The 1950s are an interesting time in New York City’s history. Having been established as one of the world's greatest cities following the end of World War II, New York was home to 7.89 million residents in the early parts of the decade. However, by the end of the ’50s, the effects of suburbanization, which saw residents and industries alike leaving for cheaper pastures, actually led to a significant decline in population that would hold until the early 1970s. With this decline in population came an increase in crime, growing wealth inequality, and an overall step back for the northern metropolis.
There were other, smaller, changes the city experienced as well—the shifting of neighborhoods, for example, as Chinatown began encroaching on Little Italy, or the proposed renovation of landmarks like Grand Central Station and Central Park. There were differences in the city’s economy, as certain industries began shrinking and more and more women joined the workforce. There was also plenty of growth—new museums, new buildings, new community groups.
These fascinating color photos were taken by didoulasaumure that show street scenes of New York in 1954.
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| New York street scenes, 1954 |
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| New York street scenes, 1954 |
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| New York street scenes, 1954 |
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| Empire State Building, New York, 1954 |
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| Empire State Building, New York, 1954 |
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| Macy's, New York, 1954 |
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| Oldsmobile 88, New York, 1954 |
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| Parking in the suburb, New York, 1954 |
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| Parking in the suburb, New York, 1954 |
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| Parking in the suburb, New York, 1954 |
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| Supermarket, New York, 1954 |
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| Inside a supermarket, New York, 1954 |