Sunday, July 6, 2014

An American Odyssey

 

 

 

 

 

   

An American Odyssey

These postcards are the first colour photographs taken of the New World, capturing the majesty of the American landscape, from buzzing city scenes to the dramatic Grand Canyon.

Dating back to the late 19th century and early 20th century, they have been released from a private collection especially to celebrate travel through the US in a book entitled An American Odyssey.

The photographs were taken between 1888 and 1924 and were made into postcards celebrating cities, landscapes and everyday life across the country.

The Big Apple: Mulberry Street, the main thoroughfare in Manhattan, is brought to life with the photochrom process, showing the varying ethnicity of New Yorkers and a glimpse at their everyday lives

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The Big Apple: Mulberry Street, the main thoroughfare in Manhattan, is brought to life with the photochrom process, showing the varying ethnicity of New Yorkers and a glimpse at their everyday lives

Traditions: Members of the Seminole Tribe in Florida - whose history dates back to the early 1500s - are depicted in the dugout canoes in their elegant dress

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Traditions: Members of the Seminole Tribe in Florida - whose history dates back to the early 1500s - are depicted in the dugout canoes in their elegant dress

Many of the images are produced using a photochrom process, taking black and white negatives and filling them with colour by transferring them onto lithographic printing stones.

Another process used was phostint, a way of tinting black and white and sepia images which was used by companies - including what was then known as the London Daily Mail - to print colour postcards of important events, such as scenes from the First World War. These spectacular postcards are from a private collection amassed by graphic designer, photographer, and collector Marc Walter. He specialises in vintage travel photographs and has one of the world's largest collections.

Rainbow effect: The Grand Canyon is shown in all its glory with greens, rich reds and purples depicted by the photochrom technique

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Rainbow effect: The Grand Canyon is shown in all its glory with greens, rich reds and purples depicted by the photochrom technique

On track: Transport is a dominant theme throughout the images, showing America at the cutting edge of technology

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On track: Transport is a dominant theme throughout the images, showing America at the cutting edge of technology

Laundry day: This unusual picture shows a Monday in New York City, when the streets were filled with clean washing being aired among the buildings

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Laundry day: This unusual picture shows a Monday in New York City, when the streets were filled with clean washing being aired among the buildings

These particular images were produced by the Detroit Photographic Company at the turn of the century, combining landscapes with human interest images for city dwellers, immigrants and even gold rushers and the last Wild West cowboys.

The 612-page hardback book, published by Taschen, is a celebration of America and is considered a journey through its later 19th and early 20th-century landscapes and will go on sale for £135.

Photos include a busy city scene on the busy thoroughfare of Mulberry Street in New York, while another contrasts dramatically, capturing the rural life of a Seminole Indian family sailing in their dugout canoes in Florida.

Gold rush town: A glorious panorama shows the Californian city of San Francisco when it was still a relatively small settlement

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Gold rush town: A glorious panorama shows the Californian city of San Francisco when it was still a relatively small settlement

Southern life: A magnolia plantation is shown in bloom on the edge of the Ashley River in Charleston with a local woman stood looking out over the water

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Southern life: A magnolia plantation is shown in bloom on the edge of the Ashley River in Charleston with a local woman stood looking out over the water

Feats of engineering: The Gerogetown Loop over Clear Creek Canyon in Colorado was hugely important to the nearby gold and silver mines at the start of the 20th century

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Feats of engineering: The Gerogetown Loop over Clear Creek Canyon in Colorado was hugely important to the nearby gold and silver mines at the start of the 20th century

An American Odyssey

A magnolia plantation on the Ashely River in Charleston is brought to life with the application of colour to the image, while the Grand Canyon is also shown shimmering with colour.

Transport is also a leading theme in the postcards, featuring spectacular train journeys crossing Clear Creek Canyon, on Georgetown Loop in Colorado and the Mount Lowe Railway, on the circular bridge in California.

Tourists can still ride on the Georgetown Loop railways, experiencing what life was like during the gold rush era, when everyone was trying to make their fortune.

And spectacular National Parks such as the Grand Canyon still draw crowds, with millions of visitors every year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anonymous Sunset from the Battery, New York

 

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These postcards are the first color photographs taken of the New World, capturing the majesty of the American landscape, from buzzing city scenes to the dramatic vista of the Grand Canyon.

Dating back to the late 19th century and early 20th century – and now compiled in a book entitled An American Odyssey – they show the people and places of the New World, documenting Native Americans, African Americans, immigrants, cowboys and gold rushers.

The photographs were taken between 1888 and 1924 and were made into postcards celebrating cities, landscapes and everyday life across the country.

Images such as this of Zuni Pueblo Indians carrying out a Rain Dance in New Mexico were produced using a photochrom process

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Images such as this of Zuni Pueblo Indians carrying out a Rain Dance in New Mexico were produced using a photochrom process

Sunset from the Battery, New York: These postcards, dating back to the late 19th century and early 20th century and collected in a new book entitled An American Odyssey, show the people and places of the New World

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Sunset from the Battery, New York: These postcards, dating back to the late 19th century and early 20th century and collected in a new book entitled An American Odyssey, show the people and places of the New World

Homestake Mine, South Dakota: These particular images were produced by the Detroit Photographic Company at the turn of the century

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Homestake Mine, South Dakota: These particular images were produced by the Detroit Photographic Company at the turn of the century

Many of the images were produced using a photochrom process, taking black and white negatives and filling them with color by transferring them onto lithographic printing stones.

Another process used was photostint, a way of tinting black and white and sepia images which was used by companies - including what was then known as the London Daily Mail - to print color postcards of important events, such as scenes from the First World War.

These processes predated the autochrome by nearly 20 years and offered people the very first color photographs of The United States.

Suddenly, the continent's colors were available for all to see. The rich ochres and browns of the Grand Canyon, the dazzle of Atlantic City, became a visual delight not only for eyewitnesses, but for Americans far and wide.

The Big Apple: Mulberry Street, the main thoroughfare in Manhattan, is brought to life with the photochrom process, showing the varying ethnicity of New Yorkers and a glimpse at their everyday lives

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The Big Apple: Mulberry Street, the main thoroughfare in Manhattan, is brought to life with the photochrom process, showing the varying ethnicity of New Yorkers and a glimpse at their everyday lives

A Mississippi landing, Vicksburg: The colorful photochroms started out as glass negatives such as this

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A Mississippi landing, Vicksburg: The colorful photochroms started out as glass negatives such as this

Laundry day: This unusual picture shows a Monday in New York City, when the streets were filled with clean washing being aired among the buildings

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Laundry day: This unusual picture shows a Monday in New York City, when the streets were filled with clean washing being aired among the buildings

Feats of engineering: The Gerogetown Loop over Clear Creek Canyon in Colorado was hugely important to the nearby gold and silver mines at the start of the 20th century

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Feats of engineering: The Gerogetown Loop over Clear Creek Canyon in Colorado was hugely important to the nearby gold and silver mines at the start of the 20th century

These spectacular postcards are from a private collection amassed by graphic designer, photographer, and collector Marc Walter. He specializes in vintage travel photographs and has one of the world's largest collections.

