New York City in the 1950s was a vibrant and dynamic metropolis undergoing significant change. Post-World War II prosperity fueled economic growth, leading to extensive construction and urban development.
The city became a cultural hub, with Broadway, jazz clubs, and emerging abstract expressionist art. Landmarks like the United Nations headquarters were built, symbolizing its global influence.
Despite facing challenges like racial segregation and housing shortages, New York maintained its status as a symbol of American progress and diversity.
These wonderful color photos from Dennis Johnson show what New York looked like during the 1950s.
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| New York City, 1950 |
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| New York Harbor from Statue of Liberty, June 1950 |
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| 3rd Avenue elevated line and the Chrysler Building, seen from roughly 42nd Street, New York City, spring 1951 |
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| Betty, Doc, and Zizi outside the Booth Theater, Shubert Alley & 45th Street, New York City, November 1951 |
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| Rockefeller Center, New York City, August 1951 |
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| Theatrical billboards, New York City, spring 1951 |
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| Times Square, New York City, August 1951 |
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| Times Square, New York City, June 1951 |
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| Times Square, New York City, June 1951 |
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| Corner of Orchard and Houston, New York, March 1952 |
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| Ethel boarding a train for New York, March 1952 |
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| Rockefeller Center, New York City, 1952 |
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| Rockefeller Center, New York City, December 20, 1952 |
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| The Lustigs at the East River, New York City, June 1952 |
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| 5th Avenue, New York City, circa 1953 |
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| Bedford Hills, New York, 1953 |
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| Macy’s Parade, Columbus Circle, New York City, November 26, 1953 |
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| Macy’s Parade, Columbus Circle, New York City, November 26, 1953 |
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| New York City, July 1953 |
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| The dock, New York City, 1953 |
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| 4th Street at Sheridan Square, Greenwich Village, New York City, spring 1954 |
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| Times Square, New York City, October 1954 |
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| Times Square, New York City, September 1954 |
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| 5th Avenue, New York City, Easter Sunday, April 10, 1955 |
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| Intersection of Broadway & Vesey at Greenwich, New York City, spring 1955 |
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| Looking north along Greenwich Street from Vesey Street, Lower Manhattan, New York City, spring 1955 |
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| Triangle Hardware, Intersection of Broadway & Vesey at Greenwich, New York City, spring 1955 |
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| Fairhaven, New York, December 1958 |
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| Greenwich Village, New York City, June 1958 |
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| Finger Lakes region, New York, October 1959 |
