As many great cities lay in ruins after World War II, New York City assumed a new global prominence and became known as one of the world’s greatest cities.

New York City became the home of the United Nations headquarters, inherited the role from Paris as center of the art world with Abstract Expressionism; and became a rival to London in the international finance and art markets.
However, after peaking in population in 1950, the city began to feel the effects of white flight to the suburbs, a downturn in industry and commerce as businesses left for places where it was cheaper and easier to operate, an increase in crime, and an upturn in its welfare burden.

These amazing black and white photos from Joe+Jeanette Archie took street portraits of kids of New York City in the late 1950s.

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s

New York City children in the late 1950s