These particular images were produced by the Detroit Photographic Company at the turn of the century, combining landscapes with human interest images for city dwellers, immigrants and even gold rushers and the last Wild West cowboys.

The 612-page hardback book, published by Taschen, is a celebration of America and is considered a journey through its later 19th and early 20th-century landscapes.

Photos include a busy city scene on Mulberry Street in New York, while another contrasts dramatically, capturing the rural life of a Seminole Indian family sailing in their dugout canoes in Florida.

Rainbow effect: The Grand Canyon is shown in all its glory with greens, rich reds and purples depicted by the photochrom technique

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Rainbow effect: The Grand Canyon is shown in all its glory with greens, rich reds and purples depicted by the photochrom technique

'Three Graces', Yosemite National Park, California   The 612-page hardback book, published by Taschen, is a celebration of America and is considered a journey through its later 19th and early 20th-century landscapes    

'Three Graces', Yosemite National Park, California, left. The 612-page hardback book, published by Taschen, is a celebration of America and is considered a journey through its later 19th and early 20th-century landscapes, right

On track: Transport is a dominant theme throughout the images, showing America at the cutting edge of technology

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On track: Transport is a dominant theme throughout the images, showing America at the cutting edge of technology

Magnolia Plantation, on the Ashely River in Charleston, is brought to life with the application of color to the image, while the Grand Canyon is also shown shimmering with color.

Transport is also a leading theme in the postcards, featuring spectacular train journeys crossing Clear Creek Canyon, on Georgetown Loop in Colorado and the Mount Lowe Railway, on the circular bridge in California.

Tourists can still ride on the Georgetown Loop railways, experiencing what life was like during the gold rush era, when everyone was trying to make their fortune.

And spectacular National Parks such as the Grand Canyon still draw crowds, with millions of visitors every year.

Traditions: Members of the Seminole Tribe in Florida - whose history dates back to the early 1500s - are depicted in the dugout canoes in their elegant dress

+15

Traditions: Members of the Seminole Tribe in Florida - whose history dates back to the early 1500s - are depicted in the dugout canoes in their elegant dress

Gold rush town: A glorious panorama shows the Californian city of San Francisco when it was still a relatively small settlement

+15

Gold rush town: A glorious panorama shows the Californian city of San Francisco when it was still a relatively small settlement

Southern life: A magnolia plantation is shown in bloom on the edge of the Ashley River in Charleston with a local woman stood looking out over the water

+15

Southern life: A magnolia plantation is shown in bloom on the edge of the Ashley River in Charleston with a local woman stood looking out over the water

These spectacular postcards are from a private collection amassed by graphic designer, photographer, and collector Marc Walter. He specializes in vintage travel photographs and has one of the world's largest collections

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These spectacular postcards are from a private collection amassed by graphic designer, photographer, and collector Marc Walter. He specializes in vintage travel photographs and has one of the world's largest collections

 

 

     

Color America

 

Faro and Doris Caudill, homesteaders. Pie Town, New Mexico, October 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Connecticut town on the sea. Stonington, Connecticut, November 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Farm auction. Derby, Connecticut, September 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Children gathering potatoes on a large farm. Vicinity of Caribou, Aroostook County, Maine, October 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Trucks outside of a starch factory. Caribou, Aroostook County, Maine, October 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Headlines posted in street-corner window of newspaper office (Brockton Enterprise). Brockton, Massachusetts, December 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Children in the tenement district. Brockton, Massachusetts, December 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Going to town on Saturday afternoon. Greene County, Georgia, May 1941. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Chopping cotton on rented land near White Plains. White Plains, Greene County, Georgia, June 1941. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Barker at the grounds at the state fair. Rutland, Vermont, September 1941. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Backstage at the "girlie" show at the state fair. Rutland, Vermont, September 1941. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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At the Vermont state fair. Rutland, Vermont, September 1941. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Couples at square dance. McIntosh County, Oklahoma, 1939 or 1940, Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Orchestra at square dance. McIntosh County, Oklahoma, 1939 or 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Children asleep on bed during square dance. McIntosh County, Oklahoma, 1939 or 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Jack Whinery, homesteader, and his family. Pie Town, New Mexico, October 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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The Faro Caudill family eating dinner in their dugout. Pie Town, New Mexico, October 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Saying grace before the barbeque dinner at the New Mexico Fair. Pie Town, New Mexico, October 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Homesteader and his children eating barbeque at the New Mexico Fair. Pie Town, New Mexico, October 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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School children singing. Pie Town, New Mexico, October 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Garden adjacent to the dugout home of Jack Whinery, homesteader. Pie Town, New Mexico, September 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Mill at the Camp Bird Mine. Ouray County, Colorado, October 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Distributing surplus commodities. St. Johns, Arizona, October 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Hauling crates of peaches from the orchard to the shipping shed. Delta County, Colorado, September 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Hay stack and automobile of peach pickers. Delta County, Colorado, 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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On main street of Cascade. Cascade, Idaho, July 1941. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Road cut into the barren hills which lead into Emmett. Emmett, Idaho, July 1941. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Shasta dam under construction. California, June 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Boy building a model airplane as girl watches. Robstown, Texas, January 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Arthur Rothstein. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Grand Grocery Company. Lincoln, Nebraska, 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by John Vachon. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Young African American boy. Cincinnati, Ohio, 1942 or 1943. Photo by John Vachon. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Wisdom, Montana, April 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by John Vachon. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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A Fourth of July celebration. St. Helena Island, South Carolina, 1939. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Marion Post Wolcott. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Planting corn along a river. Northeastern Tennessee, May 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Marion Post Wolcott. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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African Americans fishing in creek near cotton plantations. Belzoni, Mississippi, October 1939. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Marion Post Wolcott. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Bayou Bourbeau plantation, a Farm Security Administration cooperative. Vicinity of Natchitoches, Louisiana, August 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Marion Post Wolcott. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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African American's tenant's home beside the Mississippi River levee. Near Lake Providence, Louisiana, June 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Marion Post Wolcott. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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A crossroads store, bar, "juke joint," and gas station in the cotton plantation area. Melrose, Louisiana, June 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Marion Post Wolcott. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Boys fishing in a bayou. Schriever, Louisiana, June 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Marion Post Wolcott. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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A store with live fish for sale. Vicinity of Natchitoches, Louisiana, July 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Marion Post Wolcott. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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African American migratory workers by a "juke joint". Belle Glade, Florida, February 1941. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Marion Post Wolcott. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Children aiming sticks as guns, lined up against a brick building. Washington, D.C.(?), between 1941 and 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photographer Unknown. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Shulman's market, on N at Union Street S.W. Washington, D.C., between 1941 and 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Louise Rosskam. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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House. Washington, D.C.(?), between 1941 and 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Louise Rosskam. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Chapel, Vadito. Near Penasco, New Mexico, Spring 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by John Collier. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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A welder who works in the round-house at the Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company's Proviso yard. Chicago, Illinois, December 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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View in a departure yard at Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company's Proviso yard at twilight. Chicago, Illinois, December 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Switchman throwing a switch at Chicago and Northwest Railway Company's Proviso yard. Chicago, Illinois, April 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Mike Evans, a welder, at the rip tracks at Proviso yard of the Chicago and Northwest Railway Company. Chicago, Illinois, April 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt caboose at the rip tracks at Proviso yard. Chicago, Illinois, April 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Switch engine in yard near Calumet Park stockyards, Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad. Calumet City, Illinois, January 1943. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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General view of part of the South Water Street freight depot of the Illinois Central Railroad Chicago, Illinois, May 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Mrs. Viola Sievers, one of the wipers at the roundhouse giving a giant "H" class locomotive a bath of live steam. Clinton, Iowa, April 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Women workers employed as wipers in the roundhouse having lunch in their rest room, Chicago and Northwest Railway Company. Clinton, Iowa, April 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Children stage a patriotic demonstration. Southington, Connecticut, May 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Fenno Jacobs. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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At Beecher Street School. Southington, Connecticut, May 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Fenno Jacobs. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Street corner. Dillon, Montana, August 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Shepherd with his horse and dog on Gravelly Range Madison County, Montana, August 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Russell Lee. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Servicing an A-20 bomber. Langley Field, Virginia, July 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Alfred T. Palmer. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Marine glider at Page Field. Parris Island, South Carolina, May 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Alfred T. Palmer. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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M-4 tank crews of the United States. Fort Knox, Kentucky, June 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Alfred T. Palmer. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Welder making boilers for a ship, Combustion Engineering Company. Chattanooga, Tennessee, June 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Alfred T. Palmer. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Construction work at the TVA's Douglas Dam. Tennessee, June 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Alfred T. Palmer. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Assembling B-25 bombers at North American Aviation. Kansas City, Kansas, October 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Alfred T. Palmer. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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P-51 'Mustang' fighter in flight. Inglewood, California, October 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Alfred T. Palmer. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Woman is working on a "Vengeance" dive bomber Tennessee, February 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Alfred T. Palmer. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Hanna furnaces of the Great Lakes Steel Corporation, stock pile of coal and iron ore. Detroit, Michigan, November 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Arthur Siegel. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Rural school children. San Augustine County, Texas, April 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by John Vachon. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress #

