1917 NYC Recruiting Scene at Printing House Square

In March 1917, a significant recruiting scene unfolded at Printing House Square in New York City, captured in striking detail by the Bain News Service. This photograph depicts the fervent atmosphere as men prepare to enlist amidst the backdrop of World War I. With the United States entering the conflict that year, recruitment efforts intensified, and public interest in joining the military surged. It was a time when patriotism ran high, and individuals felt compelled to serve.

Printing House Square, a notable outdoor space, served as a hub for news and public discourse. The locations proximity to major publishing houses made it an ideal gathering point for enlistment drives, where banners and enthusiastic speakers rallied support. The image, part of the extensive George Grantham Bain Collection, illustrates not only the urgency of military recruitment but also reflects a pivotal moment in American history, as the nation mobilized to support the Allied forces.