Amateur photographer Charles W. Cushman lived the life a lot of people wish they could have. He was born in an idyllic-sounding place called Poseyville, Indiana in 1896. He would grow up to be an office worker, much like many of the other men of his generation.
But his passion set him apart. Between the years of 1938 to 1969, Cushman traveled around the US and abroad, documenting his journeys with a camera, and his photos turned out to be just as good-- or better --than many professionals of his time.
So good, in fact, that his entire catalogue has been donated to his alma mater, Indiana University.
We've taken a little selection of Cushman photos taken between 1941-1942 during his time in New York City.
Much of Cushman's photos of NYC portray the Financial District, Chinatown, and Midtown-- from over half a century ago. Check some out.
Collecting Salvage on LES / via Charles w. Cushman Photograph Collection & Indiana University Archives
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Onboard a Ferry / via Charles w. Cushman Photograph Collection & Indiana University Archives
Battery Park Lunch Hour / via Charles w. Cushman Photograph Collection & Indiana University Archives
Broome St. & Baruch Pl., LES / via Charles w. Cushman Photograph Collection & Indiana University Archives
Bowling Green Hotdog Cart / via Charles w. Cushman Photograph Collection & Indiana University Archives
Red Cross on LES / via Charles w. Cushman Photograph Collection & Indiana University Archives
Bakery on Mulberry St, Little Italy / via Charles w. Cushman Photograph Collection & Indiana University Archives
Lower East Side / via Charles w. Cushman Photograph Collection & Indiana University Archives
Pearl Street, FiDi / via Charles w. Cushman Photograph Collection & Indiana University Archives
Check out These Vintage Photos of Immigrants Arriving on Ellis Island from 1892-1925.
[via Charles W. Cushman Photograph Collection / Indiana University]
[Feature Image Courtesy Pinterest]