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What Time Square looked like in the 1940s through these Fascinating Vintage Photos

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Times Square, often called “The Crossroads of the World,” has long been a symbol of New York City’s bustling energy. During the 1940s, this iconic area was filled with vibrant life, significantly shaping the city’s culture. The decade was marked by major historical events, including World War II and its aftermath, which influenced every aspect of life, including entertainment and social dynamics. Let’s take a closer look at what Times Square was like in this fascinating era.

The Heart of Entertainment

Times Square in the 1940s was the heart of entertainment in New York City. This was a time when Broadway was thriving, offering an escape from the harsh realities of war. The theaters were bustling with activity, hosting a variety of performances from musicals to dramatic plays. These productions attracted both locals and tourists, eager to experience the magic of live theater. Notable shows included “Oklahoma!” which opened in 1943, and “South Pacific” in 1949. Both were significant hits and marked the beginning of a new era in American musical theater..

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Movies were also a big part of Times Square culture. Large, opulent movie palaces like the Paramount and the Roxy Theater showed the latest films. These venues were architectural marvels, with grand lobbies and elegant interiors. Going to the movies was a popular pastime, offering a few hours of escape into different worlds. Hollywood stars like Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, and Ingrid Bergman were household names, and their films drew large crowds.

The Neon Lights and Billboards

One of the most striking features of Times Square in the 1940s was the dazzling display of neon lights and billboards. Even during wartime when dim-outs were occasionally enforced to save energy and prevent enemy attacks, the glow of Times Square remained a symbol of the city’s resilience and spirit. The famous Camel Cigarettes billboard, which blew real smoke rings, was a notable attraction. These lights and advertisements created an ever-changing canvas that captured the attention of everyone passing by.

Times Square was a melting pot of people. Soldiers in uniform were a common sight, either on their way to join the war effort or enjoying a bit of leave. The area was filled with a mix of locals, tourists, and immigrants, all drawn to its lively atmosphere. Street performers entertained the crowds, adding to the dynamic environment.

Restaurants and cafes flourished, offering a variety of dining options. From elegant eateries to quick lunch counters, there was something for everyone. The famous Lindy’s, known for its cheesecake, was a favorite spot for both celebrities and ordinary folks. Such places were often bustling with conversation, providing a space for people to gather and share stories.

Wartime Changes and Challenges

World War II brought significant changes to Times Square. The war effort was visible everywhere, from recruitment stations to war bond rallies. The area became a hub for patriotic activities, with news of the war broadcast on large screens and through loudspeakers. People gathered to watch newsreels, keeping up with developments from the front lines.

The war also affected the types of entertainment available. Many actors and musicians joined the armed forces, so shows and performances had to adapt. Despite these challenges, the spirit of the city remained strong. Times Square became a place where people could find solace and camaraderie during uncertain times.

The war ended in 1945, and Times Square was the backdrop for one of the most famous celebrations of the 20th century. On V-J Day, thousands gathered in the square to celebrate the end of the war. The iconic photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse captured the mood of relief and joy that swept the nation.

 

#1 Times Square at twilight looking south from Duffy Square toward the New York Times building, 1940s.

Times Square at twilight looking south from Duffy Square toward the New York Times building, 1940s.

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#3 Pedestrians and cars passing the marquee of Madison Square Garden during a circus performance, 1940s.

Pedestrians and cars passing the marquee of Madison Square Garden during a circus performance, 1940s.

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#4 Sailors and women posing at the Father Duffy statue in Times Square, 1942.

Sailors and women posing at the Father Duffy statue in Times Square, 1942.

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#5 A large crowd of people celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square, 1940.

A large crowd of people celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square, 1940.

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#6 Times Square looking north from West 43rd Street, Manhattan, 1940s.

Times Square looking north from West 43rd Street, Manhattan, 1940s.

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#7 Buses and passengers at the Times Square terminal of Public Service and All American Bus Lines, Manhattan, 1940s.

Buses and passengers at the Times Square terminal of Public Service and All American Bus Lines, Manhattan, 1940s.

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#8 Times Square at night on Broadway at 45th Street, Manhattan, 1947.

Times Square at night on Broadway at 45th Street, Manhattan, 1947.

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#9 Looking south toward Times Square in Midtown Manhattan, 1940s

Looking south toward Times Square in Midtown Manhattan, 1940s

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#11 Times Square looking north from 43rd Street, Manhattan, 1940s.

Times Square looking north from 43rd Street, Manhattan, 1940s.

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#12 A miniature destroyer acts as a Navy recruiting station in Times Square, New York City, 1942.

