Historic New York Recruiting Station, 1917-1918

This photograph captures a recruiting address at 23rd and Broadway in New York, taken between 1917 and 1918, during a pivotal time in American history. As the nation became increasingly involved in World War I, locations like this one played a crucial role in gathering enlistees for the military. The recruitment effort was vital to building the U.S. armed forces as men and women answered the call to serve, reflecting the nation’s commitment to supporting the war effort.

The images backdrop, bustling Broadway, represents a city at the heart of the nation’s mobilization. The recruitment office likely welcomed hundreds of individuals, each with their own story, ready to take on the challenges ahead. The period saw a growing sense of patriotism, pushing many to join the fight for democracy and freedom overseas. Captured by a photographer from the Bain News Service, this glass negative serves as a historical snapshot, illustrating how urban centers became focal points for recruitment and the collective efforts of a nation rallying together.