On January 6, 1915, an electrical short in a manhole started a fire that filled the subway line under Broadway at West 55th Street with smoke, resulting in chaos for a quarter-million commuters. The New York Times reported that one person, Ella Grady, was killed. We note that photographer George Grantham Bain, like many of us writing checks just after January 1, was a year off in dating this photo. View full size. 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection.

Automobile Row: Broadway at West 55th Street. Another view of the January 6, 1915, subway fire in New York. More details here. 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection. View full size.

February 19, 1915: "Murray Street Fire" in Manhattan. Who can help us fill in the details? View full size. 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection.

A pawn shop at No. 15 Cooper Square (thanks, Evan) in New York circa 1920. 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection. View full size.

La Primadora cigar shop at 1153 Broadway in New York circa 1920. The owner, civic leader and entrepreneur Max Schwarz, died in 1940. View full size. 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection. Alternate view here.

Another view of the Primadora cigar shop, with a lunchroom, furrier, carpenter and men's clothier as neighbors. View full size. Geo. Grantham Bain Collection.

Another view of the Waldman's music store in Manhattan from 1921, showing records, listening booths and Victrolas. The inscription on the negative also says "N.Y. B'd Inst. Co." View full size. George Grantham Bain Collection.