A Sailor’s Lens: Glimpsing 1960s New York City Through Jack Lillywhite’s Slides

There’s something uniquely captivating about old photographs. They’re not just images frozen in time, but portals to bygone eras, whispering stories of lives lived and moments cherished. When those photos capture a city as iconic as New York in the vibrant 1960s, the allure is even stronger. Thanks to Jack Lillywhite, a Navy man with a passion for photography, we have a chance to step back into that era.

Sailor’s Life in the Big Apple

Jack Lillywhite’s story is quintessentially American. Stationed in New York City in 1965, he and his wife Jan embraced life in the bustling metropolis. Staten Island was their home base, but Jack’s curious spirit and his camera led him to explore the city’s nooks and crannies during his off-duty hours. He captured not just the famous landmarks but also the everyday scenes that made New York pulse with life.

One can only imagine the thrill of those trips “into the city” from Staten Island. The ferry ride alone, with the Statue of Liberty rising majestically in the harbor, must have been a sight to behold. Jack’s photos show us a New York that was both familiar and strikingly different. The skyline, dominated by the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, was already iconic. Yet, there’s an undeniable charm to the older buildings, the vintage cars, and the fashion choices that firmly place these images in the 1960s.

Jack had a knack for capturing the essence of street life. His photos transport us to bustling avenues filled with people going about their day. We see businessmen in sharp suits, women in elegant dresses, and children playing in the parks. The hustle and bustle of the city is palpable, even through the stillness of the photographs.

But Jack also appreciated the quiet beauty of the city’s architecture. His photos showcase the intricate details of historic buildings, the grandeur of churches, and the geometric patterns of skyscrapers. There’s a sense of wonder in these images, as if Jack was constantly discovering new facets of the city he called home for two years.

#1 Washington Square Park, New York City – 1966

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#2 Jack and Jan Lillywhite going through the slides – 1966

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#3 Le Figaro Cafe, New York City -May 1966

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#4 A playground in New York City 1966

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#5 New York City – 1966

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#6 New Amsterdam Theater – Jan 1966

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#7 June 1966

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#8 1966

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#9 Metropole Cafe, NYC – 1966

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#10 June 1966

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#11 NYC – Location unknown

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#12 June 1966 – Batman

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#13 NYC 1966

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#14 Greenwich Village Art Fair – 1966

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#15 United Nations – 1967

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#16 June 1967

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#17 Wall Street

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#18 June 1967

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#19 Washington Arch

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#20 June 1966

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#21 Jack Playing Guitar – 5 April 1971

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