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Flashback: Pyramid Of WWI German Helmets At Grand Central In 1918
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jun 17, 2012
Modified Jun 17, 2012
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Jun 17, 2012
Modified Jun 17, 2012
Share
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This remarkable photo, taken in 1918, shows employees of the New York Central Railroad at a celebration in Victory Way, showing off a pyramid of recovered German helmets in front of Grand Central Terminal. There are two cannons in the shot, one on either side; and there is a statue—possibly of Greek goddess of victory, Nike—on top of the pile. But seriously: that is a pretty crazy amount of helmets.
"Victory Way" was set up after World War I ended—captured German war equipment was displayed on Park Avenue just near Grand Central to help raise money for the 5th War Loan. Each end of Victory Way had a pyramid made up of 12,000 German helmets. The helmets were supposedly going to be given away to large contributors to the 5th War Loan. One can only imagine the reaction if such a display of war souvenirs was put up today.
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1918
flashback
german helmets
grand central
history
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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