Recruiting station, New-York circa 1917

A WW1 navy recruiting station at the base of the "Flatiron" building 

on 23rd St. and Fifth Ave. 

This "United Cigar Store" was transformed into a fort to attract the passers by.

The Original photo looks over exposed at first glimpse.

I suspect it actually reflects the quality of air in those years.

In my colorized version I tried to recreate that smog like feeling.

Source photo: Library of congress

• Digital ID: (digital file from original neg.) ggbain 24212 http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ggbain.24212

Here are two other views of the same location

A "United Cigar Store" advertisement 

titled "Wake up America" promoting the store on 23rd St.

Some more "United Cigar Store" advertisements

"Piedmona cigarets" advertisement is at the top of the building across the street.

Here is an ad circa the same time 

"B.V.D." ad.

And today....Sprint store.

It is said that the 1942 oil on canvas painting by Edward Hopper "Nighthawks"

is based on this same location. 

At the foot of the Flatiron 1903