A miniature destroyer acts as a Navy recruiting station in Times Square, New York City, 1942.

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#13 Pedestrians and traffic in Times Square with two sailors near a model of a Navy ship, a recruiting station, 1940s.

Pedestrians and traffic in Times Square with two sailors near a model of a Navy ship, a recruiting station, 1940s.

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#14 A U.S. Navy destroyer mockup acts as a recruiting station beside a “Buy War Bonds” billboard poster during World War II, Times Square, 1940s.

A U.S. Navy destroyer mockup acts as a recruiting station beside a "Buy War Bonds" billboard poster during World War II, Times Square, 1940s.

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#15 Duffy Square, part of Times Square, with gaudy signs for beverages, movies, cars, and taxis, Manhattan, 1940s

Duffy Square, part of Times Square, with gaudy signs for beverages, movies, cars, and taxis, Manhattan, 1940s

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#17 A neon billboard for Camel cigarettes in Times Square, 1940s.

A neon billboard for Camel cigarettes in Times Square, 1940s.

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#18 Traffic passing through Times Square in New York City, with Herald Square in the background, 1940s.

Traffic passing through Times Square in New York City, with Herald Square in the background, 1940s.

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#19 The junction of Times Square and Herald Square on 47th Street, 1940s.

The junction of Times Square and Herald Square on 47th Street, 1940s.

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#20 Traffic passing through Times Square in New York City, with Herald Square in the background, 1940s.

Traffic passing through Times Square in New York City, with Herald Square in the background, 1940s.

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#21 Moviegoers queue up outside the Strand Theater in Times Square, 1940s.

Moviegoers queue up outside the Strand Theater in Times Square, 1940s.

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#22 Moviegoers waiting outside a theater where “The Grapes of Wrath” is being advertised, Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, 1940.

Moviegoers waiting outside a theater where "The Grapes of Wrath" is being advertised, Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, 1940.

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#23 Traffic zooms past Roseland, a famous ballroom in Times Square, 1940s.

Traffic zooms past Roseland, a famous ballroom in Times Square, 1940s.

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#24 Rainy Times Square viewed from the top of the Times Tower, 1940s.

Rainy Times Square viewed from the top of the Times Tower, 1940s.

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#26 Corner of Times Square and 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, 1940.

Corner of Times Square and 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, 1940.

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#28 Times Square at night showing lighted signs, automobiles, and trolleys, 1940s.

Times Square at night showing lighted signs, automobiles, and trolleys, 1940s.

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#31 Pedestrians and the Wrigley sign on Times Square outside the International Casino, 1940s.

Pedestrians and the Wrigley sign on Times Square outside the International Casino, 1940s.

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#32 A scene in the International Casino as people dance out the old year and welcome the new one, 1940.

A scene in the International Casino as people dance out the old year and welcome the new one, 1940.

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#33 Pedestrian and street traffic in Times Square, 1940.

Pedestrian and street traffic in Times Square, 1940.

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#35 A giant cash register in the middle of Times Square advertising the Fifth War Loan drive, 1940.

A giant cash register in the middle of Times Square advertising the Fifth War Loan drive, 1940.

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#36 Times Square with crowds reading bulletins as Italy enters the war, 1940.

Times Square with crowds reading bulletins as Italy enters the war, 1940.

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#38 The Hippo balloon floating over Times Square during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, 1940.

The Hippo balloon floating over Times Square during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, 1940.

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#39 Times Square looking north from the corner of 45th Street and Broadway during the annual New Year’s Eve celebration, 1940

Times Square looking north from the corner of 45th Street and Broadway during the annual New Year's Eve celebration, 1940

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#41 The Embassy Theater and Planters Peanut sign in Times Square, 1941.

The Embassy Theater and Planters Peanut sign in Times Square, 1941.

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#42 A woman wearing a fur coat purchases a newspaper from a vendor at a newsstand in Times Square, 1941.

A woman wearing a fur coat purchases a newspaper from a vendor at a newsstand in Times Square, 1941.

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#43 The marquees of the Apollo and Times Square theaters in midtown 1941.

The marquees of the Apollo and Times Square theaters in midtown 1941.

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#46 The marquee for the Apollo Theater, Times Square, 1941.

The marquee for the Apollo Theater, Times Square, 1941.

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#47 Times Square-42nd Street subway station looking north down 7th Avenue just before an air raid drill, 1941.

Times Square-42nd Street subway station looking north down 7th Avenue just before an air raid drill, 1941.

