Object Details
photographer
Mydans, Carl
Description
In 1939 Carl Mydans was asked to cover the construction project of the Midtown Tunnel in New York City for LIFE magazine (April 3, 1939). He not only photographed the workers, or "sandhogs" at work, but also captured images of them in their downtime, whether before or after their shifts.
When the sandhogs were not working down in the "hole," they spent their time up in the "hog house." This building provided a warm environment for the laborers to enjoy some hot coffee and playing cards during the break between shifts. Each shift had a game that started the day. By pay day, sandhogs would sometimes lose a week's wages.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1939
ID Number
2005.0228.053
accession number
2005.0228
catalog number
2005.0228.053
Object Name
photograph
Physical Description
paper (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 11 in x 14 in; 27.94 cm x 35.56 cm
place made
United States: New York, New York City
Related Publication
Mydans, Carl. Carl Mydans, Photojournalist
See more items in
Work and Industry: Photographic History
Photography
Carl Mydans
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1303307