Color America

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Rural school children. San Augustine County, Texas, April 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by John Vachon. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress

The Golden Gate Bridge was opened to vehicular traffic on this day in 1937 when Franklin Delano Roosevelt pushed a button in Washington DC. Construction on the bridge began on January 5, 1933 and lasted a little more than four years, costing more than $35 million. The day before vehicle traffic was allowed, 200,000 people crossed the bridge by foot.

Description of  The north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge is blanketed by fog as the sun rises October 8, 2007 in Sausalito, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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The north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge is blanketed by fog as the sun rises October 8, 2007 in Sausalito, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #

Description of  View of the San Francisco Bay before the Golden Gate Bridge was built with sun shining through clouds on water, c1902. (Library of Congress)

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View of the San Francisco Bay before the Golden Gate Bridge was built with sun shining through clouds on water, c1902. (Library of Congress) #

Description of  An aerial view with the Golden Gate Bridge under construction, c1934. (Photo by Chas. M. Hiller, Library of Congress)

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An aerial view with the Golden Gate Bridge under construction, c1934. (Photo by Chas. M. Hiller, Library of Congress) #

Description of  High in the fog, structural steel workers staged the traditional ceremony of raising flags when the structural steel work on the Marin County Towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco was completed, May 4, 1934. Group of steel workers atop one of the two towers which rise 734 feet above the water. (AP Photo)

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High in the fog, structural steel workers staged the traditional ceremony of raising flags when the structural steel work on the Marin County Towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco was completed, May 4, 1934. Group of steel workers atop one of the two towers which rise 734 feet above the water. (AP Photo) #

Description of  The Golden Gate Bridge under construction, c1934. (Photo by Chas. M. Hiller, Library of Congress)

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The Golden Gate Bridge under construction, c1934. (Photo by Chas. M. Hiller, Library of Congress) #

Description of  The construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, which would link Fort Point, bottom, with Marin County, Calif., top, is seen as work progressed, 1934.  (AP Photo/Redwood Empire Association)

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The construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, which would link Fort Point, bottom, with Marin County, Calif., top, is seen as work progressed, 1934. (AP Photo/Redwood Empire Association) #

Description of  U.S. Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, center, wears a steel helmet during an inspection tour of the San Francisco tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, Ca., March 25, 1935.  Perkins, who is the first female cabinet officer in American history, talks with G.A. McClain, bridge superintendent, left, and S.E. Stanley, rivet foreman. (AP Photo)

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U.S. Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, center, wears a steel helmet during an inspection tour of the San Francisco tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, Ca., March 25, 1935. Perkins, who is the first female cabinet officer in American history, talks with G.A. McClain, bridge superintendent, left, and S.E. Stanley, rivet foreman. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Workers install the first section of a huge safety net, at a cost of $98,000, that will extend from shore to shore beneath the Golden Gate Bridge span during construction of the bridge in San Francisco, Ca., Sept. 2, 1935.  (AP Photo)

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Workers install the first section of a huge safety net, at a cost of $98,000, that will extend from shore to shore beneath the Golden Gate Bridge span during construction of the bridge in San Francisco, Ca., Sept. 2, 1935. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Workmen wearing steel helmets lay the catwalks for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Ca., Sept. 19, 1935.  Spinning of the big suspension cables will start after the two catwalks are laid high above the Golden Gate Strait.  (AP Photo)

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Workmen wearing steel helmets lay the catwalks for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Ca., Sept. 19, 1935. Spinning of the big suspension cables will start after the two catwalks are laid high above the Golden Gate Strait. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Preparations for spinning the cables of the Golden Gate Bridge between Marin Country and San Francisco occupied crews October 10, 1935. They were busy erecting storm cable system, telephone system and various units of the spinning equipment for the $35,000,000 structure. The cable, stretching from the tower in the foreground to the Marin Country or North side, will be 36 1/2 inches in diameter. The Catwalks with some of the storm cables is shown. (AP Photo)

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Preparations for spinning the cables of the Golden Gate Bridge between Marin Country and San Francisco occupied crews October 10, 1935. They were busy erecting storm cable system, telephone system and various units of the spinning equipment for the $35,000,000 structure. The cable, stretching from the tower in the foreground to the Marin Country or North side, will be 36 1/2 inches in diameter. The Catwalks with some of the storm cables is shown. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Workers at the top of the tower, which will support the $35,000,000 suspension bridge, are shown during construction of one of the catwalks for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Ca., Oct. 17, 1935.  Below in background is the Marin County shore, which will be connected to San Francisco by the bridge.  (AP Photo)