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#48 Times Square-42nd Street subway station looking north down a deserted 7th Avenue during an air raid drill, 1941.

Times Square-42nd Street subway station looking north down a deserted 7th Avenue during an air raid drill, 1941.

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#49 A billboard in Times Square featuring President Franklin Roosevelt asking Americans to support the USO, 1940s.

A billboard in Times Square featuring President Franklin Roosevelt asking Americans to support the USO, 1940s.

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#50 People gathered around a large heap of aluminum in Times Square, New York City, 1941.

People gathered around a large heap of aluminum in Times Square, New York City, 1941.

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#53 A dog on a Times Square sidewalk, with two men wearing civilian defense air raid warden armbands and hats, 1942.

A dog on a Times Square sidewalk, with two men wearing civilian defense air raid warden armbands and hats, 1942.

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#54 Times Square, New York City, during the New Year’s Eve celebration, 1941.

Times Square, New York City, during the New Year's Eve celebration, 1941.

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#56 Times Square at night before a partial blackout test, 1942.

Times Square at night before a partial blackout test, 1942.

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#57 A blackout above the 15th floor in Times Square, 1942.

A blackout above the 15th floor in Times Square, 1942.

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#59 Pedestrians walk beneath the marquee of a Trans-Lux Theater in Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, 1943.

Pedestrians walk beneath the marquee of a Trans-Lux Theater in Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, 1943.

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#60 Times Square at 3:40 p.m. during gas rationing, 1943.

Times Square at 3:40 p.m. during gas rationing, 1943.

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#61 A Camel cigarettes advertisement in Times Square, New York City, 1943.

A Camel cigarettes advertisement in Times Square, New York City, 1943.

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#62 A street scene on a rainy day in Times Square, New York City, 1943.

A street scene on a rainy day in Times Square, New York City, 1943.

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#63 A street scene on a rainy day in Times Square, New York City, 1943.

A street scene on a rainy day in Times Square, New York City, 1943.

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#64 Children shining shoes of soldiers at Father Duffy’s statue in Times Square, New York City, 1943.

Children shining shoes of soldiers at Father Duffy's statue in Times Square, New York City, 1943.

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#65 The shattered fuselage of a Flying Fortress paraded through Times Square during New York’s “Back the Attack” Parade, 1944.

The shattered fuselage of a Flying Fortress paraded through Times Square during New York's "Back the Attack" Parade, 1944.

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#66 Mayor Fiorello La Guardia posing with religious leaders in front of a World War II religious unity poster in Times Square 1944.

Mayor Fiorello La Guardia posing with religious leaders in front of a World War II religious unity poster in Times Square 1944.

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#67 A crowd reading news of the D-Day invasion on the “Zipper” news ticker at One Times Square, New York City, 1944.

A crowd reading news of the D-Day invasion on the "Zipper" news ticker at One Times Square, New York City, 1944.

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#68 A group of men and sailors in Times Square on D-Day, New York City, 1944.

A group of men and sailors in Times Square on D-Day, New York City, 1944.

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#69 Times Square with a crowd gathered at a giant cash register for the 5th War Loan Drive, New York City, 1944.

Times Square with a crowd gathered at a giant cash register for the 5th War Loan Drive, New York City, 1944.

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#70 Howard Johnson’s Ice Cream parlor in Times Square, New York City, 1945.

Howard Johnson's Ice Cream parlor in Times Square, New York City, 1945.

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#71 An NBC camera crew shooting on location at Times Square, New York, 1945.

An NBC camera crew shooting on location at Times Square, New York, 1945.

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#72 Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby, Commanding Officer of the Women’s Army Corps, in full uniform on the day of the third anniversary of the WAC, Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, 1945.

Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby, Commanding Officer of the Women's Army Corps, in full uniform on the day of the third anniversary of the WAC, Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, 1945.

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#73 Taxis outside Times Square theaters at night, 1945.

Taxis outside Times Square theaters at night, 1945.

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#74 A conga line during a March of Dimes rally, Times Square, New York City, 1945.

A conga line during a March of Dimes rally, Times Square, New York City, 1945.

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#75 An unidentified woman, dressed in high heels and a wooden barrel that reads “I did my bit, did you?”, walks in Times Square, 1945.

An unidentified woman, dressed in high heels and a wooden barrel that reads "I did my bit, did you?", walks in Times Square, 1945.

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#76 A police officer waves his cap from atop a street lamp pole in Times Square celebrating V-E Day, 1945.

A police officer waves his cap from atop a street lamp pole in Times Square celebrating V-E Day, 1945.

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#77 A general view of Times Square showing surging crowds celebrating Germany’s unconditional surrender, 1945.

