Faces of Brooklyn: Capturing the Essence of Its People in the 1940s Through Portraits

The decade following World War II was an era of transformation and hope. This was especially true in Brooklyn, where diverse communities mingled and strived for a better future. A recently unearthed collection of photographs, capturing a variety of Brooklyn residents during the 1940s, provides an intimate look into the daily lives, struggles, and joys of people from this remarkable decade.

Everyday Lives: The Human Touch

The captured moments range from the deeply personal to the communal. From children playing on stoops, bundled up against the winter chill, to mothers comforting their children, these portraits remind us of the universality of human experiences. It’s a peek into the domestic worlds of kitchen tables and family meals, evoking an era when the family unit was the cornerstone of society.

Fashion: A Reflection of Time

The 1940s was a decade where fashion underwent a transformation. From women’s floral dresses that epitomized the style of the times to winter coats that combined function with fashion, these photos display the diversity and the commonality of apparel. Veiled hats, novelty hats, and street markers serve as cultural markers that echo a bygone era.

Public Spaces: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Park Slope

Public spaces like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Park Slope are recurrent settings in the photo collection, emblematic of Brooklyn’s commitment to community and natural beauty. These settings were not just spots for leisure; they were gathering places, where Brooklynites could temporarily escape from the rigors of city life.

Children and Education

Of particular note is the attention given to children in educational settings, such as day nurseries and public libraries. Whether it’s boys washing their hands or children engrossed in reading, the emphasis on education and proper upbringing is palpable. This focus serves as a testament to the community’s investment in the next generation.

#1 Woman Sitting in a Chair with a Dog, 1945

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#2 Portrait of Ida Alman Posing Beside a Metal Fence, 1944

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#3 Young Boy Playing on a Stoop in Winter Clothing, 1944

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#4 Woman Wiping the Mouth of a Crying Boy, 1944

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#5 Woman in Winter Coat Leaning Against a Wall, 1944

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#6 Woman and Boy in Winter Clothing Posing Outdoors, 1944

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#7 Ida Alman and Couple Posing in the Snow, 1944

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#8 Young Girl Sitting in Sand at a Park, 1944

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#9 Young Girl in Novelty Hat Sitting in a Garden, 1944

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#10 Woman in Print Dress Leaning in a Doorway, 1944

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#11 Boy Making a Face While Holding a Camera, 1944

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#12 Four Children in Novelty Hats Sitting on a Brick Wall, 1944

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#13 Rae Russel in Floral Dress Leaning in a Doorway, 1944

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#14 Woman Giving a Young Girl a Piggy Back Ride, 1944

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#15 Young Girl Photographing a Young Boy’s Pose, 1944

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#16 Ida Alman and Woman in Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1944

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#17 Woman Posing Outdoors, 1944

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#18 Ida Alman in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1944

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#19 Woman in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1944

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#20 Portrait of Adolf and Ida Schlussel in a Park, 1945

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#21 Adolf and Ida Schlussel Posing Together in a Park, 1945

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#22 Ida Schlussel Posing in a Veiled Hat, 1945

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#23 Rae Russel Beside an Uprooted Tree, 1945

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#24 Soldier Holding a Camera on a Subway Platform, 1945

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#25 Rae Russel Next to an Uprooted Tree, 1945

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#26 Two Cats Perched in a Storefront Window, 1945

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#27 Ida Schlussel in a Veiled Hat at a Photo Studio, 1945

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#28 Woman Leaning on a Tree in Park Slope, 1945

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#29 Boy Reading a Book on a Stoop, 1945

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#30 Trio of Women Posing Beside a Tree in Park Slope, 1945

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#31 Elderly Couple Posing on a Sidewalk in Park Slope, 1945

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#32 Adolf Schlussel in a Dark Suit Posing in a Studio, 1945

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#33 Young Girl with Crutch and Doll at St. Giles Hospital, 1945

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#34 Two Dolls with Casts on Legs at St. Giles Hospital, 1945

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#35 Woman Puckering Lips in Front of a Hallway Mirror, 1945

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#36 Women Holding Hands and Smiling Outdoors, 1945

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#37 Man Eating a Meal at a Kitchen Table, 1945

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#38 Woman Using a Grater While Cooking in the Kitchen, 1945

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#39 Woman with Gloves Posing Outdoors, 1945

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#40 Man Eating a Meal at a Kitchen Table, 1945

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#41 Young Woman Reading a Book Reflected in a Mirror, 1945

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#42 Woman Tasting Food While Cooking in the Kitchen, 1945

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#43 Woman Posing Outdoors, 1945

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#44 Children Playing in Day Nursery Backyard, 1946

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#45 Children Playing in Day Nursery Backyard, 1946

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#46 Children Playing in Day Nursery Backyard, 1946

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#47 Boys Washing Hands at Day Nursery, 1946

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#48 Children Eating Lunch at Day Nursery, 1946

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#49 Boys Washing Hands at Day Nursery, 1946

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#50 Children Eating Lunch at Day Nursery, 1946

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#51 Man Talking on Telephone in Camera Repair Shop, 1946

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#52 Woman Posing Atop a Street Marker, 1944

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#53 Rae Russel at Work in Her Studio, 1944

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#54 Rae Russel Leaning Against a Tree, 1944

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#55 Woman Standing on a Building Stoop, 1944

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#56 Adolf Schlussel Standing on Street in Winter, 1944

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#57 Rae Russel Preparing to Throw a Snowball, 1944

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#58 Woman Sitting on a Bench and Smiling, 1944

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#59 Girl Changing Her Baby Brother’s Diaper, 1947

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#60 Girl Playing with Doll in Baby Carriage, 1947

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#61 Girl Taking Care of Her Baby Brother, 1947

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#62 Girl Playing with Doll in Baby Carriage, 1947

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#63 Girl Taking Care of Her Baby Brother, 1947

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#64 Baby Boy Playing in His Bassinet, 1947

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#65 Mother Changing Baby Boy’s Diaper, 1947

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#66 Children Reading at Public Library, 1947

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#67 Boy Reading at Public Library, 1947

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#68 Children Reading at Public Library, 1947

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#69 Boy and Girl Exploring Stereographs at Library, 1947

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#70 Librarian Advising Children on Book Choices, 1947

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#71 Boy Reading at Public Library, 1947

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#72 Librarian Advising Children on Book Choices, 1947

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#73 Boy Reading at Public Library, 1947

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#74 Children Preparing to Leave Public Library, 1947

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#75 Boy Reading at Public Library, 1947

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#76 Children Reading in Public Library, 1947

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#77 Rae Russel and Family Friend at a Fountain, 1948

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#78 Woman Reading Magazine at Home, 1948

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#79 Sailor Watching Military Parade, 1948

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#80 Woman Resting in Kitchen, 1948

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#81 Ida Schlussel and Family Friend at a Fountain, 1948

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