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Workers at the top of the tower, which will support the $35,000,000 suspension bridge, are shown during construction of one of the catwalks for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Ca., Oct. 17, 1935. Below in background is the Marin County shore, which will be connected to San Francisco by the bridge. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Workers complete the catwalks for the Golden Gate Bridge, spanning the Golden Gate Strait, prior to spinning the bridge cables during construction in San Francisco, Ca., Oct. 25, 1935.  (AP Photo)

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Workers complete the catwalks for the Golden Gate Bridge, spanning the Golden Gate Strait, prior to spinning the bridge cables during construction in San Francisco, Ca., Oct. 25, 1935. (AP Photo) #

Description of  The USS New Jersey BB-62 battleship, carrying Gen. Walter Krueger and crew aboard, glides under the Golden Gate Bridge at San Francisco, Ca. on Feb. 10, 1946. The United States Navy battleship is a veteran of Pacific Warfare. (AP Photo)

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The USS New Jersey BB-62 battleship, carrying Gen. Walter Krueger and crew aboard, glides under the Golden Gate Bridge at San Francisco, Ca. on Feb. 10, 1946. The United States Navy battleship is a veteran of Pacific Warfare. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Picture dated May 1936 of the Golden Gate Bridge, in the San Francisco Bay, during its construction. (OFF/AFP/Getty Images)

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Picture dated May 1936 of the Golden Gate Bridge, in the San Francisco Bay, during its construction. (OFF/AFP/Getty Images) #

Description of  A view of the Golden Gate Bridge, while under construction, with a warship seen passing underneath on its way to the opening of the Oakland Bay Bridge, on Nov. 12, 1936. (AP Photo)

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A view of the Golden Gate Bridge, while under construction, with a warship seen passing underneath on its way to the opening of the Oakland Bay Bridge, on Nov. 12, 1936. (AP Photo) #

Description of  This is a close up of one of the nearly completed cables which will hold up the floor of the $32,500,000 Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Ca., May 4, 1936.  Approximately 27,500 steel wires are in each cable, which are 36 1/2 inches in diameter and 7,700 feet long.  The bridge spans the entrance to San Francisco harbor and joins the city with Marin County.  (AP Photo)

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This is a close up of one of the nearly completed cables which will hold up the floor of the $32,500,000 Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Ca., May 4, 1936. Approximately 27,500 steel wires are in each cable, which are 36 1/2 inches in diameter and 7,700 feet long. The bridge spans the entrance to San Francisco harbor and joins the city with Marin County. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Workmen with an intricate mechanism swung high above the rocky shores of San Francisco's Golden Gate on June 6,1936. The workmen are typing together the myriad strands of the 36 1/2 inch cables that will support the Golden Gate Bridge. (AP Photo)

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Workmen with an intricate mechanism swung high above the rocky shores of San Francisco's Golden Gate on June 6,1936. The workmen are typing together the myriad strands of the 36 1/2 inch cables that will support the Golden Gate Bridge. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Workmen assist the derrick operator, chief engineer Joseph Strauss, in joining the center of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Ca., Nov. 18, 1936. The bridge has a main span of 4,200 feet, 1,280 meters, making it the world's longest suspension structure.  (AP Photo)

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Workmen assist the derrick operator, chief engineer Joseph Strauss, in joining the center of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Ca., Nov. 18, 1936. The bridge has a main span of 4,200 feet, 1,280 meters, making it the world's longest suspension structure. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Ed Stanley drives the golden rivet to mark the completion of the $35,000,000 Golden Gate Bridge spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay, Ca., April 29, 1937.  Holding the rivet is Ed Murphy and leaning over them is Joseph B. Strauss, chief engineer of the project.  The bridge will be opened to the public May 27.  (AP Photo)

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Ed Stanley drives the golden rivet to mark the completion of the $35,000,000 Golden Gate Bridge spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay, Ca., April 29, 1937. Holding the rivet is Ed Murphy and leaning over them is Joseph B. Strauss, chief engineer of the project. The bridge will be opened to the public May 27. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Military biplanes fly between the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge as pedestrians walk across the span during opening ceremonies in San Francisco on May 27, 1937.  (AP Photo)

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Military biplanes fly between the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge as pedestrians walk across the span during opening ceremonies in San Francisco on May 27, 1937. (AP Photo) #

Description of  This is a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, linking San Francisco's Fort Point to Marin County, as it looked when it opened to pedestrians, May 27, 1937. The next day it officially opened to vehicular traffic. (AP Photo/Redwood Empire Association)

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This is a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, linking San Francisco's Fort Point to Marin County, as it looked when it opened to pedestrians, May 27, 1937. The next day it officially opened to vehicular traffic. (AP Photo/Redwood Empire Association) #

Description of  The U.S. Navy joined with San Francisco in celebration of the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge, May 30, 1937. A naval vessel had just passed under the world's longest suspension span, which crosses the famed entrance to San Francisco Bay.  (AP Photo)

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The U.S. Navy joined with San Francisco in celebration of the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge, May 30, 1937. A naval vessel had just passed under the world's longest suspension span, which crosses the famed entrance to San Francisco Bay. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Motor traffic crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, Nov. 20, 1940, in San Francisco.  (AP Photo)

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Motor traffic crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, Nov. 20, 1940, in San Francisco. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Two armed guards patrol along the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, as a precaution against possible sabotage acts, December 10, 1941.  (AP Photo)

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Two armed guards patrol along the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, as a precaution against possible sabotage acts, December 10, 1941. (AP Photo) #

Description of  San Francisco is resting comfortable on June 5, 1949 after a hot 4th of July holiday. With the Marin County hills in the background, the Golden Gate Bridge is partially obscured by the fog blanket. The incoming fog lowered the temperature by 23 degrees to a comfortable 69. (AP Photo)

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San Francisco is resting comfortable on June 5, 1949 after a hot 4th of July holiday. With the Marin County hills in the background, the Golden Gate Bridge is partially obscured by the fog blanket. The incoming fog lowered the temperature by 23 degrees to a comfortable 69. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Picture dated 1950's of the Golden Gate bridge, in the San Francisco Bay. (OFF/AFP/Getty Images)

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Picture dated 1950's of the Golden Gate bridge, in the San Francisco Bay. (OFF/AFP/Getty Images) #

Description of  General viewed of the over-crowded Mission district of San Francisco April 27, 1950. (Mission Street runs diagonally across the foreground from lower left to right center.) The building with a long row of vertical windows at upper right is the U.S. Mint, and upper left are the towers of the Golden Gate bridge. The highest point of Mt. Tamalpias across the Golden Gate in Marin County is just above the left tower. (AP Photo/EK Bennett)

