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Manhattan 1931

Posted on September 22, 2011September 22, 2011 by Staff

A Thousand Words
By Jock Lauterer


We go through our daily lives seeing but failing to observe. Or to put it simply in that famous Yogi Berra-ism: “You can observe a lot just by lookin.’” Case in point: this enormous wall photograph that has hung for years in the front lobby of New East. Only last week, during the 10th anniversary of 9/11, did I finally pay attention to this remarkable image for its historical significance. The wall plaque, titled “Lower Manhattan, October, 1931” further explains: “Looking west across the lower tip of Manhattan island, this photograph, taken by the Fairchild Aerial Survey Company – captures the most celebrated city of the Jazz Age. … Directly below the aircraft is the future site of the World Trade Center.” One can only imagine the lumbering prop-driven aircraft and cumbersome film camera used to make this glorious image. But what must strike you is the dramatic irony – of seeing the World Trade Center site before its birth, death and resurrection.

A THOUSAND WORDS
Do you have an important old photo that you value? Email your photo to jock@email.unc.edu and include the story behind the picture. Because every picture tells a story. And its worth? A thousand words.
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