Images Of 870,000 Historical NY Photos Available Online

As many stamp collectors are history buffs, too, I imagine many have been drawn to the recent news article about 870,000 Historical New York Photographic images that are being made available on-line. I haven't yet been able to access them yet as understandably the media attention has crippled their website.

However, from a philatelic perspective, the images provide a great opportunity to show off something like this. The B&W image is incredibly detailed. The fact that two notable persons are in the same image (Kate Smith and Babe Ruth) and that there are stamps that have commemorated both, make for an even more interesting piece:



Given the period the photograph was taken, I suppose this is not surprising, but I find it interesting that Babe Ruth seems to be virtually the only person in the entire photograph NOT wearing a hat!

Just my cup of tea, wt1. Have you seen the Shorpy site? Many New York vintage photos, as well as many other locales.

I tried googling to find the 870,000 images and nothing obvious came up. Do you have the link to the site?

The link is broken right now, but here's where it will be accessed (eventually):

http://www.nyc.gov/html/records/htm...y/home.shtml

Who is that Classy Chick to the Babes left ..is she with him? That is a great picture..i am interested in checking out more !

Hi wt1

That is a really neat site, especially for those who have lived in NYC. I did not know that the site existed. It is amazing what one can find on the internet.

What I find interesting is that NYC, in the 1940's and 1980's, photographed every building in the 5 boroughs for Tax purposes. They do not show pictures but if one is so inclined you can order your building's picture (pricey). Just click on "Tax Photos".

Jerry B

That is Babe Ruth's second wife, Clare. The text that goes with the photo reads like this:

There's more than one news report today confirming most people's experience in having failed to get into the site. The announcement ends by stating:

In the event some may have forgotten about this resource, the website is up and running now. Here's a direct link:

http://a860-nycma.nyc.gov/luna/servlet

Wow that's really spectacular! Has anyone located any of the Post Offices in these pics yet? I haven't looked yet but I will. I did notice though that there is an unsuspecting obelisque in an unassuming place in this photo! Anyone from the Big Apple know if this is still there or where it might be located? How would you like to have that in your front yard? haha

http://nycma.lunaimaging.com/luna/s...09823:deg_43