The memories of most living today are of a Pennsylvania Station at the end of a long period of neglect and deferred maintenance. During WWI the open-air space above the platforms was floored over, putting the platforms into a permanent twilight.
During WWII, the skylights were dimmed to cut down on submarine warfare. Also during the war, an ugly, modern USO booth was erected on the concourse. I don't believe it ever left. Through all of this, millions of cigarette smokers left their yellowish brown stain on every surface.
And then came the Post War period of deferred maintenance. Sure, the floors would get a sweep... but the glass cleaning, light bulb replacement, and wall scrubbing ceased for a good 20 years...
Jon 
