The neon lights, buzzing billboards, and crowds of people are just a small slice of what made Broadway’s Times Square in the 1940s, and many other similar locations, so appealing to tourists and locals alike.
With its bright lights and entertainment options 24 hours a day, Times Square was one of the most exciting places to be in the city.
In the 1940s, Broadway in Times Square, specifically the stretch between 42nd and 43rd streets, was a hub of glitz and glamour. From the neon lights at the top of buildings to the busy shopping streets below, Times Square was the perfect place to be during the decade.
When Did Times Square Change
In the late 1930s, Broadway between 42nd and 43rd streets was widened to accommodate the growing number of vehicles and pedestrians in the area. The renovated road was now home to many popular attractions and hotels, including the famed Rainbow Room, the Stork Club, and the Essex House.
During the 1940s, Times Square became even more popular with the addition of new hotels, stores and entertainment options, including the famous Paramount Theater.
Many of the old hotels, stores and entertainment options were demolished in the 1960s and 1970s, however, the neon signs, billboards and crowds of people that once made Times Square such a popular place, are still visible today.
The Glitz And Glamour Of Times Square
In the 1940s, Times Square was a hub of glitz and glamour. The brightly lit billboards, the crowds of people, and the lure of the big city filled visitors with excitement. From the Rainbow Room to the Paramount Theater, there was always a new hotel or store to check out, along with an exciting entertainment option or two.
The neon signs lining the tops of buildings were another important part of Times Square in the 1940s. The brightly lit signs were often the first thing visitors saw when they entered the area. They were a major draw, drawing people all the way downtown to check them out.
How Has Times Square Changed Over Time
In the late 1930s, the first billboards advertising products went up in Times Square. However, it was not until the 1940s that the billboard advertising boom really took off. Traditionally, billboards had been used primarily to promote events and concerts, but in the 1940s, most of them were being used for advertising products.
A large part of the popularity of these ads stemmed from one major advantage of the new billboards: They could be seen from above, rather than having to be viewed from the ground. This made them much more popular with tourists and city dwellers alike.
Times Square Was A 24-Hour Entertainment Destination
If you were visiting Times Square in the 1940s, you were likely to find an entertainment option in the area at any time of day or night. From the Rainbow Room to the Paramount Theater, there was always a new hotel or store to check out, along with an exciting entertainment option or two.
The Rainbow Room was owned by the Hotel Roosevelt and was located at 165 West 54th Street. It was opened in 1933, and was one of the most popular places to host banquets, weddings, and other special events.
The Rainbow Room was also a popular spot for performances where shows were held fairly often, and the room was also open to the public for booking at any time.
Believe me, in the 1940s, tourists and New Yorkers enjoyed Times Square’s famous entertainment options at all times of the day and night.
Visiting Broadway And 42nd Street Times Square In The 1940s
The Paramount Theater was one of the most popular places to see a live performance in the 1940s. Some of the most famous stage and film stars appeared here, bringing Times Square even more excitement and glamour. – Get your photo taken at the Times Square View-Master.
The Times Square View-Master was a popular photo booth. Visitors could sit in a room where they looked through a special lens to create a still or moving image on a screen. These images could then be taken home.
The New York Daily News Building was one of the most prominent examples of iconic neon lights in the 1940s. Visitors could also check out the neon lights on the New York World’s Fair, which was located nearby. – Make your way to Times Square to check out the crowds and energy of the area.
The Neon Lights Of Times Square
The neon lights of Times Square in the 1940s were another major draw for tourists. They were bright and attractive, and usually indicated a popular spot or store. Many tourists would stop to check them out on their way to or from the Rainbow Room or other popular attractions in the area.
There were many different types of neon lights used in Times Square during the 1940s. Most were static, hanging lights that were fairly small. There were also larger signs that featured animated images that were very popular, especially with tourists and children.
The Billboard Advertising Boom Of The 1940s
Even more popular than the neon lights were the billboards that were popping up everywhere in Times Square in the 1940s. A large part of the appeal of Times Square in the 1940s stemmed from its billboards. Billboards were generally very cheap to produce and required little upkeep.
This meant that they were very popular with businesses that could not afford a more expensive sign. The Billboard Advertising Boom of the 1940s also ensured that Times Square would be filled with advertisements for years to come.
A large part of the appeal of these advertisements stemmed from the fact that they could be seen from above, rather than having to be viewed from the ground. This made them much more popular with tourists and city dwellers alike.
Bottom Line
For many people, Times Square in the 1940s was like nowhere else, with its bright lights and entertainment options 24 hours a day, Times Square was one of the most exciting places to be in the world and was a hub of glitz and glamour.
From the neon lights at the top of buildings to the busy shopping streets below, Times Square was the perfect place to be during the decade and in the end, Times Square was just what the title says: Times Square, with its bright lights and entertainment options 24 hours a day!