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The Early NYC Automobile Accident Photos of Eugene De Selignac

April 20, 2023 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Manhattan Bridge Damaged Car 1936Eugene De Selignac (1861–1943) was born in Boston into an eccentric family of exiled French nobility, de Salignac had no formal training in photography. In 1903, at the age of 42, his brother-in-law found him a job as an assistant to the photographer for the Department of Bridges in New York City, Joseph Palmer. After three years of apprenticeship, Palmer suddenly died, and in October 1906, de Salignac assumed his duties.

As the sole photographer for the department from 1906 to 1934 (in 1916 it changed its name to the Department of Plant & Structures), he documented the creation of the city’s modern infrastructure— including bridges, major municipal buildings, roads and subways. In addition to construciton sites, buildings and bridges he also photographed vehicle accidents.

Above: Manhattan Bridge Damaged Car 1936

Williamsburg Bridge, showing accident, interior of trolley car 1926

Williamsburg Bridge, showing accident, interior of trolley car 1926

Vernon Avenue Bridge broken fence and coal truck accident 1935

Vernon Avenue Bridge broken fence and coal truck “accident” 1935

Manhattan Bridge view showing auto damaged by accident 1924

Manhattan Bridge view showing auto damaged by accident 1924

Greenpoint Avenue Bridge, three mast schooner Bertha Walker, damaged bowsprit 1910

Greenpoint Avenue Bridge, three mast schooner Bertha Walker, damaged bowsprit 1910

Brooklyn Bridge showing railing north side of footwalk looking west Manhattan 1917

Brooklyn Bridge showing railing north side of footwalk looking west Manhattan 1917

Traffic Light 34th Street and Lexington Avenue traffic post signal damaged 1928

Traffic Light 34th Street and Lexington Avenue traffic post signal damaged 1928

Stage Line accident 1130am Park Circle stage line close view accident 1919

Stage Line “accident” 11:30am Park Circle stage line close view accident 1919

Williamsburg Bridge view showing auto truck south roadway between Bedford and Driggs Avenue Brooklyn 1923

Williamsburg Bridge view showing auto truck south roadway between Bedford and Driggs Avenue Brooklyn 1923

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Filed Under: History, New York City Tagged With: Architecture, Brooklyn, Documentary, Manhattan, New York City, Photography, Roosevelt Island Historical Society, street photography, Transportation History

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