Governors Island
Reflecting On A Time
Living in Red Hook Brooklyn offers a unique perspective on Governors Island. It’s our neighbor, a scant 400yds/366m across the Buttermilk Channel. I spent a good amount of time watching the island from another island of which Brooklyn is a part—Long Island.
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I’m sure all those years of looking across the water stimulated my interest in working a one-year college internship there. Looking back, I’m humbly appreciative of the quality photographic time I was afforded there. After the U.S. Coast Guard Station closed, I frequently reviewed the photographs made there. I believe they have rich historical value with context from the late 20th Century. Up to this point in time, they’ve just held an enriching place in my archive.
With that, here’s a sampling of my perspective and experiences from those years.
I’m not sure what my thinking was with this photograph. Possibly admiring the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin 721 docked at Yankee Pier.
Ultimately, a self portrait that includes the city I’m intimately involved in. Gazing from the waterfront of Red Hook. Governors Island in the middle ground, Lower Manhattan off in the distance.
Were you aware that there was a public school on Governors Island? Attended by children of active duty coast guard personnel—some of whom have contacted me over the years upon seeing the photographs posted on my social media sites. All appreciative responses.
Were you aware that there was an operating movie theater on the island? Fort Jay Theater. I don’t recall what was playing at the time, but think it was a first-run movie. There was also an operating Burger King fast food restaurant as well. I regret not knowing what happened with that film.
And, of course it was an active U.S. Coast Guard station from 1966 to 1995. Before that, a U.S. Army Base & Headquarters.
A huge thank you to all U.S. Coast Guard personnel in their service, with special thanks to those who’ve assisted in helping to make this story possible.
If you’d like to know more about the island, here’s an historical —> Timeline
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I appreciate that you took the time to read it through.
Til next time…
Kenneth
I’m one of the children in your PS 26 photos, along with my childhood best friends. What a treasure to stumble upon these and be able to share the history with my children. Thank you for sharing your talent!
I especially enjoyed the photographs of the children. Their expressions are priceless.
What an interesting history of Governors Island. So nice it was sold to New York from federal government and now it has a whole new beginning.
Have you taken the ferry there recently?