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General viewed of the over-crowded Mission district of San Francisco April 27, 1950. (Mission Street runs diagonally across the foreground from lower left to right center.) The building with a long row of vertical windows at upper right is the U.S. Mint, and upper left are the towers of the Golden Gate bridge. The highest point of Mt. Tamalpias across the Golden Gate in Marin County is just above the left tower. (AP Photo/EK Bennett) #

Description of  Bill Gaure, maintenance worker on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, nears the top of the north tower after nearly a half-mile uphill hike from the center of the span, May 15, 1952. In the background, at center, is a residential area of San Francisco, and at upper left is part of the Presidio. The bridge was built right where the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay meet. (AP Photo/Ernest K. Bennett)

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Bill Gaure, maintenance worker on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, nears the top of the north tower after nearly a half-mile uphill hike from the center of the span, May 15, 1952. In the background, at center, is a residential area of San Francisco, and at upper left is part of the Presidio. The bridge was built right where the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay meet. (AP Photo/Ernest K. Bennett) #

Description of  The aircraft carrier U.S.S. Boxer creeps through the fog under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as it arrives from Korean waters, Sept. 25, 1952. It was the Boxer from which the Navy launched drone aircraft for an attack on Communist concentrations in Korea. Aboard the ship were more than 2,500 men of Air group two. She will later go to Hunter's Point, a South San Francisco Naval Base for complete overhaul. (AP Photo)

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The aircraft carrier U.S.S. Boxer creeps through the fog under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as it arrives from Korean waters, Sept. 25, 1952. It was the Boxer from which the Navy launched drone aircraft for an attack on Communist concentrations in Korea. Aboard the ship were more than 2,500 men of Air group two. She will later go to Hunter's Point, a South San Francisco Naval Base for complete overhaul. (AP Photo) #

Description of  Morning commute traffic from Marin County enroute to San Francisco is seen, July 1, 1952.  The bridge was then carrying approximately 11 million vehicles a year. (AP Photo/Ernest K. Bennett)

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Morning commute traffic from Marin County enroute to San Francisco is seen, July 1, 1952. The bridge was then carrying approximately 11 million vehicles a year. (AP Photo/Ernest K. Bennett) #

Description of  The battleship "Missouri" creeps under a fog enshrouded Golden Gate Bridge on Sept. 10, 1954, to begin a three day open house visit to his port city. The 58,000-ton vessel, aboard which the Japanese surrender was signed Sept. 2, 1945, was heading for the mothball fleet at Bremerton, Wash. (AP-Photo/U.S. Navy)

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The battleship "Missouri" creeps under a fog enshrouded Golden Gate Bridge on Sept. 10, 1954, to begin a three day open house visit to his port city. The 58,000-ton vessel, aboard which the Japanese surrender was signed Sept. 2, 1945, was heading for the mothball fleet at Bremerton, Wash. (AP-Photo/U.S. Navy) #

Description of  The Golden Gate Bridge, with Fort Point at bottom left, is seen Dec. 15, 1958.  (AP Photo/Ernest K. Bennett)

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The Golden Gate Bridge, with Fort Point at bottom left, is seen Dec. 15, 1958. (AP Photo/Ernest K. Bennett) #

Description of  Golden Gate bridge March 31, 1960, in San Francisco. (AP Photo)

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Golden Gate bridge March 31, 1960, in San Francisco. (AP Photo) #

Description of  A view of a portion of the Golden Gate Bridge was photographed from a Navy helicopter while covering the departure of the atomic powered submarine Woodrow Wilson on January 6, 1964. Beyond strands of bridge, is the Russian Hill and Pacific Heights apartment house skyline of San Francisco. (AP Photo / Robert Houston)

34

A view of a portion of the Golden Gate Bridge was photographed from a Navy helicopter while covering the departure of the atomic powered submarine Woodrow Wilson on January 6, 1964. Beyond strands of bridge, is the Russian Hill and Pacific Heights apartment house skyline of San Francisco. (AP Photo / Robert Houston) #

Description of  The scenic view at Ford Point was a wet one after a Pacific storm with winds gusting to more than 55 mph whipped through the Golden Gate in San Francisco, California, on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1982. The storm toppled trees and left many Bay Area residents without power. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

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The scenic view at Ford Point was a wet one after a Pacific storm with winds gusting to more than 55 mph whipped through the Golden Gate in San Francisco, California, on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1982. The storm toppled trees and left many Bay Area residents without power. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) #

Description of  An air-to-air front view of a C-5A Galaxy aircraft, in a camouflage paint scheme, as it flies over the San Francisco Bay. The Golden Gate Bridge can be seen in the background. (Photo by USAF, Getty Images)

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An air-to-air front view of a C-5A Galaxy aircraft, in a camouflage paint scheme, as it flies over the San Francisco Bay. The Golden Gate Bridge can be seen in the background. (Photo by USAF, Getty Images) #

Description of  The Golden Gate Bridge spans the bay in San Francisco, California. (Photo By Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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The Golden Gate Bridge spans the bay in San Francisco, California. (Photo By Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #

Description of  A detail view of a tower on the Golden Gate Bridge, looking up from the bridge deck, 1984. (Photo by Jet Lowe, Library of Congress)

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A detail view of a tower on the Golden Gate Bridge, looking up from the bridge deck, 1984. (Photo by Jet Lowe, Library of Congress) #

Description of  Looking north from the deck of the Golden Gate Bridge, 1984. (Photo by Jet Lowe, Library of Congress)

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Looking north from the deck of the Golden Gate Bridge, 1984. (Photo by Jet Lowe, Library of Congress) #

Description of  Looking south at the Golden Gate Bridge, spanning the mouth of San Francisco Bay, 1984. (Photo by Jet Lowe, Library of Congress)

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Looking south at the Golden Gate Bridge, spanning the mouth of San Francisco Bay, 1984. (Photo by Jet Lowe, Library of Congress) #

Description of  Detail view of the cable seat on top of the southern tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, 1984. (Photo by Jet Lowe, Library of Congress)

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Detail view of the cable seat on top of the southern tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, 1984. (Photo by Jet Lowe, Library of Congress) #

Description of  General view from the south tower looking north on the Golden Gate Bridge, 1984. (Photo by Jet Lowe, Library of Congress)

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General view from the south tower looking north on the Golden Gate Bridge, 1984. (Photo by Jet Lowe, Library of Congress) #

Description of  The Californian, a revenue cutter replica, sails under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on May 24, 1987,  as a parade of classic ships is kicked off to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bridge.  (AP Photo/Sal Veder)

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The Californian, a revenue cutter replica, sails under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on May 24, 1987, as a parade of classic ships is kicked off to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bridge. (AP Photo/Sal Veder) #

Description of  A crowd estimated at 800,000 jams the deck of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on May 24, 1987, as a walk is kicked off to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bridge that spans the San Francisco Bay.  (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

