Text and Photographs by Stephen Harmon
A West Side Rag reader made a very positive comment a few weeks ago about a night image I made of the San Remo towers in that vanished era of the 1970s and 80s. That caused me to look at my files to see what other night photography of the Upper West Side I had done back then. I was pleased to find a number of images I liked and consider to be strictly UWS.
Of the 150,000-or-so frames I have shot, the first image, shown above, taken in November 1978 on the corner of Broadway and West 72nd Street, is my favorite.
I hope you find something to enjoy.
Stephen Harmon is a longtime Upper West Sider, a retired lawyer, and a world-class photographer whose work is on display in many of the city’s museums, including The Museum of the City of New York, The Brooklyn Museum, New York Historical, and The New York Public Library.
Check out our audio interview with Stephen Harmon on Rag Radio — HERE.
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I never get tired of revisiting the neighborhood I grew up in (and still live in) through your wonderful photos ! Thank you Stephen.
The P & G – Somehow, I thought it would always be there. Maybe we should consider landmarking neon.
Fantastic! (As always) Thanks, Steve!
Same.
Ditto!
Me too!
These are wonderful and iconic! As a resident of the West 70’s since the 1970’s, I really enjoyed these beautiful images.
Very nice!
All great shots, as usual–thanks Steve! In those days, I didn’t realize that P&G also meant Procter and Gamble. How young and innocent we (well, me) were!
I love these photos, day or night. I remember that huge Marlboro sign. Mercifully, it’s long gone along with most of the cigarette smoke but it’s still fun to see it in the photo. All of the night photos are a beautiful look back at the neighborhood we love. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Love these! My first apartment was on West 71st Street, so these feel extra familiar – and they’re beautiful. Thank you.
Another wonderful set of images, Stephen! I live in Chicago, but your photos always put me right there, on the Upper West Side. And yes, your favorite shot is beautiful and evocative. Thanks for sharing these.
All of these photos are absolutely GORGEOUS. Just magnificent. Thank you!
This column is an absolute pleasure, every week!
Just lovely — thank you so much for sharing your archive!!
These are great. Thank you.
Great photos! Thx.
Love the pictures but omg. This makes me miss all the late night places that have closed since the pandemic. So how do many places don’t close late anymore. Alas.
Love these, and especially the photo of the water tower and the few lit windows silhouetted against the dark night sky. So lovely, and highlights the human story of each of the lit windows of the city – each a full universe of life and quiet moments and drama.
Your pics are so evocative of the energy of this neighborhood. I have lived in UWS since 1971. Your photos have so much that is familiar and so much that has changed. Feeling very sentimental for the “good old days”, even if some of those days were a little rough. Thanks!!
When all the serial killers were loose?
Lol
Nice photos tho!
How can we purchase prints?
The WSR will give you my phone number.
Artistically, yes it is a very fine photo. But with your photos I prefer extremely sharp focus so I can see the smallest detail.
Your image all-timer is painterly and emanates a resonance with canvases contributed by Rag columnist Robert Beck.
What was hot dog price and about what year
truly wonderful photos!!!
So cool! Do you or anyone you know have any photos of the WM Tweeds/All State Cafe? I believe it was on Broadway and W 72nd. Thanks!
The All State was on the south side of W. 72nd between West End and Broadway. I may have a photo, but I don’t know. I used to eat there. Great burgers.
Please let me know if you happen upon any of them. And if you and/or anyone you know have any fond memories and are willing to share, I’d greatly appreciate it. I knew the owner and just wanted to see how big of an impact his establishment made to others. Thanks!
Mr Harmon do you happen to have any shots of Beck drug next to Zabars? 1970’s.
I don’t think so. I don’t remember Beck Drug. Sorry.
Loved AT OUR PLACE for the sheer ingenuity of replacing CLEOPATRAS and just rearranging the letters! A totally UWS move!