in Manhattan

Edmund V. Gillon’s Photos Explore the Architectural Landscape of 1975 Manhattan

1975 was a year of crisis and uncertainty for Manhattan. The city teetered on the brink of bankruptcy, grappling with a severe fiscal crisis that threatened its very existence.  Crime rates remained high, and a sense of anxiety permeated the streets. Edmund V. Gillon, with his unwavering dedication to documenting the urban landscape, captured this tumultuous year in all its complexity, revealing a city struggling to survive, yet still brimming with life and a defiant energy.

Gillon, a prolific author and photographer, possessed a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for New York City’s architectural heritage.  His photographs offer a unique historical record, documenting not only the city’s iconic landmarks but also the everyday scenes that defined its character. In 1975, his lens captured a city at a critical juncture, a city facing unprecedented challenges, yet refusing to surrender to despair.

The fiscal crisis loomed large over Manhattan in 1975.  The city government faced a massive budget deficit, and essential services were threatened with drastic cuts.  Layoffs were widespread, and the threat of bankruptcy cast a shadow over every aspect of life.  Gillon’s photographs, though primarily focused on architecture, subtly captured the atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty that permeated the city.

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The streets of Manhattan reflected the city’s struggles.  Graffiti marred buildings, and abandoned storefronts served as a stark reminder of the economic downturn.  Yet, amidst the decay, signs of life persisted.  Street vendors hawked their wares, musicians played in parks, and residents went about their daily routines, demonstrating a resilience that defined the city’s spirit.

Glimmers of Hope

Despite the overwhelming challenges, 1975 also witnessed glimmers of hope and renewal.  The art scene in SoHo continued to flourish, with new galleries opening and artists transforming former industrial spaces into vibrant studios.  This burgeoning creative community offered a sense of optimism, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit could find ways to thrive.

Greenwich Village, a historic haven for artists and intellectuals, also showed signs of resilience.  While the neighborhood faced challenges related to gentrification and rising rents, its unique character and vibrant community endured.  Gillon’s photographs captured the essence of the Village, documenting its charming streets, historic buildings, and the diverse people who called it home.

#1 The East Side Hebrew Institute and the Church of St. Brigid, 1975.

The East Side Hebrew Institute and the Church of St. Brigid, 1975.

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#3 Advertising Club of New York at 23 Park Avenue, 1975.

Advertising Club of New York at 23 Park Avenue, 1975.

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#4 Pinking Shears Corporation building at 102 Prince Street, 1975.

Pinking Shears Corporation building at 102 Prince Street, 1975.

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#6 Looking west on East 35th Street past Lexington Avenue, 1975.

Looking west on East 35th Street past Lexington Avenue, 1975.

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#8 Silver Center for Arts and Science, Hemmerdinger Hall, 1975.

Silver Center for Arts and Science, Hemmerdinger Hall, 1975.

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#9 Garibaldi monument in Washington Square Park, 1975.

Garibaldi monument in Washington Square Park, 1975.

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#12 Advertising Club of New York at 23 Park Avenue, 1975.

Advertising Club of New York at 23 Park Avenue, 1975.

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#13 Looking south on Park Avenue toward the Helmsley and Chrysler Buildings, 1975.

Looking south on Park Avenue toward the Helmsley and Chrysler Buildings, 1975.

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#14 Looking north from the Plaza Hotel toward The Sherry-Netherland and The Pierre, 1975.

Looking north from the Plaza Hotel toward The Sherry-Netherland and The Pierre, 1975.

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#15 Looking south on Park Avenue toward the Helmsley and Pan Am Buildings, 1975.

Looking south on Park Avenue toward the Helmsley and Pan Am Buildings, 1975.

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#19 George Washington bronze equestrian statue in Union Square, 1975.

George Washington bronze equestrian statue in Union Square, 1975.

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#20 George Washington bronze equestrian statue in Union Square, 1975.

George Washington bronze equestrian statue in Union Square, 1975.

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#21 Deutsch-Amerikanische-Schützen Gesellschaft (German-American Shooting Society) building at 12 St. Mark’s Place, 1975.

Deutsch-Amerikanische-Schützen Gesellschaft (German-American Shooting Society) building at 12 St. Mark's Place, 1975.

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#23 The Peking docked at the South Street Seaport, 1975.

The Peking docked at the South Street Seaport, 1975.

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#26 Bialystoker Center and Home for the Aged at 228 East Broadway, 1975.

Bialystoker Center and Home for the Aged at 228 East Broadway, 1975.

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#27 New York Mercantile Exchange at 2-6 Harrison Street, 1975.

