Until the 1980s, the 42nd Street of New York City was prospered as a theatre and entertainment district of the city. It was all noisy, colorful, rude, and vivid glory. The corner of 42nd Street and Broadway, at the southeast corner of Times Square, was the eastern terminus of the Lincoln Highway.
For much of the mid and late 20th century, the area of 42nd Street near Times Square was home to activities often considered unsavory, including peep shows. In 1990, the city government took over six historic theatres on the block of 42nd Street. The block has again become home to mainstream theatres and several multi-screen mainstream movie theatres, along with shops, restaurants, hotels, and other attractions.
Here below are some photos that show what 42nd street looked like in the 1980s.
