I grew up NYC area 50s-60s. Times Sq was a real dog and pony show - a freakin’ pigpen.
I grew up further upstate, but had relatives in Staten Island and on Long island who we would visit during visits to NYC. Stories of misadventure in mid-town/Times Square from older cousins have burned into my memory.
My ship was in dry dock at the Brooklyn Navy Ship Yard, twice: 1960-early ‘61 and 1961-early ‘62.
Went to Times Square twice the first time. Saw the Rockettes and the movie Spartacus. Plus hit a few bars. Times Square offered nothing else that 18 y/o from Texas had any interest in seeing/doing.
Rest of my times in NYC were spent at Moriarty’s on Kings Hwy. in Bklyn. They would “sweep” us out the door at 4 am and we’d walk back to the shipyard. Sobered us up when temp was in single digits and snow covered the streets.