New York Mercantile Exchange at 2-6 Harrison Street, 1975.

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#28 East 70th Street entrance to the Frick Collection, 1975.

East 70th Street entrance to the Frick Collection, 1975.

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#31 Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel at 230 East 90th Street, 1975.

Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel at 230 East 90th Street, 1975.

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#34 New York Mercantile Exchange at 2-6 Harrison Street, 1975.

New York Mercantile Exchange at 2-6 Harrison Street, 1975.

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#37 Footbridge connecting the old Nabisco bakery building to 447 West 14th Street, 1975.

Footbridge connecting the old Nabisco bakery building to 447 West 14th Street, 1975.

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#38 Looking south on Fifth Avenue from the sidewalk in front of Charles Scribner’s Sons at 597 Fifth Avenue, 1975.

Looking south on Fifth Avenue from the sidewalk in front of Charles Scribner's Sons at 597 Fifth Avenue, 1975.

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#39 Pace University at 41 Park Row and the Woolworth Building, 1975.

Pace University at 41 Park Row and the Woolworth Building, 1975.

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#42 The north side of Canal Street between Greene and Mercer Streets, 1975.

The north side of Canal Street between Greene and Mercer Streets, 1975.

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#43 McCormack’s Bar & Restaurant at 16 Dover Street, 1975.

McCormack's Bar & Restaurant at 16 Dover Street, 1975.

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#44 Trompe l’oeil concealing a Con Ed substation at 237-257 Front Street, and the Jasper Ward house at 45 Peck Slip, 1975.

Trompe l'oeil concealing a Con Ed substation at 237-257 Front Street, and the Jasper Ward house at 45 Peck Slip, 1975.

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#45 Looking southeast through a window toward Schermerhorn Row, 1975.

Looking southeast through a window toward Schermerhorn Row, 1975.

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#46 Aerial view of the rooftops of Schermerhorn Row, 1975.

Aerial view of the rooftops of Schermerhorn Row, 1975.

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#49 159-163 John Street and W.E. Savage & Co. at 165 John Street, 1975.

159-163 John Street and W.E. Savage & Co. at 165 John Street, 1975.

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#50 Fern growing on the facade of 220 Front Street, 1975.

Fern growing on the facade of 220 Front Street, 1975.

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#51 Cart near Finest Fillet Co. at 214 Front Street, 1975.

Cart near Finest Fillet Co. at 214 Front Street, 1975.

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#53 Carmine’s Bar & Grill at 140 Beekman Street, 142-144 Beekman Street, and 146-148 Beekman Street, 1975.

Carmine's Bar & Grill at 140 Beekman Street, 142-144 Beekman Street, and 146-148 Beekman Street, 1975.

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#54 South Street between Beekman and Peck Slip, 1975.

South Street between Beekman and Peck Slip, 1975.

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#55 W.E. Savage & Co. at 165 John Street, and Baltimore Copper Paint Co. at 167-171 John Street, 1975.

W.E. Savage & Co. at 165 John Street, and Baltimore Copper Paint Co. at 167-171 John Street, 1975.

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#56 The ships Peking and Wavertree docked at piers 15-17 in the South Street Seaport, 1975.

The ships Peking and Wavertree docked at piers 15-17 in the South Street Seaport, 1975.

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#59 Barba Negra Vancouver docked at Pier 16, South Street Seaport, 1975.

Barba Negra Vancouver docked at Pier 16, South Street Seaport, 1975.

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#61 La Sangria Restaurant and Bendix Supermatic Laundry at 569 Hudson Street, and Liberty Moving and Storage at 571 Hudson Street, 1975.

La Sangria Restaurant and Bendix Supermatic Laundry at 569 Hudson Street, and Liberty Moving and Storage at 571 Hudson Street, 1975.

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#62 Looking northwest from West Broadway to 140 Franklin Street, 1975.

Looking northwest from West Broadway to 140 Franklin Street, 1975.

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#63 East 70th Street entrance to the Frick Collection, 1975.

East 70th Street entrance to the Frick Collection, 1975.

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#64 Looking northwest across the rooftops of buildings on Beekman Street, 1975.

Looking northwest across the rooftops of buildings on Beekman Street, 1975.

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#68 Deutsch-Amerikanische-Schützen Gesellschaft (German-American Shooting Society) building at 12 St. Mark’s Place, 1975.

Deutsch-Amerikanische-Schützen Gesellschaft (German-American Shooting Society) building at 12 St. Mark's Place, 1975.

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#70 Bowery Savings Bank at 110 East 42nd Street, 1975.

