The photographs that make up 306-NT were originally part of the New York Times photo morgue for the Paris Bureau of the newspaper.
In December 1940, the Paris Bureau of the New York Times was seized by the Nazis and its Library of New Photos was transported to Berlin. After the liberation of Paris, the Bureau reopened in August 1944 and the records were returned. It operated until its closing in 1950. In 1950, the Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA) purchased the photographs for approximately $8,000. Although purchased in 1950, the photos were not brought to the United States until the United States Information Agency (USIA) obtained them and shipped them to Washington via boat to Baltimore, arriving on October 1, 1954.
According to our records, the photographs were either made by staff members of the New York Times for Wide World Photos, Inc., or were purchased or assembled during the period of operation of the Paris Bureau (1923-1950). A large range of subjects and personalities are covered within the series, including: U.S. and foreign statesman; scientists; entertainers; authors; military and religious leaders; foreign and domestic agricultural, industrial, educational and recreational subjects; sports events and activities; people, cities, buildings, festivities, industries and institutions relevant to specific geographic locations; World War I; World War II, including the liberation of Europe; and post-World War II incidents.
Researchers may search through a complete list of folder titles via our online catalog here. Additionally, while the series has not been digitized, items have been added to the catalog on an ad hoc basis. Those items can be viewed in our catalog here. The following photographs are just two examples of photo stories that were featured in the newspaper. Original captions are in French.
A BORD DU PREMIER TRANSATLANTIQUE DE L’AIR
ABOARD THE FIRST TRANSATLANTIC BY AIR. RECENTLY AT THE AVIATION SHOW, THE 68-TON FITTING MODEL “ROCHAMBEAU,” FUTURE TRANSATLANTIQUE AIRCRAFT, WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE EXHIBITION. THIS GIGANTIC SEAPLANE WILL LINK FRANCE TO NEW YORK IN LESS THAN 20 HOURS AND WILL OFFER ITS 20 PASSENGERS ALL THE AMENITIES OF A REAL MODERN LINER.
LA TOILETTE DE MISS LIBERTE (CLEANING THE STATUE OF LIBRERTY)
MISS LIBERTE DE NEW YORK VUE SOUS UN ANGLE NOUVEAU ET ORIGINAL
ON A REFAIT LA BEAUTE DE MISS LIBERTE DE NEW YORK
