Photographer Charles W. Cushman traveled extensively in the U.S and abroad from 1938 to 1969, capturing beautiful portraits of everyday life. His works have been donated to and maintained by Cushman’s alma mater Indiana University.

These stunning photographs below were taken by Cushman in New York City in 1941 and 1942. They give a great impression of what some of the main hubs of the city looked like over 70 years ago. The university describes his work as a “peripatetic compulsion” which resulted “in a remarkable gift to future historians, photography lovers, and students of Americana”.

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s

Vivid Color Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Manhattan in the 1940s