Bowery Savings Bank at 110 East 42nd Street, 1975.

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#76 Surrogate’s Court, 31 Chambers Street, north façade, 1975

Surrogate's Court, 31 Chambers Street, north façade, 1975

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#80 Ninth Avenue from West 13th Street, looking north, 1975

Ninth Avenue from West 13th Street, looking north, 1975

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#82 Entrance to Washington Mews on University Place, 1975

Entrance to Washington Mews on University Place, 1975

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#84 East River from Riverview Terrace at Sutton Square, looking east, 1975

East River from Riverview Terrace at Sutton Square, looking east, 1975

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#86 West 23rd Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, 1975

West 23rd Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, 1975

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#89 Fifth Avenue between West 55th and 56th Streets, looking south, 1975

Fifth Avenue between West 55th and 56th Streets, looking south, 1975

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#92 Crosby Street between Bleecker and Houston Streets, looking north, 1975

Crosby Street between Bleecker and Houston Streets, looking north, 1975

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#93 Bowery between Houston and East 1st Streets, east side, 1975

Bowery between Houston and East 1st Streets, east side, 1975

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#94 Superior Printing Ink Co. in the Puck Building, 1975

Superior Printing Ink Co. in the Puck Building, 1975

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#95 Crosby Street between Bleecker and Houston Streets, looking north, 1975

Crosby Street between Bleecker and Houston Streets, looking north, 1975

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#96 Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 East 79th Street, 1975

Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 East 79th Street, 1975

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#97 First Moravian Church and New York Phoenix School of Design, 1975

First Moravian Church and New York Phoenix School of Design, 1975

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#99 Church Street between Lispenard and Walker Streets, 1975

Church Street between Lispenard and Walker Streets, 1975

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#100 Surrogate’s Court (Hall of Records), 31 Chambers Street, 1975

Surrogate's Court (Hall of Records), 31 Chambers Street, 1975

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#101 Confucius Plaza from a ramp to the Manhattan Bridge above Market Street, 1975

Confucius Plaza from a ramp to the Manhattan Bridge above Market Street, 1975

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#107 Borough of Manhattan Community College, Lincoln Center Campus “M” Building, 135-145 West 70th Street, 1975

Borough of Manhattan Community College, Lincoln Center Campus "M" Building, 135-145 West 70th Street, 1975

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#108 First Baptist Church, 265 West 79th Street, 1975

First Baptist Church, 265 West 79th Street, 1975

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#109 Church of St. Brigid from Tompkins Square Park, 1975

Church of St. Brigid from Tompkins Square Park, 1975

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#110 King Street in the Charlton-King-Vandam Historic District, looking west, 1975

King Street in the Charlton-King-Vandam Historic District, looking west, 1975

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#111 Reade Street between West Broadway and Church Street, 1975

Reade Street between West Broadway and Church Street, 1975

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#112 Jefferson Market Branch, New York Public Library, 1975

Jefferson Market Branch, New York Public Library, 1975

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#113 H.H. Upham Building and 510-514 LaGuardia Place, 1975

H.H. Upham Building and 510-514 LaGuardia Place, 1975

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#114 American Drapery & Carpet Company, 33 East 17th Street, 1975

American Drapery & Carpet Company, 33 East 17th Street, 1975

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#115 Cast iron railings of 136 West 11th Street, 1975

Cast iron railings of 136 West 11th Street, 1975

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#116 Broadway between Bleecker and West 3rd Streets, west side, 1975

Broadway between Bleecker and West 3rd Streets, west side, 1975

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#120 Superior Printing Ink Co. in the Puck Building, 1975

Superior Printing Ink Co. in the Puck Building, 1975

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#123 Cooper Square Assembly of God, 59 Cooper Square, 1975

Cooper Square Assembly of God, 59 Cooper Square, 1975

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#125 Bedford Street between Christopher and Grove Streets, 1975

Bedford Street between Christopher and Grove Streets, 1975

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#126 Bowery Savings Bank, Grand Street entrance, 130 Bowery, 1975

Bowery Savings Bank, Grand Street entrance, 130 Bowery, 1975

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#127 National Maritime Union of America buildings, 1975

National Maritime Union of America buildings, 1975

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#128 New York Mercantile Exchange, 2-6 Harrison Street, 1975

New York Mercantile Exchange, 2-6 Harrison Street, 1975

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#129 Walker Street between Church Street and Broadway, 1975

Walker Street between Church Street and Broadway, 1975

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#133 Fulton and Water Streets, toward South Street Seaport, 1975

