by Black Life, Harlem NYC
Harlem Vernacular Photography Street Scenes Archive. New York City, ca. 1951–1955. Collection of 18 vintage silver gelatin photographs. Striking mid-century street-level photo archive documenting everyday life in Harlem during the early 1950s, with a focus on African American urban experiences amid dramatic shifts brought about by urban renewal. Each image printed on Kodak paper, with each photo measuring approximately 2.5" x 2.5". These images collectively form a rare, intimate visual record of Harlem in transition. The photographs depict several unmistakable New York City streetscapes, most prominently from Harlem in Upper Manhattan. We see brownstone-lined residential blocks with carved stoops, multi-story fire escape buildings, and large scale "tower in the park" style housing projects under construction. At least two shots depict the bustling commercial strip of 125th street, with landmark establishments such as the Apollo Theatre and Frank's Steakhouse in clear view.
The elevated highway and high-rise public housing construction resemble the Harlem River Houses and nearby developments such as the Colonial Park Houses, built during Robert Moses’s tenure. The automobiles visible throughout the archive include Hudson Hornets, 1951 Chevrolet Fleetlines, and early-1950s Ford taxis. The women’s coats and cloche-style hats, and men’s brimmed fedoras and wide-lapelled overcoats correspond to early-1950s fashion. Consistent with the time, we see narrow tenement blocks with clotheslines suspending the day's washing. The subway interior image with blurred motion and bundled commuters further emphasizes the everyday experience of working-class life, offering a rare candid view inside the quintessentially New York cross-cultural space. Lastly, seven images are candid shots of an at-bat during an predominately Black amateur baseball game. Some light scratches and handling marks. Otherwise very good examples with rich tonal contrast and clarity across most prints. An evocative and socially rich visual archive of Harlem’s Black community during a critical period of postwar transformation. (Inventory #: 21805)
The elevated highway and high-rise public housing construction resemble the Harlem River Houses and nearby developments such as the Colonial Park Houses, built during Robert Moses’s tenure. The automobiles visible throughout the archive include Hudson Hornets, 1951 Chevrolet Fleetlines, and early-1950s Ford taxis. The women’s coats and cloche-style hats, and men’s brimmed fedoras and wide-lapelled overcoats correspond to early-1950s fashion. Consistent with the time, we see narrow tenement blocks with clotheslines suspending the day's washing. The subway interior image with blurred motion and bundled commuters further emphasizes the everyday experience of working-class life, offering a rare candid view inside the quintessentially New York cross-cultural space. Lastly, seven images are candid shots of an at-bat during an predominately Black amateur baseball game. Some light scratches and handling marks. Otherwise very good examples with rich tonal contrast and clarity across most prints. An evocative and socially rich visual archive of Harlem’s Black community during a critical period of postwar transformation. (Inventory #: 21805)
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