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A crowd estimated at 800,000 jams the deck of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on May 24, 1987, as a walk is kicked off to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bridge that spans the San Francisco Bay. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma) #

Description of  The Golden Gate Bridge, the famous structure that spans the San Francisco Bay, is seen at dusk on May 21, 1987. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

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The Golden Gate Bridge, the famous structure that spans the San Francisco Bay, is seen at dusk on May 21, 1987. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) #

Description of  General view of the Southern footing of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point, San Francisco on November 17, 2002. Surfers congregate daily to surf at Fort Point and battle the harsh and dangerous conditions. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)

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General view of the Southern footing of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point, San Francisco on November 17, 2002. Surfers congregate daily to surf at Fort Point and battle the harsh and dangerous conditions. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) #

Description of  The Golden Gate Bridge is seen as the sun rises on January 27, 2005 in San Francisco. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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The Golden Gate Bridge is seen as the sun rises on January 27, 2005 in San Francisco. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #

Description of  The Golden Gate Bridge is pictured December 20, 2006 in San Francisco, California. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening into San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. It connects the city of San Francisco on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County as part of US Highway 101 and California State Highway 1. The largest suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1937, it has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and America. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

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The Golden Gate Bridge is pictured December 20, 2006 in San Francisco, California. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening into San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. It connects the city of San Francisco on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County as part of US Highway 101 and California State Highway 1. The largest suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1937, it has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and America. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images) #

Description of  The Golden Gate Bridge is visible through the fence and barbed wire surrounding the prison recreation yard as the sun sets on Alcatraz Island, 14 June 2007 in San Francisco Bay of California. (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

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The Golden Gate Bridge is visible through the fence and barbed wire surrounding the prison recreation yard as the sun sets on Alcatraz Island, 14 June 2007 in San Francisco Bay of California. (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) #

Description of  People line up to see Cunard's Queen Mary 2, the largest ocean liner in the world, as it sails under the Golden Gate Bridge into the San Francisco Bay February 4, 2007 in San Francisco, California. The Queen Mary 2 made her maiden port call after sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. The ship would dock in San Francisco overnight before continuing on her first world cruise.  (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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People line up to see Cunard's Queen Mary 2, the largest ocean liner in the world, as it sails under the Golden Gate Bridge into the San Francisco Bay February 4, 2007 in San Francisco, California. The Queen Mary 2 made her maiden port call after sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. The ship would dock in San Francisco overnight before continuing on her first world cruise. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #

Description of  An employee of The Marine Spill Response Corporation waits on a beach near the Golden Gate Bridge to put down a boon to protect from oil contamination November 8, 2007 in San Francisco, California. A container ship bumped into the San Francisco Bay Bridge November 7, 2007 spilling approximately 58,000 gallons of oil into bay waters.   (Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images)

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An employee of The Marine Spill Response Corporation waits on a beach near the Golden Gate Bridge to put down a boon to protect from oil contamination November 8, 2007 in San Francisco, California. A container ship bumped into the San Francisco Bay Bridge November 7, 2007 spilling approximately 58,000 gallons of oil into bay waters. (Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images) #

Description of  People take part in an AIDS Lifecycle 27-mile bike ride from San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge to Mill Valley on December 1, 2007 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by David Paul Morris/Getty Images)

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People take part in an AIDS Lifecycle 27-mile bike ride from San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge to Mill Valley on December 1, 2007 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by David Paul Morris/Getty Images) #

Description of  The Golden Gate Bridge is pictured from the Pacific Ocean on October 24, 2008. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

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The Golden Gate Bridge is pictured from the Pacific Ocean on October 24, 2008. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images) #

Description of  A fisherman stands on a pier as a bird lands near the Golden Gate Bridge May, 8, 2008 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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A fisherman stands on a pier as a bird lands near the Golden Gate Bridge May, 8, 2008 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #

Description of  Tourists take photos from a vantage point on the span of the Golden Gate Bridge October 10, 2008 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Tourists take photos from a vantage point on the span of the Golden Gate Bridge October 10, 2008 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #

Description of  The Airship Ventures Zeppelin Eureka flies over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

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The Airship Ventures Zeppelin Eureka flies over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) #

Description of  Boats sail past the Golden Gate Bridge during the Spinnaker Cup on May 22, 2009 in San Francisco, California. The Spinnaker Cup, which is one of six regattas in the San Francisco 2009 IRC Championship Series, is a distance race that starts in San Francisco and finishes in Monterey, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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Boats sail past the Golden Gate Bridge during the Spinnaker Cup on May 22, 2009 in San Francisco, California. The Spinnaker Cup, which is one of six regattas in the San Francisco 2009 IRC Championship Series, is a distance race that starts in San Francisco and finishes in Monterey, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) #

Description of  A span of the Golden Gate Bridge is seen through fog from Land's End in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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A span of the Golden Gate Bridge is seen through fog from Land's End in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) #

Description of  Athletes sail near the Golden Gate Bridge during day 1 of the US Windsurfing National Championships hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club on July 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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Athletes sail near the Golden Gate Bridge during day 1 of the US Windsurfing National Championships hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club on July 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) #

Description of  A couple looks toward the Golden Gate Bridge from a vista point in Marin County, Calif., Monday, June 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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A couple looks toward the Golden Gate Bridge from a vista point in Marin County, Calif., Monday, June 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) #

Description of  The Golden Gate Bridge is seen at sunset in San Francisco,  Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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The Golden Gate Bridge is seen at sunset in San Francisco, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) #

Description of  A view of suspender ropes and the south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge on May 24, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District was preparing for the 75th anniversary of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The 1.7 mile steel suspension bridge, one of the modern Wonders of the World, opened to traffic on May 28, 1937. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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A view of suspender ropes and the south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge on May 24, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District was preparing for the 75th anniversary of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The 1.7 mile steel suspension bridge, one of the modern Wonders of the World, opened to traffic on May 28, 1937. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) #

Description of  Fireworks explode over the Golden Gate Bridge on May 27, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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Fireworks explode over the Golden Gate Bridge on May 27, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) #

Description of  A spectator takes a photo of the Space Shuttle Endeavor as it flies on top of a modified 747 jumbo jet over the Golden Gate Bridge while traveling to Los Angeles on September 21, 2012 in Sausalito, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavor did a 4-1/2 hour tour over California landmarks before heading to Los Angeles International Airport where it would be prepared to be moved to its new permanent home at the California Science Center in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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A spectator takes a photo of the Space Shuttle Endeavor as it flies on top of a modified 747 jumbo jet over the Golden Gate Bridge while traveling to Los Angeles on September 21, 2012 in Sausalito, California. The Space Shuttle Endeavor did a 4-1/2 hour tour over California landmarks before heading to Los Angeles International Airport where it would be prepared to be moved to its new permanent home at the California Science Center in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

       

 

Land and water: The Liberty Street ferry in New York City on September 27, 1941

Land and water: The Liberty Street ferry in New York City on September 27, 1941

Horse and cart: Men and boys are seen collecting salvage on the Lower East Side on October 4, 1941

Horse and cart: Men and boys are seen collecting salvage on the Lower East Side on October 4, 1941

Daily life: This street seen from October 3, 1942, is just one from a huge collection by Charles W. Cushman

Daily life: This street seen from October 3, 1942, is just one from a huge collection by Charles W. Cushman

Pub: McSorley's Old Ale House, still open today, is pictured on East 7th Street on October 7, 1942

Pub: McSorley's Old Ale House, still open today, is pictured on East 7th Street on October 7, 1942

Compared: McSorley's Old Ale House in the East Village today, hardly changed from the above photo

Compared: McSorley's Old Ale House in the East Village today, hardly changed from the above photo

But what is even more intriguing are the street scenes and daily life Cushman documented in his photos, showing 1940s New Yorkers going about their daily business.