Fulton and Water Streets, toward South Street Seaport, 1975

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#134 West Broadway between Duane and Reade Streets, east side, 1975

West Broadway between Duane and Reade Streets, east side, 1975

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#136 First Baptist Church, 265 West 79th Street, 1975

First Baptist Church, 265 West 79th Street, 1975

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#138 “Europe” statue and the Washington Building, 1975

"Europe" statue and the Washington Building, 1975

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#140 Third Church of Christ, Scientist, 585 Park Avenue, 1975

Third Church of Christ, Scientist, 585 Park Avenue, 1975

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#143 Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop, 15 Christopher Street, 1975

Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop, 15 Christopher Street, 1975

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#144 West Broadway between Duane and Reade Streets, 1975

West Broadway between Duane and Reade Streets, 1975

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#146 West on 7th Street toward the Cooper Union Foundation Building, 1975

West on 7th Street toward the Cooper Union Foundation Building, 1975

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#149 Northwest in the vicinity of Fulton and Gold Streets, with the Royal Insurance Company Building, 1975

Northwest in the vicinity of Fulton and Gold Streets, with the Royal Insurance Company Building, 1975

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#156 Boarded-up row houses on the north side of East 7th Street, near Avenue C, 1975

Boarded-up row houses on the north side of East 7th Street, near Avenue C, 1975

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#158 Boarded-up row houses on the north side of East 7th Street, near Avenue C, 1975

Boarded-up row houses on the north side of East 7th Street, near Avenue C, 1975

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#161 South on Broadway from West 48th Street to Times Square, 1975

South on Broadway from West 48th Street to Times Square, 1975

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#162 South on Broadway from Seventh Avenue and West 43rd Street, 1975

South on Broadway from Seventh Avenue and West 43rd Street, 1975

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#165 North on Lexington Avenue from East 33rd Street, 1975

North on Lexington Avenue from East 33rd Street, 1975

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#166 North on Fifth Avenue from across the Empire State Building, 1975

North on Fifth Avenue from across the Empire State Building, 1975

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#169 North on Fifth Avenue toward the Empire State Building, 1975

North on Fifth Avenue toward the Empire State Building, 1975

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#170 North on Fifth Avenue toward the Empire State Building, 1975

North on Fifth Avenue toward the Empire State Building, 1975

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#172 Boarded-up row houses on the north side of East 7th Street, near Avenue C, 1975

Boarded-up row houses on the north side of East 7th Street, near Avenue C, 1975

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#173 Surrogate’s Court (originally the Hall of Records) and the Manhattan Municipal Building, 1975

Surrogate's Court (originally the Hall of Records) and the Manhattan Municipal Building, 1975

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#175 Northwest toward the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel towers, 301 Park Avenue, 1975

Northwest toward the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel towers, 301 Park Avenue, 1975

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#181 East on West 31st Street toward the Clinton Hotel, 1975

East on West 31st Street toward the Clinton Hotel, 1975

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#182 South on Broadway from Seventh Avenue and West 43rd Street, 1975

South on Broadway from Seventh Avenue and West 43rd Street, 1975

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#183 Sunray Yarn Co., Grand Sterling Silver Co., Irving Baron, and Grand Street Dairy Restaurant, 347-341 Grand Street, 1975

Sunray Yarn Co., Grand Sterling Silver Co., Irving Baron, and Grand Street Dairy Restaurant, 347-341 Grand Street, 1975

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#184 Northwest from West Broadway to 140 Franklin Street, 1975

Northwest from West Broadway to 140 Franklin Street, 1975

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#187 Warren Weaver Hall, NYU, 251 Mercer Street, 1975

Warren Weaver Hall, NYU, 251 Mercer Street, 1975

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#192 Fifth Avenue in front of Charles Scribner’s Sons, 597 Fifth Avenue, 1975

Fifth Avenue in front of Charles Scribner's Sons, 597 Fifth Avenue, 1975

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#193 Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 East 79th Street, 1975

Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 East 79th Street, 1975

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#196 Council on Foreign Relations, 58 East 68th Street, 1975

Council on Foreign Relations, 58 East 68th Street, 1975

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#198 “Justice” statue on City Hall cupola, with “Civic Fame” statue on Municipal Building tower, 1975

"Justice" statue on City Hall cupola, with "Civic Fame" statue on Municipal Building tower, 1975

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#201 Parke-Bernet Galleries, 980 Madison Avenue, 1975

Parke-Bernet Galleries, 980 Madison Avenue, 1975

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Written by Makayla White

An amateur content creator and dreamer. I Run, Cycle, Swim, Dance and drink a lot of Coffee.

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