© 2010 Roosevelt Island
Historical Society
May
13
The Roosevelt Island Historical Society’s Kiosk is being restored. Here are photos of 100 years of paint being stripped off to reveal the cast iron and even some copper around the windows.
Half cleaned Kiosk
Comparing the two halves
Mar
7
Modern Marvels: New York Bridges © 1999 A &E Television Networks
The story of the Queensboro Bridge and its construction. The bridge celebrated its centennial in 2009.
New York’s Last Trolleys © 2008 Sunday River Productions
Nostalgic Trolley Tour: Queens Trolleys © 1999 Mark I Video
Both videos bring to life the sites, sounds and bumpy rides of the trolleys that rode over the Queensboro Bridge from 1916 to 1957, and show Welfare Island in the 1950’s.
A Century of Caring © 2006 Metropolitan Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association
Take a trip to the 1950’s showing the Island and the Nursing Students in this classic video with great insights into the pre-Roosevelt Island days.
Angela’s Island © The true story of a Goldwater Hospital resident who struggled to become independent and live on her own. The poignant tale of eleven-year-old Angela, who amazingly overcomes the problems of a paraplegic. Her rehabilitation counselor, herself handicapped by polio, works with Angela to help her learn to cope and function in society. Angela’s mother recalls the tragedy of Angela’s birth and its devastating impact on the family, when her father deserted them.
The Garden Written and Directed by Charles Dumas © 1993 Dumas Enterprises
The story of a newcomer to the Island who meets her neighbors while working a plot in the community garden. All the actors and the director, Charles Dumas, lived on the island.
Mar
6
Feb
6
The Other Islands of New York City © 2002 Glazen Creative Group
Explore Roosevelt Island with Al Lewis (Grandpa Munster), a long-time resident. A fun look at the residential community. Adapted from a book of the same title.
Nov
20
Nov
8
A friend on the island discovered these 6 photos circa 1968. They show the lsland before any development started in 1970.
Photo 1 The Welfare Island Bridge went directly to the West Road. There was no Main Street. To the south are the Cancer and Neurological Hospitals.
Photo 2 South view of area that now includes PS/IS 217 and Westview
Photo 3 A forlorn and empty Chapel of the Good Shepherd. Next to it is the Good Samaritan German Lutheran Church. The buildings surrounding them were part of the City Home, a home for elderly, sickly and impoverished.
Photo 4 Entwined in the weeds are the three wings of Blackwell House. The north wing was demolished during its 1975 restoration. To the south is the driveway and entrance to the Central Nurses Residence.
Photo 5 Goldwater Memorial Hospital from the east with the now demolished City Hospital to the south. The City Hospital was built from east to west across the island. The walls of the hospital were quarried from the stone on the island.
Photo 6 From the south looking to the island is the Smallpox Hospital. The building to the east of the center of the hospital “H” is Brennan Hall, part of the complex. This building was demolished very soon after this photo was taken. The buildings just north were part of the complex of nursing school and staff housing.
