Caught Our Eyes: Perspective on a Patriotic Parade

Prints and Photographs Division cataloging specialist Arden Alexander spotted this 1917 photograph, which is rich in detail and perspective.

Arden comments:

The photographer leaned out a window over Fifth Avenue to capture this aerial view of a military parade in New York City during World War I.  This image caught my eye because of its vivid details:  a girl waving a flag from a balcony, soldiers marching towards downtown Manhattan, crowds of spectators spilling out from the sidewalks into the street and the flags flying from buildings.  Looking closely, one can even see the window displays of dresses in the Lord and Taylor department store on the corner.

Learn More:

• View information about the George Grantham Bain Collection, from which this image comes.
• View an overview of Prints and Photographs Division’s World War I holdings.
• Explore pictures of World War I we have shared through the Library of Congress Flickr account, along with comments and perspectives Flickr members have offered.
• Challenge question: See if you can find coverage of this event in Chronicling America historic American newspapers!