Involving a majority of world powers, the Second World War is categorized by the Holocaust, the first use of nuclear weapons in history, and the murder of between 50 and 85 million people, most of which were civilians. Meanwhile, these 13 rare photos show what was going on in Chicago.
Everyday life seemed normal on the surface, but even Chicagoans were struggling to get by. Keep scrolling for a peek into the past.
- Taken in 1941, this image of a residence-turned-church shows the diverse architecture that makes Chicago unique. The old cars on the street really take you back.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- This is Union Station in 1940. Perhaps it is not too crowded because so many men were sent to fight in the war.
Photogrammar/John Vachon
- This image of an alley beneath the train tracks shows Chicago’s brick roads and steel beams. The man passing by seems to be dancing or walking exceptionally fast.
Photogrammar/John Vachon
- A couple walks down the street in 1940 passing the Atlas Tack Corporation. By the way they are dressed, it is apparent that some people still had money or could afford to hold on to their nice things.
Photogrammar/John Vachon
- Though war waged in far lands, Chicagoans still found time to see movies. These people are lined up for the Easter Sunday matinee in 1941.
Photogrammar/Edwin Rosskam
- This old photo of people making their way around Clark Street was taken in 1940. We’ve been calling our elevated train system the “L” for decades.
Photogrammar/John Vachon
- One of the more interesting rare photos taken during World War II, this ancient image depicts children on the street, perhaps a group of siblings. From the way they are dressed it must have been cold out.
Photogrammar/Edwin Rosskam
- These department store mannequins from 1940 are missing something…
Photogrammar/John Vachon
- In 1941, even medicine was a bit archaic. There’s no heart rate monitor and all the tools look - like the scissors!
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- Here, children play “ring around the rosie” in 1941 in a southern Chicago neighborhood.
Photogrammar/Edwin Rosskam
- At the Savoy Ballroom in 1941, young Chicagoans look on as a couple shows off their skating moves. This is where the cool kids hung out for sure!
Photogrammar.yale.edu/Russell Lee
- This Chicago shoemaker’s photo was taken in 1940, and he didn’t seem to be too pleased. He advertised some good deals though.
Photogrammar/John Vachon
- This image shows posters on the south side for a circus that was coming to town in 1941.
Photogrammar/Edwin Rosskam
For more old pictures of the city, check out these 12 images that show how much Chicago has and has not changed over the years.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
Photogrammar/John Vachon
Photogrammar/Edwin Rosskam
Photogrammar.yale.edu/Russell Lee
Do you have any cool photos snapped in Chicago? Share them below!
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