nyc in the 1940s

the photo league, of the late 1930s and 1940s,
was a group of young photographers set on capturing the ordinary individual in new york city,
the gritty realities of urban life.

the photo league, of the late 1930s and 1940s,
gave us some pretty photos that bring the streets of new york city in the 1940s back to life.
you can almost smell the cigar smoke and hear swing music.

the empire state building was newly finished.
world war 2 was in full force.
only about half of all homes had indoor plumbing.
average salary was $1,299.
average life expectancy was 64.
casablanca was a new release.
rita hayworth, humphrey bogart, and clark gable... all at the height of their careers.

these photos can be found in a new photography exhibit as part of the jewish museum in manhattan.
oh, to live in the city...

see the rest of the released photos here.