Pictures of children smiling for the camera, businessmen sitting down outside and street traders are a fascinating insight to what life was like in the city all those years ago.

Many of the areas have been demolished or rebuilt since they were pictured in 1941 and 1942.

But others such as McSorley’s Old Ale House in Manhattan’s East Village look almost identical now as they did back then, with the same store front and shop logo.

Park life: A suited man walks through Bowling Green in lower Manhattan on October 1, 1942

Park life: A suited man walks through Bowling Green in lower Manhattan on October 1, 1942

Smoking: Three homeless people from South Ferry doss houses are in Battery Park on June 6, 1941

Smoking: Three homeless people from South Ferry doss houses are in Battery Park on June 6, 1941

Crossing: The East River is pictured below Brooklyn Bridge, linking Brooklyn and Manhattan, on June 6, 1941

Crossing: The East River is pictured below Brooklyn Bridge, linking Brooklyn and Manhattan, on June 6, 1941

Portable soft drink stand at Bowling Green Oct. 1, 1942 On New York's lower East Side. Sep. 27, 1941

Around town: A portable soft drink stand at Bowling Green on October 1, 1942, left, and a Lower East Side street scene on September 27, 1941, right

       

Cushman

Sep. 3, 1938 - Sep. 4, 1938: Golden Gate Bridge - Marin End, San Francisco, California #

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Sep. 17, 1938: Street scene. Victoria, B.C. #

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Sep. 18, 1938: City Hall, Victoria, B.C. #

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Sep. 21, 1938 - Sep. 22, 1938: Hwy bridge over Columbia , central Washington #

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Sep. 21, 1938 - Sep. 22, 1938: More of the Columbia from its left bank, Washington #

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Sep. 22, 1938: Grand Coulee Dam under construction, Grand Coulee, Washington #

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Sep. 23, 1938 - Sep. 24, 1938: Looking up Along The Garden Wall, Glacier Park, Montana #

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Sep. 21, 1938: Leaving Rainier National Park on the way up to Chinook Pass, Washington #

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Sep. 23, 1938: Cushman Little old mining town Alberton, Montana #

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Sep. 24, 1938: north end of Flathead Lake, Montana #

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Sep. 17, 1938: A retired Britisker's home at Victoria, B.C. #

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Sep. 29, 1938: North across Midway Geyser Basin & Prismatic Lake in foreground. Excelsior Geyser in distance, Wyoming #

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Feb. 1939: Pre-war Airplane over Miami #

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Mar. 1939: Wofford Hotel Beach Miami Beach #

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Mar. 1939: Jean and Charles on Wofford Beach, Miami Beach, Florida #

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Mar. 1939: South Bay Shore Drive, Miami #

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Mar. 1939: Across Biscayne Bay, from the County Causeway, Miami Skyline #

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Mar. 1939: Star Island in Bay Biscayne Miami, Fla. #

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Mar. 1939: Blimp over Miami Beach, from Million Dollar Pier. #

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May 1939: Road south of Miami, Fla. #

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Oct. 1939: Fall colors at Dune Acres, Ind., looking past tree-covered dune to Lake Michigan #

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Oct. 1939: An October Sunday afternoon along Indiana's Dune Island shore with the Reeds. Jean and Mary. Hank to right. #

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Nov. 1939: Pink Rock below Rim between Yavapai and Yaqui, Arizona #

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Nov. 29, 1939: Looking across Grand Canyon from Yaqui Point, Arizona #

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Dec. 1, 1939: Works of Man and Native vie at Boulder Dam [Hoover Dam], Arizona #

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Dec. 1, 1939: Lake Meade at Sunset from Nevada heights back of Boulder Dam. Fortification Mtn. across the Lake #

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Jan. 1940: San Xavier Mission near Tucson, Arizona #

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Feb. 1940: Flagship Texas at Tucson Airport #

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Feb. 1940: Kangaroo Court along-side the Calaboose, Tucson, Arizona #

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Feb. 1940: Tucson, Saturday Afternoon in February #

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Feb. 1940: Tucson dude ranch, Testing out new saddle horse, Ft Lowell Rd., Tucson, Arizona #

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Feb. 1940: Tall sahuaros in foothills of Santa Catalina Mtns. North of Tucson, Arizona #

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Feb. 1940: Two Mexican boys fly a kite. South, main st. Tucson, Arizona #

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Feb. 23, 1940: Rodeo Parade, Tucson, Arizona #

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Mar. 17, 1940: Palm Sunday procession San Xavier Del Bac Tuscon, Ariz #

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Apr. 1940: Emmet Flynn as old Leather face in Movie "ARIZONA" on the set. Tucson, Arizona #

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Jun. 1940: Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco #

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Jun. 1940: Angel Island, S.F. Bay East Bay Hills #

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Jun. 20, 1940: California's Hills along Morro bay - Atascadero Road in June #

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Jun. 23, 1940 - Jul. 1, 1940: Sunday afternoon Band concert at S.F. Fair. #

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Jul. 4, 1940: Harbor of St. Francis Yacht Club Marina in background San Francisco #

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Jul. 4, 1940: Marina Beach Holiday crowd, Marina Beach, San Francisco, California #

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Jul. 4, 1940: Gayway G.G.I.E. Treasure Island, San Francisco, California #

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Jul. 4, 1940: Telegraph Hill San Francisco #

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Jul. 9, 1940: Lower end, Lake Walker, Nevada #

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Jul. 9, 1940: Tonopah, Nevada #

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Jul. 14, 1940: Hopi Indians. El Torar Hotel, Arizona #

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Jul. 18, 1940 - Jul. 26, 1940: Johnstown, Penn. #

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Jul. 18, 1940: San Jose, New Mexico #

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Jul. 26, 1940: Johnstown, Pa. Children of the Mill. #

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Jul. 26, 1940: Street Shower Hagerstown, Md. #

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Sep. 6, 1940: Drayman Baltimore docks, Maryland #

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Sep. 7, 1940: Georgetown Univ. High Tower, Washington, District of Columbia #

