Times Square – The People of New York with Professor Drabik

Before called Times Square in 1904, the area was known as Longacre Square because it was the center of New York’s horse and carriage trade. This name was inspired by Long Acre, London’s horse, and carriage hub.

This is the Times Tower. The construction of the Times building brought about a great change in the area. Due to the fact it was the second tallest building in the city during that time and was a popular site to see, Longacre Square was changed to Time Square.

Electricity, billboards, and train stations transformed Times Square into the city of lights. It was a spectacle to see due to how bright the area was.

The Great Depression led to the dim-out of Times Square. This altered the area for the following decades since it would stifle the number of tourists and people that would visit Time Square.

A result of the economic decline of the country, many of the theaters that were built in Times Square during the 20’s, transformed into porn shops and peep shows in the 50’s. This shift in business on 42nd street would later give the area the name “the sleaziest block in America.”

Peep Shows became very popular from the time period between the 40’s and 80’s. Twenty-five cent peep shows were especially popular considering they made around $74,000 to $106,000 in 1978.

During the restoration of Times Square, many entertainment businesses began to open up. This was a result of Disney setting up business in the area.

Theaters also played a major role in the change of Times Square from crime to what we see here today.

Now Times Square has become this cultural and commercial center. With advertising billboards everywhere, it has become quite the tourist attraction, especially on New Years.

The Paramount Theater was built in 1926, however, it still remains here today as one of the few remnants of the past.

The Father Duffy statue was built in 1937 and continues to be a popular sight in Times Square.

The Knickerbocker Hotel in the early 1900’s.

The Knickerbocker Hotel now in 2018.

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