Vintage NYC: Busy Intersection of 34th & Broadway

This historical photograph captures the bustling intersection of 34th Street and Broadway in New York City during the early 1910s, specifically between 1910 and 1915. Taken by the Bain News Service, it provides a glimpse into a vibrant urban landscape where horse-drawn carriages share the road with the burgeoning number of automobiles. This period marked a significant turning point in transportation and infrastructure, as the city worked to adapt to the growing demands of its population.

Notably, the image illustrates a moment of halted traffic, highlighting the evolving dynamics of city life and the traffic regulations that began emerging in this era. New York City was experiencing rapid growth, and intersections like this one became focal points for commerce and public interaction. By capturing such a scene, the photograph immerses viewers in the daily rhythm of a city on the cusp of modernization, where the old and new coexisted in complex and sometimes chaotic harmony. This snapshot serves as a valuable document that reflects not just the transportation changes, but the societal shifts that accompanied urban development in the early 20th century.