Reception Banquet Program for Charles Lindbergh, June 14, 1927. Mayor James J. Walker Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
Interior, Reception Banquet Program for Charles Lindbergh, June 14, 1927. Mayor James J. Walker Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
We are all familiar with “This Day in History” reminders. They usually commemorate a notable event or person. On June 11, 1927, for example, President Calvin Coolidge awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross medal to American aviator Charles Lindbergh for his record-breaking non-stop flight across the Atlantic. Two days later, on June 13, New York City celebrated Lindbergh’s achievement with a ticker-tape parade, and on the 14th, the Mayor feted him at gala banquet. These occasions are well documented. But what documentation is there for the non-famous events of an ordinary June 11 in New York City?
This is where the photograph collections of the Municipal Archives demonstrate their exceptional value. Most of the pictures were created by agency staff photographers performing their assigned tasks such as documenting a road construction project, or bridge repair. Their jobs took them to all corners of the city, on a daily basis. And thanks to accurate date and place identification of their images, we can now travel back in time to see what was going on in the city on any given day. And it is probably accurate to say that what we now find fascinating or interesting in these pictures—the signs on the buildings, the cars in the street—often has nothing to do with the intended subject of the picture.
Let’s take a look at what was going on in New York City on this date, June 11, through the eyes of the city’s dedicated photographers.
Brooklyn Bridge trolley terminal mezzanine, June 11, 1907. Photographer: Eugene de Salignac. Department of Bridges/Plant & Structures Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
Eugene de Salignac was staff photographer of the Department of Bridges/Plant & Structures from 1906 to 1934. On June 11, 1907, he was assigned to photograph the Manhattan terminal of the trolley line that ran across the Brooklyn Bridge. His photograph captured City Hall, the Tweed Courthouse, and a tiny slice of the old Hall of Records on the right.
Williamsburg Bridge view of auto truck side, June 11, 1921. Photographer: Eugene de Salignac. Department of Bridges/Plant & Structures Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
On June 11, 1921, Department of Bridges staff photographer Eugene de Salignac took a picture of the agency’s new “Auto truck” near the Williamsburg Bridge.
Vernon Avenue, Queens, June 23, 1905. Photographer: Joseph Palmer. Department of Bridges/Plant & Structures Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
Although this photograph dates about two weeks after June 11, it is an excellent example of how the city photographers used serendipitous moments to enhance their images.
Laying paving stones on the Queensboro Bridge, June 11, 1935. Department of Bridges/Plant & Structures Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
Automobile accident on the Queensboro Bridge, June 11, 1920. Photographer: Eugene de Salignac. Department of Bridges/Plant & Structures Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
Fourth Avenue, looking south from East 13th Street, Manhattan, June 11, 1926. Photographer: Savastano Studio. Borough President Manhattan Photograph Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
More than a century ago, car traffic was already a feature of city life.
Riders on the Central Park Bridle Path, June 1937. WPA Federal Writers’ Project Photograph Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
New Yorkers took advantage of the pleasant June weather in 1937.
NYPD FDNY Intramural baseball game, Polo Grounds, June 11, 1938. New York Police Department Photograph Collection. NYC Municipal Archives.
The New York Times reported that more than 25,000 spectators at the Polo Grounds watched the New York Fire Department team defeat the Police Department in their annual intramural game. Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia threw out the first ball from the grandstand and later presented the Mayor’s Trophy to the victorious Fire Department team.
Ribbon-Cutting, Heliport #2, June 11, 1953. Department of Marine and Aviation Photograph Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
On June 11, 1953, Department of Marine and Aviation Commissioner Edward F. Cavanagh, Jr. (center), dedicated Heliport #2, on Pier A in the Hudson River near the Battery.
Police helicopter landing at Heliport #2, June 11, 1953. Department of Marine and Aviation Collection, NYC Municipal Archives.
An NYPD helicopter lands at the new Heliport #2 on Pier A during the dedication ceremony.