“Pittsburgh from the air in 1935...”
- Thread starter HOF Coach
- Start date
you would think with the bad wrap the city had for pollution a photo from era would just be smog
a beautiful city that has transformed itself. been gone since i was 22 after pitt graduation. proud to be a native
thanks for sharing
I think it's both. The distance from the subject and shooting in black and white really takes away the contrast. Many of the 10+ floor buildings, especially the darker ones, look the same height as two-story buildings even.
I would imagine it had to do with the mills and the infrastructure of the city, but this was way before WWII so I’m unsure myself.
Regardless, I think it’s funny that aerial photography was considered classified material, when someone today can look that up in about two seconds!
pittdan77
Athletic Director
In 1935, one of our enemies couldn't just fly a camera over the country without some trouble. Getting caught with photos like this would have probably gotten some attention by the War Department for spying. No satellites, either.
anyone with a plane (and there were plenty) could have taken that picture. i'm sure there's a more interesting backstory.
pittdan77
Athletic Director
Oh yeah, that's a good point but I don't know there were many flying that high. I think the quality of the photo has something to do with it, too, because I don't think it was just a "point-and-click" thing. Cameras were big and bulky at that time and there was a bit of effort to get the quality.
I'd definitely defer to anyone who had a better answer.
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