By Alyce Collins
FEAST YOUR EYES and step back in time to witness some of the world’s most famous streets as New Yorkers of the past mill about alongside horse-drawn carriages and even circus elephants make an appearance.
Incredible colourised shots capture the jubilant New York atmosphere during the popular parades and marches of the early twentieth century.
The carefully colourised images demonstrate the patriotic celebrations for the annual Independence Day parade on July 4th where a biplane is seen being towed through the bustling Fifth Avenue in preparation for the big parade.
Another fascinating colourised photograph gives a glimpse into times gone by as a circus parade marches down 8th Avenue, a now heaving street, with the ringmasters seated on the backs of elephants.
In a nod to the famous city’s great history, one particularly eye-catching shot captures a team of three fire horses pulling Engine No. 39 as they leave the Fire Headquarters on East 67th Street in February 1912. This would mark the final time a horse-drawn fire carriage was to be used before being replaced by motor fire engines.
New York City is famous for its lavish and flashy parades which are held to mark numerous events, including Thanksgiving, Easter Sunday, Veterans’ Day and Independence Day.
These impressive pictures were colourised by electrician Royston Leonard (55) from Cardiff, South Wales.
During the 1920s, New York City became the most populated urban area in history playing home to approximately five million New Yorkers, overtaking London, later reaching ten million inhabitants by 1930. This made New York the world’s first megacity.
New York City has long been a bustling hub of culture, encapsulating celebrations, diversity and corporate culture. Despite dating back a century, these colourised photographs demonstrate the exuberant spirit that has always surrounded the Big Apple and has become a key element of the city’s character.
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