Square, February 21, 1964.

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#59 General views of Times Square. Incomplete Times Tower.

General Views Of Times Square. Incomplete Times Tower.

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#60 A street scene with cars and taxis driving on Broadway in Times Square, showing the Metropole cafe, 1964.

A Street Scene With Cars And Taxis Driving On Broadway In Times Square, Showing The Metropole Cafe, 1964.

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#61 A street scene with cars, buses and taxis driving on Broadway in Times Square, showing movie theatres and a woman with a paper bag, 1964.

A Street Scene With Cars, Buses And Taxis Driving On Broadway In Times Square, Showing Movie Theatres And A Woman With A Paper Bag, 1964.

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#62 A street scene with cars and taxis driving on Broadway in Times Square, with the Metropole cafe in focus, 1964.

A Street Scene With Cars And Taxis Driving On Broadway In Times Square, With The Metropole Cafe In Focus, 1964.

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#63 A street scene with cars and taxis driving on Broadway in Times Square, showing movie theatres and an elderly man feeding pigeons, 1964.

A Street Scene With Cars And Taxis Driving On Broadway In Times Square, Showing Movie Theatres And An Elderly Man Feeding Pigeons, 1964.

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#64 A street scene on Broadway in Times Square, 1964.

A Street Scene On Broadway In Times Square, 1964.

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#65 A street scene with cars, buses and taxis driving on Broadway in Times Square, 1964.

A Street Scene With Cars, Buses And Taxis Driving On Broadway In Times Square, 1964.

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#66 A street scene on Broadway in Times Square, showing the sign outside the movie theatre promoting ‘Stolen Hours’, 1964.

A Street Scene On Broadway In Times Square, Showing The Sign Outside The Movie Theatre Promoting 'Stolen Hours', 1964.

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#67 A street scene with cars, buses and taxis driving on Broadway in Times Square, showing movie theatres, 1964.

A Street Scene With Cars, Buses And Taxis Driving On Broadway In Times Square, Showing Movie Theatres, 1964.

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#68 A street scene in front of a church entrance with cars, taxis and a bus in Times Square, 1964.

A Street Scene In Front Of A Church Entrance With Cars, Taxis And A Bus In Times Square, 1964.

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#69 A policeman directs traffic in front of the neon billboards of Times Square, circa 1965.

A Policeman Directs Traffic In Front Of The Neon Billboards Of Times Square, Circa 1965.

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#70 High-angle view of Times Square facing south at dusk, 1965.

High-Angle View Of Times Square Facing South At Dusk, 1965.

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#71 Cooks broil steaks on charcoal pits at Tad’s Steak House in Times Square, 1965.

Cooks Broil Steaks On Charcoal Pits At Tad'S Steak House In Times Square, 1965.

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#77 A man and woman stare at a window display selling sex in Times Square, 1965.

A Man And Woman Stare At A Window Display Selling Sex In Times Square, 1965.

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#78 A criminal suspect in handcuffs is escorted to the Police Station near Times Square, 1965.

A Criminal Suspect In Handcuffs Is Escorted To The Police Station Near Times Square, 1965.

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#79 Junkies in front of a Howard Johnson’s Restaurant in Times Square, 1965.

Junkies In Front Of A Howard Johnson'S Restaurant In Times Square, 1965.

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#80 The Criterion Theater on Times Square, with Bond Clothes behind, circa 1965. The movie showing is ‘My Fair Lady’.

The Criterion Theater On Times Square, With Bond Clothes Behind, Circa 1965. The Movie Showing Is 'My Fair Lady'.

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#81 Illuminated signs “Viva Bardot, Viva Moreau, Viva Maria” in Times Square, 1965.

Illuminated Signs &Amp;Quot;Viva Bardot, Viva Moreau, Viva Maria&Amp;Quot; In Times Square, 1965.

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#82 People walk under a theater marquee with the film “Follow That Dream” starring Elvis Presley in Times Square, 1962.

People Walk Under A Theater Marquee With The Film &Amp;Quot;Follow That Dream&Amp;Quot; Starring Elvis Presley In Times Square, 1962.

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#83 People protest by One Times Square and the Astor Hotel against war and atom bomb testing in the US and Russia, circa 1965.

People Protest By One Times Square And The Astor Hotel Against War And Atom Bomb Testing In The Us And Russia, Circa 1965.

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#84 People protest in Times Square against war and atom bomb testing in the US and Russia, circa 1965.

People Protest In Times Square Against War And Atom Bomb Testing In The Us And Russia, Circa 1965.

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#85 People sitting at pinball machines in an amusement arcade in Times Square, circa 1965.

People Sitting At Pinball Machines In An Amusement Arcade In Times Square, Circa 1965.

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#86 Exterior night time view of the Hippodrome Theatre in London, converted to The Talk of the Town nightclub, 1965.

Exterior Night Time View Of The Hippodrome Theatre In London, Converted To The Talk Of The Town Nightclub, 1965.

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#87 The Allied Chemical building in Times Square, December 10, 1965.

The Allied Chemical Building In Times Square, December 10, 1965.

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#88 High-angle view of the Allied Chemicals building illuminated as evening falls over Times Square, December 10, 1965.

High-Angle View Of The Allied Chemicals Building Illuminated As Evening Falls Over Times Square, December 10, 1965.

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#92 Times Square at night on Broadway at 45th Street, 1966.

Times Square At Night On Broadway At 45Th Street, 1966.

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#93 A billboard for the John Huston movie “The Bible” in Times Square, September 1966.

A Billboard For The John Huston Movie &Amp;Quot;The Bible&Amp;Quot; In Times Square, September 1966.

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#94 Pedestrians walk past the Criterion Theater on Broadway in Times Square, where ‘My Fair Lady’ is advertised, March 1966.

Pedestrians Walk Past The Criterion Theater On Broadway In Times Square, Where 'My Fair Lady' Is Advertised, March 1966.

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#95 View, from behind, of the Statue of George M Cohan in Duffy Square at the intersection of Broadway and West 46th Street, March 1966.

View, From Behind, Of The Statue Of George M Cohan In Duffy Square At The Intersection Of Broadway And West 46Th Street, March 1966.

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#96 Exterior shot of the Palace Theater on Broadway in Times Square featuring the musical Sweet Charity, March 1, 1966.

Exterior Shot Of The Palace Theater On Broadway In Times Square Featuring The Musical Sweet Charity, March 1, 1966.

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#97 Travelers in the rain on Forty Second Street, where 5.54 inches of rain were recorded, September 21.

Travelers In The Rain On Forty Second Street, Where 5.54 Inches Of Rain Were Recorded, September 21.

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#98 View of traffic on Broadway in Times Square, October 1, 1966.

View Of Traffic On Broadway In Times Square, October 1, 1966.

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#99 Exterior shot of the Hotel Astor in Times Square, November 1, 1966.

Exterior Shot Of The Hotel Astor In Times Square, November 1, 1966.

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#100 Weapons of all varieties are found at Kaufman’s Surplus and Arms Store in New York’s Times Square district.

Weapons Of All Varieties Are Found At Kaufman'S Surplus And Arms Store In New York'S Times Square District.

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Written by Adriana Palmer

Blogger, Editor and Environmentalist. A writer by day and an enthusiastic reader by night. Following the Jim Roh's prophecy “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”

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