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Williamsburg Photo du Jour: Broadway
One of the reason I carry my camera with me everywhere I go is I never know when I’ll see something interesting. This is what I love about New York City: there is much treasure waiting to be (re?)discovered.
Case in point: this old Subway Sun advertisement at the Broadway stop of the G train.
Ironically enough, this sign could use a little cleaning up too! Here’s a little background information about the Subway Sun from the MTA’s web site:
As New York’s first subway entered its second decade of operation, it faced many new problems, including competition from a rival system, the BMT. In 1916, to meet these challenges, the IRT hired Ivy Lee, one of the leading public relations specialists in the country, to handle its account. Under Ivy Lee’s direction, the IRT took an innovative approach – to communicate directly with its passengers, through pamphlets, brochures, and special poster series. Lee created The Subway Sun and The Elevated Express which fast became New York City institutions, depicting New York City life in the 1920s and 30s…
The MTA also has a nifty online “Gallery Talk” entitled The World’s Safest Railroad which discusses these advertisements. Check it out! (CAVEAT: it is pretty long.)
Miss Heather
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