Broadway

The jump from Manhattan’s shortest to its longest street came with countless questions. In those pre-Google Map days, it was almost impossible to even determine the exact length of the fabled avenue. Neither the Department of Transportation nor the Landmarks Commission would provide me with the information - the latter suggested I get a geological survey map and figure it out by myself. Instead, I set out to measure, step by step, the path that the Lenape Indians had originally carved into the soil of Manahatta many centuries ago: I began my project by walking the entire 21 miles - four of them beyond the Harlem River in the Bronx - to get a feeling for the street and its neighborhoods.

On my next exploration, following my intuition, I took paper and pencil with me to draw a detailed map and take notes on points of interest. Only on my third expedition did I bring my heavy Nikon F2 and additional equipment along. Since my focus was largely on architecture, I frequently used a 28 mm lens with perspective control. It took me two years to accomplish my task, and by then I knew the precise length of Broadway in my bones.

The route itself would provide the structure of the book: a stroll beginning at Number 1 Broadway at Bowling Green, the site of George Washington’s headquarters in 1776, all the way to Number 6,695, the very last house in the Bronx. Chapters were determined by the points where Broadway crossed other thoroughfares - like Fifth Avenue at 23rd Street or Seventh Avenue at Times Square.
My approach was systematic as well as subjective. New York Times contributor and author of my book, Richard Shepard, wove the multitude of images into a compelling story. Almost half a century later, on account of the ebb and flow and the relentless pursuit of gentrification of our metropolis, my personal quest can be viewed as a time capsule of the most transitory of cities.