A general view of Times Square showing surging crowds celebrating Germany's unconditional surrender, 1945.

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#79 The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade at Times Square, 1945.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade at Times Square, 1945.

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#83 Traffic passing neon signs illuminating Times Square at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, 1946.

Traffic passing neon signs illuminating Times Square at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, 1946.

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#84 Cars and taxis passing the Capitol Theatre at 1645 Broadway at the intersection with West 50th Street near Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, 1946.

Cars and taxis passing the Capitol Theatre at 1645 Broadway at the intersection with West 50th Street near Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, 1946.

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#85 Pedestrians passing cars and taxis outside the Astor Theatre at 1537 Broadway at the intersection with West 45th Street at Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, 1946.

Pedestrians passing cars and taxis outside the Astor Theatre at 1537 Broadway at the intersection with West 45th Street at Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, 1946.

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#86 The “Latin Quarter”, near Times Square in Manhattan, 1946.

The "Latin Quarter", near Times Square in Manhattan, 1946.

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#89 The Paramount Theater in Broadway, New York City, 1947.

The Paramount Theater in Broadway, New York City, 1947.

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#90 New Yorkers resting in Duffy Square, New York, 1947.

New Yorkers resting in Duffy Square, New York, 1947.

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#92 Portrait of Kaiser Marshall, Art Hodes, Sandy Williams, Cecil (Xavier) Scott, and Henry (Clay) Goodwin, Times Square, 1947.

Portrait of Kaiser Marshall, Art Hodes, Sandy Williams, Cecil (Xavier) Scott, and Henry (Clay) Goodwin, Times Square, 1947.

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#93 Portrait of Art Hodes, Henry (Clay) Goodwin, Sandy Williams, and Cecil (Xavier) Scott, Times Square, 1947.

Portrait of Art Hodes, Henry (Clay) Goodwin, Sandy Williams, and Cecil (Xavier) Scott, Times Square, 1947.

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#94 Five soldiers in front of the statue of Father Duffy in Times Square, New York City, 1947.

Five soldiers in front of the statue of Father Duffy in Times Square, New York City, 1947.

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#95 A man dressed as a Native American chief speaking with an old man near Times Square on Broadway, New York, 1947.

A man dressed as a Native American chief speaking with an old man near Times Square on Broadway, New York, 1947.

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#96 A woman and a child crossing 51st Street at the corner with Broadway in the Theater District near the Roseland Ballroom, Times Square, Manhattan, 1947.

A woman and a child crossing 51st Street at the corner with Broadway in the Theater District near the Roseland Ballroom, Times Square, Manhattan, 1947.

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#97 A young woman feeding pigeons on Broadway in the Theater District in Times Square, New York City, 1947.

A young woman feeding pigeons on Broadway in the Theater District in Times Square, New York City, 1947.

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#98 A young woman feeding pigeons on Broadway in the Theater District in Times Square, New York City, 1947.

A young woman feeding pigeons on Broadway in the Theater District in Times Square, New York City, 1947.

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#99 Protestors during a mass demonstration against the Taft-Hartley Anti-Labor Bill, Times Square, 1947.

Protestors during a mass demonstration against the Taft-Hartley Anti-Labor Bill, Times Square, 1947.

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#100 Times Square after a huge snowfall, Manhattan, 1948.

Times Square after a huge snowfall, Manhattan, 1948.

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#102 People gathered in Times Square to get early election returns, 1948.

People gathered in Times Square to get early election returns, 1948.

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#103 Two sailors having their picture snapped in an old-fashioned setting in Times Square, 1948.

Two sailors having their picture snapped in an old-fashioned setting in Times Square, 1948.

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#104 Times Square on a rainy day, New York City, 1949.

Times Square on a rainy day, New York City, 1949.

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#106 Broadway between 44th and 45th Streets in Times Square, 1949.

Broadway between 44th and 45th Streets in Times Square, 1949.

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#107 Office buildings brightly lit early in the evening, with Times Square in the background, 1940s.

Office buildings brightly lit early in the evening, with Times Square in the background, 1940s.

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#108 The funeral procession of Bill Robinson “Bojangles” passing through Times Square, 1949.

The funeral procession of Bill Robinson "Bojangles" passing through Times Square, 1949.

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#109 The funeral cortege of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, passing through Times Square, 1940s.

The funeral cortege of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, passing through Times Square, 1940s.

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Written by Dennis Saul

Content creator and Professional photographer who still uses Vintage film roll cameras. Not that I loved London less But that i Love New York City More.

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