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Time-Travel Through New York City's Glorious Past With These 40 Vintage Photos

Leona Martinez

Old photos have a unique power, don't they? They have the magical ability to whisk us away to another era, flooding our senses with bittersweet nostalgia. Each image can stir emotions and tell stories, even if we're not in the frame.

Today, we invite you to embark on a virtual journey back in time through the remarkable vintage photo collection we've stumbled upon. These pictures come from the New York City-Vintage History Facebook group, where history lovers and nostalgia enthusiasts gather to reminisce about the city's rich history.

Just like opening an old photo album, these images will let you experience the charm of New York City in the past.

So, let's dive in and explore the city's history, one captivating photo at a time!

#1. Mott Street In New York City's Chinatown, 1900. (colorized)

Mott Street In New York City's Chinatown, 1900 Source: At that time New York

#2. Brooklyn Bridge under construction, 1880

Brooklyn Bridge under construction, 1880 Source: History Magazine

#3. 1910 Bx. E149th St. and 3rd Ave

1910 Bx. E149th St. and 3rd Ave Source: Francis Nonnenmacher

#4. New York, 1920

New York, 1920 Source: Ziv Dotan

#5. 5th Ave and 56th Street facing north towards the Vanderbilt House, Plaza Hotel, and entrance to Central Park (1910)

5th Ave and 56th Street 1910 Source: John Tee

#6. The Upper West Side Circa 1906. "New York, N.Y. -- Broadway, North from 70th Street"

The upper West Side Circa 1906 Source: Inma Zabalza

#7. New York World Building, New York City, New York, USA, early 20th century

New York World Building, New York City, New York, USA, early 20th century Source: Inma Zabalza

#8. A Peek down Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan in 1891

A Peek down Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan in 1891 Source: J.A. Harris
"During the 1600s, there used to be a stream here where the young Maidens of New Amsterdam washed clothes."

#9. Croton reservoir on 42nd street and 5th avenue ca. 1860 where the New York public library is today

Croton reservoir on 42nd street and 5th avenue ca. 1860 Source: Frank T Cadicamo
"The reservoir was functional from 1842 until it was demolished in the 1890s."

#10. Bleeker and Christopher Streets, nearly a century apart

Bleeker and Christopher Streets, nearly a century apart, give or take a step or two. Source: Alan C. Schwartz

#11. An Electric Automobile being Charged in NYC in 1911

An Electric Automobile being Charged in NYC in 1911 Source: J.A. Harris

#12. Jefferson Market Courthouse, New York, 1905

Jefferson Market Courthouse, New York, 1905 Source: Ziv Dotan

#13. New York 1905. 42nd Street en Park Avenue

New York 1905. 42nd Street en Park Avenue Source: Inma Zabalza

#14. Cornelius Vanderbilt II 1883 mansion

Cornelius Vanderbilt II 1883 mansion Source: Joe Ross

"Starting in the 1850s New York City's elite started lining Central Park with some of the largest mansions you have ever seen. 5th Avenue became the premiere place to live with massive names like Astor, Vanderbilt, and Livingston moving in.

Pictured below is Cornelius Vanderbilt II 1883 mansion. Like much of Manhattan's Victorian millionaire's row, this mansion was demolished to make way for progress."

#15. Toll gate constructed by the Brooklyn, Flatbush and Jamaica Plank Road Company

Toll gate constructed by the Brooklyn, Flatbush and Jamaica Plank Road Company Source: Frank T Cadicamo

"I found this 1895 photo very interesting.  It is a toll gate constructed by the Brooklyn, Flatbush, and Jamaica Plank Road Company.

It was located on Jamaica Avenue and Hemlock Street by the Queens border to collect tolls crossing the border.  It was demolished in 1897, the year before Brooklyn was incorporated into NY City in 1898."

#16. Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, New York, USA, c1900

Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, New York, USA, c1900 Source: Inma Zabalza

#17. Here is NYC Police Commissioner Teddy Roosevelt hard at work in 1895

Here is NYC Police Commissioner Teddy Roosevelt hard at work in 1895 Source: J.A. Harris

#18. Cornelius Vanderbilt II house in New York

Cornelius Vanderbilt II house in New York Source: Marcus Mac
"With the posting of Cornelius Vanderbilt II house in New York, not too long ago I stumbled across this photo of the same house actually during its demolition as it gets ready to be torn down and replaced just like a lot of the gilded age mansions."

#19. Halloween Party in the Home of William & Ethel Hassler

Halloween Party in the Home of William & Ethel Hassler Source: J.A. Harris

"At a Halloween Party in the Home of William & Ethel Hassler at 150 Vermilyea Avenue in Inwood, Upper Manhattan.

