The image above depicts a quite time in the city of Bethlehem. I chose this picture because it was taken during the pinnacle of success for Bethlehem steel. This city was a key driver in the steel production throughout the united states and was located perfectly in the middle of both New York City and Philadelphia (two major industrialized cities).
Walker Evans, American, 1903 – 1975. 1935 (Printed 1982 LCR). Street in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (From Saint Michael’s Cemetery). Photograph. Place: Lehigh University Art Galleries, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA. For more information, contact us at LUAG@Lehigh.edu. https://library.artstor.org/asset/27604033.
Evans took a few shots from this vantage point that are held in the LUAG collection. They do have this sense of quiet that you mention.