NYC Photo Comparison 1945 to 2007 (Part 1 of 3)

By Pablo57
6
written 11/20/07 5:53 PM, published 11/21/07 7:54 AM
Please see the general forum for more information.  The photos compare Don Philip's 1945 photos to 2007.

So here’s the first post.  I’m starting at the Empire State Building because Thanksgiving is coming up and one of Don’s photos shows the intersection where they perform the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The photos will open with scroll bars.  Maximize the window, click in the window first, and then use the scroll bars if necessary.  

Empire State 86th floor Observation Deck Views- November 16, 2007.

Chrysler Building looking north east – A lot of the buildings are still standing.  The bridge in the background connects Manhattan to Queens.  The bridge is called the Queensboro Bridge by people who live in Queens and it’s called the 59th bridge by people who live in Manhattan. In 1945 Queens was mostly farm land. I was born is Jamaica, Queens in 1957. The island in the middle of the river is Roosevelt Island.  Chrsyler Building and Queensboro Bridge

If you walked over to the north side of the observation deck, you would see the next photo.

Looking north up Fifth Avenue – The two black buildings in the upper center left are Rockefeller Center and Central Park is behind those two buildings.  Bryant Park can be seen in the lower left corner, with the roof of the NYC Public library fronting 5th Ave and 42nd street.  The big building at 5th and 42nd is 500 5th Ave and in 1945 one of the tallest buildings in the world.  If you look closely at my photo following Fifth Ave uptown, you’ll see the twin steeples of St. Patrick’s Cathedral close to the Rockefeller Center Buildings. Further up Fifth Ave you’ll see the apartments bordering Central Park East. Looking North Up Fifth Avenue Use the scroll bars

Looking down on Macys – This photo I could not take because the west side of the Empire State Building was closed due to high winds.  I stuck my camera out from the north side and just shoot blind eyed down to the west side where Macys is.  The intersection in Don’s photo is 34th Street where 6th Avenue meets Broadway.  It is the site of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. The interesction in my photo is 35th street. Looking Down on Macy's



 
  • msjudi
    3
    Wonderful post! I love how you showed the before and now together...I enjoyed each capture.. and look forward to parts 2&3.. thank you for sharing, Pablo

    - Smile ; )

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  • Penny
    7
    Wow what a comparison. I did have issues with my computer though. But I really liked this post

    - Smile

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  • Wonderful comparisons! Amazing to see how much is still the same.

    - blow.....hard

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  • Pyro43
    6
    Excellent post, Pablo. Interesting how some things have changed, while others remain the same.

    - Mmmmmm... Multiplicative

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  • kitzi
    6
    what a neat idea....I'm fascinated and can't wait to see the rest.

    - ©kitzi

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  • Now and then would make a great bi-weekly challenge. Great Stuff, love the old photo's Waiting on Part two and three!!

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  • loweho
    6
    Excellent stuff, Pablo! Great project, I bet you had a blast doing it. Can't wait for the rest!

    - Fickle Finger of F8

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  • bugaboo
    4
    These are fascinating and very well done! I too am looking forward to the rest.

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  • Nicely done! I love then & now shots.

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  • Wonderful comparison shots, nicely documented.

    - A quack with an camera

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  • I, to, like the comparison..and ditto to what Pyro said..hope I will be able to see the next 'episode'

    - Blessings

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  • Anonymous User
    1
    I bet the Photographica POLICE wouldn't say anything about the one post rule if you posted both 2 & 3 in the same day

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  • RobinG
    3
    Thanks Pablo! Great post, it is great that so many of the old buildings are still there. It sure keeps growing up and up. Can't wait to see more. :o)

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  • Start spreading the news I'm leaving today I want to be a part of it, New York, New York These vagabond shoes Are longing to stray And make a brand new start of it New York, New York I want to wake up in the city that never sleeps To find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap These little town blues Are melting away I'll make a brand new start of it In old New York If I can make it there I'll make it anywhere It's up to you, New York, New York. I want to wake up in the city that never sleeps To find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap These little town blues Are melting away I'll make a brand new start of it In old New York If I can make it there I'll make it anywhere It's up to you, New York, New York. As always a pleasure I hope you make it to the parade tomorrow and take lots of pictures Happy Thanksgiving Wendy

    - refeshing bath

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  • What a great idea and follow through... thanks to you and Don for making these shots available for us to see and compare.... fascinating!

    - Run Bubba Run!

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  • Just now opened your posts . I really appreciate you being able to use my old B & W photos . You have done a fantastic job with comparison shots. Fantastic.

    - Don

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