Times Square, New York - 1996

 

Times Square, looking north from the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, about 1996. Date based on event dates in billboard advertisements depicted in the image. Source: Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. More: Times Square in the 1990s

Photo shows the famous large billboards and skyscrapers in the Times Square area.

Illuminated billboards appeared in New York City since late 19th century. In 1888, illuminated bulletins by the New York Herald, about the presidential election, were projected on a canvas screen on top of the old Flatiron commercial buildings (demolished) at 23rd Street, Broadway and Fifth Avenue.

The 10-story building facing Times Square (1600 Broadway, behind billboards), also known as Studebaker Building, was erected in 1902, when the area was known as Long Acre Square, and demolished in 2004.

 

Times Square Night

 

 

Times Square

 

Copyright © Geographic Guide - Old photographs of NYC.

 

 

Advertising NY

Advertisements in the Cumberland's wall, facing Madison Square, began to be placed in 1890 and the first electric signs, in 1892.

 

Billboards Times Square

 

Motorcade NY

 

 

 

Broadway

 

Old City New York

 

Election NY

 

 

7th Avenue

 

Times Square, New York - 1996