Old New York

[Jim Koepke]

Oldest known film of NYC. A compilation of old film from 1896-1905:

http://youtu.be/AQR-HKzESsM

jtk

[Tom Stenzel]

Neat find Jim, I hadn't seen the film taken from the boats or the rooftop panning before.

The bit where the lady's dress is blown up was taken from What Happened On Twenty-Third Street, an Edison short. It was staged, done by Florence Georgie in the only film credit I could find. The compilers got the year right, it was 1901. Interesting to look at all the goings-on in the background.

-Tom

[Jim Koepke]

Thomas Edison was my hero in my youth. Light bulbs still fascinate me.

jtk

[Doug Ladendorf]

Thanks for sharing Jim, very cool. I lived in Greenwich Village for 24 years so it was neat to see Union Square and especially Washington Square with the firemen marching.

[Dave Zellers]

Yes! Thanks for posting that. I have family members who spent significant time living and working in Manhattan and they are getting a kick out of seeing all the old shots.

I live in a tiny town of 16,000 and will only go into the Big City if I have a trusted guide. Fortunately I do and my wife and I got to see The Nutcracker last December. Absolutely awesome.

At 3:14 there is a short clip of the Flatiron building. Compare it to this Google pic. Modern photography aside, you can't not be struck by the clean brightness and well kept flower pots.

It's a seriously difficult job, but the City has been cared for very well.

[Chris Parks]

San Francisco tram ride 1906. It is fascinating seeing the lack of traffic discipline and right hand drive cars...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdvRNdGlgzY

[Jim Koepke]

San Francisco tram ride 1906. It is fascinating seeing the lack of traffic discipline and right hand drive cars...

Even more fascinating is that it was taken shortly before the big earthquake of 1906.

If you pay close attention to the San Francisco film you will see some of the same cars more than once.

jtk