This photo was taken on October 31, 1916."

#20. Woolworth Building under construction, ca. 1912

Woolworth Building under construction, ca. 1912 Source: Gustavo Aristizabal

#21. 1880's Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on foot, by train, by trolly and horse drawn sleigh

1880's Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on foot ,by train, by trolly and horse drawn sleigh Source: Francis Nonnenmacher

#22. Broadway

Broadway Source: Tony Santana

"The indigenous Lenape called it Wickquasgeck Trail meaning "birch bark country." It was primarily a trade route among the groups living along its proximity.

The Dutch called it the Heeren Wegh or Heeren Straat, meaning "Gentlemen's Way" or "Gentlemen's Street" – echoing the name of a similar street in Amsterdam – or "High Street" or "the Highway."

After the British took over the city in 1664 it was renamed "Broadway" because of its unusual width."

#23. Victory Arch, 5th. Av. at Madison Sq. Park, 1918

Victory Arch, 5th. Av. at Madison Sq. Park, 1918 Source: Gustavo Aristizabal

#24. The Indian Cigar Store on Kent Avenue and N.7th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn New York, November 1918

The Indian Cigar Store on Kent Avenue and N.7th Street Source: J.A. Harris

#25. New York 1906

New York 1906 Source: Daniel Prime Jaroš

#26. Central Park, 1889

Central Park, 1889 Source: Ziv Dotan

#27. The boardwalk, Williamsburg Bridge, New York, USA, c1900s

The boardwalk, Williamsburg Bridge, New York, USA, c1900s Source: Inma Zabalza

#28. 3x Great Grandfather, Daniel W. Korner

3x Great Grandfather, Daniel W. Korner. Between 1855 and 1908 Source: Cherie N George Sikes

"Another “cool picture” from the box I’m sorting through. 

This is my 3x Great Grandfather, Daniel W. Korner. Between 1855 and 1908 when he passed, he owned and lived above his grocery store. He seems to have moved a few times during those years. All the buildings still stand and it seems the grocery stores are now restaurants. 

Anyway I believe this photo was taken in Sept 1907 - the picture isn’t dated but I blew up the calendar on the wall and searched for Armour Star bacon ads of the time. Anyway, it’s a cool photo I thought I’d share."

#29. At Times Square in Manhattan....December, 1912

At Times Square in Manhattan....December, 1912 Source: Daniel Prime Jaroš

#30. Manhattan, 1906

Manhattan, 1906 Source: Joe Ross

#31. "Seeing New York" (1905)

"Seeing New York" (1905) Source: J.A. Harris

#32. A view of the "Flatiron" Building from Madison Square Park in Lower Manhattan in 1905

A view of the "Flatiron" Building Source: J.A. Harris

#33. Hester Street between Allen and Orchard Streets in Manhattan, New York, in 1938

Hester Street between Allen and Orchard Streets in Manhattan, New York, in 1938 Source: Joaquín To

#34. A View at Orchard & E. Houston Street on Manhattan's Lower East Side

A View at Orchard & E. Houston Street on Manhattan's Lower East Side Source: J.A. Harris

"This photo was taken on September 18, 1929."

#35. Potato vendor in winter days,1892

Potato vendor in winter days,1892 Source: At that time New York

#36. Manhattan in 1906

Manhattan in 1906 Source: Laida Fonte
"I bet some of our ancestors are in this picture."

#37. Here are two women & a dog strolling by Central Park West & W.76th Street in Manhattan in 1905

Here are two women & a dog strolling by Central Park West & W.76th Street in Manhattan in 1905 Source: J.A. Harris

#38. The Trinity Building and the United States Realty Building

The Trinity Building at 111 Broadway Source: Frank T Cadicamo

"Constructed in 1905 and 1907 are the Trinity Building at 111 Broadway (left) and the United States Realty Building at 115 Broadway. Both were dedicated landmarks in 1988."

#39. Fifth Avenue Mansion, New York City, 1920s

Fifth Avenue Mansion, New York City, 1920s Source: Inma Zabalza

#40. Bowling pinsetters, New York City, 1910

Bowling pinsetters, New York City, 1910 Source: Kathy Baldassare

As we reach the end of our journey through time with these 50 enchanting vintage photos of New York City's past, we hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into history.

If you're hungry for more nostalgia, there's always more to explore on our website, AUBTU.BIZ. Keep the curiosity alive and the past in your heart. Until our next journey through time!

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