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New York circa 1908. "Times Square." The old New York Times building, now encased in billboards, Hotel Astor and various theaters seen from Broadway. 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size.
What's the last time you saw a DOG in Times Square?
Interesting to see how the Garford Motor Car Co. building of 1908 went from selling Packards in 1904 to becoming a pool hall in 1911.
The 2009 view would give me claustrophobia. Ugly concrete canyon with chaotic graphics. The 1908 view, on the other hand, has quite a nice open-plaza feel to it. In another hundred years, it'll doubtless look like a set from "Bladerunner".
So much to look at in this view. I am always taken with the graceful street lights of this era, regardless of the city. And the roof garden of the hotel would be something to see a little closer. It's particularly interesting that on the far right we have a Charlie Chaplin look alike carrying a bucket and ladder, followed by Laurel and Hardy doubles. Or have I been hitting the Bloody Mary's too early?
Below is the same view, south from 47th Street, from January of 2009.
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