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Sep. 16, 1940 - Sep. 23, 1940: Row of old brick houses, half block from State Capitol, Annapolis #

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Sep. 16, 1940 - Sep. 23, 1940: Hillsboro, Virginia #

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Sep. 27, 1940: Harpers Ferry from Potomac river bridge, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia #

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Oct. 13, 1940 - Oct. 31, 1940: Posey County children. These live near the Ohio river at Mt. Vernon, Indiana #

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Nov. 2, 1940: Summer homes in Indiana's dune country Porter Co. at Lake Michigan #

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Nov. 17, 1940: White House and South Lawn, Washington, District of Columbia #

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Dec. 21, 1940: The Governor's Palace as seen from the Palace Green, in late afternoon, Williamsburg, Virginia #

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Feb. 1, 1941: Factory and mill smoke rise from Harrisburg's industrial valley. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania #

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Feb. 1, 1941: Pennsylvania farm west of Harrisburg #

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Feb, 9, 1941: Chicago's lake front skyline in winter from Northerly Island. Chicago, Illinois #

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Feb. 18, 1941: South Works, Carnegie- Illinois, from [91th] St., Chicago, Illinois #

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65

Feb. 18, 1941: Scudding mist, Calumet river from 92nd St. Bridge. A cold day, Chicago, Illinois #

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66

Feb. 19, 1941: Wrigley Bldg. and Tribune Tower Chicago, Chicago, Illinois #

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67

Mar. 5, 1941: Chicago's loop bldgs. Northeast of board of Trade Tower. Chicago, Illinois #

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68

Apr. 16, 1941: Proud grandpa watches solo rope skip. New Harmony, Indiana #

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69

May 24, 1941: Across south part of Country Club grounds. Chicago, Illinois #

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70

Jun. 6, 1941: South St. Along East River front. New York City. #

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71

Jun. 6, 1941: Battery Park New York City. #

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72

Jun. 6, 1941: Wall Street New York, toward Trinity Church. New York, New York #

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73

Jun. 6, 1941: South Ferry New York. Looking up into Financial District from South Ferry. New York, New York #

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74

Jun. 17, 1941: Stewardess of American Airlines takes in a tan on Lake Michigan Shore. Chicago, Illinois #

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75

Jul. 1941: Little Butch and big beach ball. Chicago, Illinois #

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76

Aug. 2, 1941: The flying concellos hag out their wash back of the Big top. Chicago, Illinois #

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77

Aug. 21, 1941: Wrigley and Tribune towers from Wacker and Wabash, Chicago, Illinois #

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78

Aug. 12, 1941: Old Otis home at 1709 Prairie Avenue, Chicago, Illinois #

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79

Sep. 12, 1941: Rainbow Bridge and American Falls. Niagara. #

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80

Sep. 13, 1941: South shore, St. Lawrence from 1000 Islands Suspension bridge. #

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81

Sep. 17, 1941: Thuya Castle Mt. Desert Island, Maine #

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82

Sep. 18, 1941: Boat harbor at Camden, Maine - late afternoon. #

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83

Sep. 19, 1941: The old Short House circa 1717-1733 - Newbury Port Mass. #

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84

Sep. 20, 1941: Boats off Rocky Neck, in Gloucester harbor. Gloucester, Massachusetts #

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85

Sep. 20, 1941: Gloucester harbor Late Sun afternoon, Gloucester, Massachusetts. #

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86

Sep. 21, 1941: Faneuil Hall, Boston. #

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87

Sep. 22, 1941: A wedding party leaves church. Boston's Little Italy. Boston, Massachusetts #

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88

Sep. 22, 1941: Downtown Boston From Cambridge Bank of Charles River. A Sunday Regatta. Boston, Massachusetts #

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89

Sep. 23, 1941: Provincetown, Mass. #

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90

Sep. 27, 1941: An old house in any old anthracite town just south of Hazleton, Pa. #

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91

Sep. 27, 1941: Manhattan's skyscrapers from Jersey City ferry boat. New York, New York #

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92

Sep. 27, 1941: Lower East Side Corner Broome St. and Baruch Place. New York, New York #

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93

Sep. 27, 1941: On New York's lower East Side, Lower Clinton St. New York, New York #

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94

Nov. 5, 1941: New Orleans River steamer Capitol, New Orleans, Louisiana #

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95

Nov. 5, 1941: Street in negro section, Vieux Carre #

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96

Nov. 5, 1941: Vieux Carre New Orleans, Louisiana #

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97

Nov. 6, 1941: L.S.U. campus, Baton Rouge, Louisiana #

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98

Oct. 7, 1942: Chinatown. New York, New York #

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99

Nov. 8, 1942: The Marshall Field Mansion, Chicago, Illinois #

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100

May 29, 1943: Fox river in Evening sunlight Waukesha, Wisconsin #

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101

Jun. 21, 1945: Michigan Ave towers from LaSalle - Wacker Bldg, Chicago, Illinois #

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102

Jun. 23, 1945: Sheila McPeck at 8mo. - laughing. Chicago, Illinois #

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103

Sep. 11, 1945: Get out and get under-190? Cadillac At Rosenwald Museum. Chicago, Illinois #

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104

Oct. 13, 1945: Posey county farm house west of St. Philip, Indiana #

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105

Dec. 6, 1945: Two Steel Corp. ore boats at 100th St. bridge over Calumet river, South Chicago, Illinois #

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106

Mar. 7, 1946: North side of Sullivan St. 400 block. Chicago, Illinois #

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107

Apr. 25, 1946: C.B. and Q wreck, Naperville, Illinois #

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108

Jul. 5, 1946: Old [1872] St. Xavier's Academy 29th and Wabash. Chicago, Illinois #

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109

Jul. 24, 1946: Oak Street Beach. #

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110

Oct. 23, 1946: Stripped coal land along Ind. Hwy 63 south of Perrysville, Indiana #

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111

Nov. 15, 1946: Mary feeds Jackson Park ducks. Chicago, Illinois #

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112

Jul. 20, 1948: Hyde Park Church of 1895 comes down at 56 and Dorchester. Chicago, Illinois #

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113

Aug. 5, 1948: Pueblo at Santa Fe exhibit Chicago RR fair. Chicago, Illinois #

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114

Nov. 17, 1948: Wrigley Bldgs. seen from Mich. and So. Water. Chicago, Illinois #

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115

Jan. 14, 1949: Enolia Brown and brother Leonard Jr. at window, first floor of 250 W. 23rd St. Chicago, Illinois #

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116

Jan. 16, 1949: Ruins of fire swept Bldg. at 4600 S. Paulina St. Chicago, Illinois #

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117

Feb. 11, 1949: Final stage of fire at 9246 Harbor Avenue. Chicago, Illinois #

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118

Mar. 1, 1949: Food and drink Store at 1000 Maxwell St. Chicago, Illinois #

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119

Mar. 28, 1949: Confectionary cart at Lexington & Dekalb. Chicago, Illinois

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