Broadway in 1865 1908

Curator: Sidney L. Smith gifts us a vibrant glimpse of "Broadway in 1865," captured in delicate lines. It's almost ghostly. Editor: My first thought is how much this bustling street contrasts with the turmoil of the Civil War still raging when this was made. Curator: Absolutely! The city pulses, oblivious. I love how Smith renders the leaves, almost like lace on the trees. And the feeling of forward motion, despite the stillness. Editor: That motion underscores the relentless march of "progress," even amid conflict. It makes me think about who gets to partake in such a moment of apparent peace, and who is excluded. Curator: That's a sharp, critical eye. For me, it is a meditation on a fleeting moment, knowing the city will change, the people will be gone. Editor: Exactly. The ephemerality of that moment, juxtaposed with the enduring structures—it's a complex commentary on history, loss, and resilience. Curator: Right. It's a tiny window, but full of big questions. Editor: Agreed. Broadway then, Broadway now—the struggle for belonging continues.