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Jan
26
Aug
6
A WALK THROUGH SOUTHPOINT PARK
A WALK THROUGH SOUTHPOINT PARK
Commentary by Judith Berdy
Photos by Brian Blazak
Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy shares her thoughts and some pictures from opening day at the new Southpoint Park.
Southpoint Park opened today (August 2, 2011) after years in the works. I stopped by briefly to see what has materialized from mounds of debris and acres of weeds. The approximately 7 acre park weaves south from the gate just south of Goldwater Hospital to the southern end of the Smallpox Hospital. The FDR Four Freedoms Park site is south and will open late in 2012.
Just outside the east gates and inside the west gates are cast iron columns salvaged from the City Hospital, which was on the site.
Image from Brian Blazak of RIHS
The stone walls (Fordham Gneiss) quarried on the Island and salvaged from the City Hospital form a serpentine low winding bench and/or fence through most of the park area.
Image From Brian Blazak of RIHS
Thanks to Alyce Russo, former RIOC Director of Planning, who stored the stones for future use.
Unfortunately the first structure you see is the comfort station, in blue and gray, two colors that have no relation to anything on Roosevelt Island. It is super size and great for school and camp groups.
Image by Brian Blazak of RIHS
Wide asphalt paved roads and paths make it easy for vehicles to use the roads. They seem a little wide and overwhelming in some areas.
Image from Brian Blazak of RIHS
The hills, which cover tons of rocks now, are gently sloping downwards and kids and teens seemed to love to run up and down them. The plantings are mostly wild flowers and black eyed Susan’s. No fancy lawns or gardens here.
Image from Brian Blazak of RIHS
Image from Brian Blazak of RIHS
Inter-spaced in the hills are remnants from the old hospital entrance including an orb that once signified the entrance to the Maternity Hospital on the site.
Image from Brian Blazak of RIHS
Image from Brian Blazak of RIHS
The cul-de-sac that will eventually include the FDR Hope Memorial has a lovely grove of trees surrounding it and overlooking the Smallpox Hospital.
Image from Brian Blazak of RIHS
The landmark Smallpox Hospital (not Renwick Ruin) is surrounded by a high fence and unfortunately the weeds and debris have not been removed from around it. This is a pity, since the building should be the showpiece of the park. Hopefully this will be remedied soon.
Image from Brian Blazak of RIHS
Image from Brian Blazak of RIHS
The landmark Strecker Memorial Laboratory just northeast shines with its wonderful restoration and it is pleasantly placed in a setting befitting this lovely structure.
Image from Brian Blazak of RIHS
It is not a cafe, but a power conversion station for the F and M subway lines. Perhaps it is the perfect site for a few tables and a Cappuccino Cart. Modern steel benches dot the area. They look out of place and a bit too modern for the classic site.
It is wonderful to watch the river from paths that were blocked by debris and overgrown vegetation for years. This may not be the High Line, but it is our new connection to the river and our southern tip. Considering all the convolutions the park went through, I am glad it is finally here!
For information on the landmark Smallpox Hospital and Strecker Laboratory go to www.rihs.us.
Aug
6
MAPPING ROOSEVELT ISLAND: 1656 TO 2011
MAPPING ROOSEVELT ISLAND: 1656 TO 2011
(where in the world is Roosevelt island?)
An exhibition of maps created over a 350-year period reveals the effort to delineate the topography and the changing role of Roosevelt Island: from a private Dutch colonial holding to the site of an extensive array of social welfare institutions operating from the mid-19th century to the current day.
Explore the island history through these eight unique maps from the archives of
The Roosevelt Island Historical Society
The exhibition is on display in:
The Octagon Gallery
888 Main Street, Roosevelt Island
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The exhibit is FREE and will be on view through August 20, 2011.
———————————————————————
INHABITING MNEMONIC DESIGN ON ROOSEVELT ISLAND
Window Display Invites Memory and Creation in Depiction of Artists’ Residence within Ruins
Mnemonic design involves “a personal connection to a space,” according to Ellen Ivanits. Her plan for an artists’ residence built in the partial structure of the Smallpox Hospital, now in ruins on Roosevelt Island, invites artists to use memory in an act of creation. On view in the window of 513 Main Street, Roosevelt Island thru August 30, 2011
R.I.H.S. Visitor Center Kiosk
Visit our historic center to obtain information about the island history, walking tours, maps, events, sites and information about the newly opened Southpoint Park.
Open Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. and Friday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
find us on Facebook
212-688-4836
May
23
“Readings from Our Island” to begin tomorrow, May 24
The Roosevelt Island Historical Society
In Conjunction with
The New York Public Library-Roosevelt Island Branch
Present
“Readings from Our Island”
Through the years the RIHS has collected all manner of writings that were created by residents of our prisons and hospitals as well as hospital staff, physicians, administrators and others.
Join us for four evenings of readings from these works, most of which have never been seen before.
Tuesday, May 24 Readings from the Hospitals & the Penitentiary
Letters and recollections from physicians, nurses and other staff who worked and sometimes lived on the Island. Penitentiary news with readings from the prison published newspaper,
Story of Emma Goldman, who while incarcerated on the Island, was taught to become a nurse.
All programs will take place at the New York Public Library-Roosevelt Island branch, 524 Main Street from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Apr
29
Cherry Blossom Grove Dedication to People of Japan
Saturday, April 30, 2011 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
West Promenade across from the subway station, Roosevelt Island, NY
The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA), Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, the Japanese Association of Roosevelt Island and the Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association (RIVAA) will dedicate a grove of cherry blossoms in an act of solidarity for the Japanese people at a cherry blossom festival. The festival, which is open to the public, will feature Japanese-themed food, drinks, live music and events for adults and children. All proceeds from the festival, including the food and beverage sales, will be donated to the Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund supporting the March 11th earthquake survivors in Japan.
Mar
29
Spring Waking Tour – May 1, 2011
The Roosevelt Island Historical Society
4th Annual Cherry Blossom Walk
Sunday, May 1, 2011
11 a.m.
Tour leaves from the Visitor Center Tram Plaza, Roosevelt Island
Suggested Donation: $5.00
Reservations requested: 212-688-4836 or rooseveltislandhistory@usa.com
Feb
23
Nov
29
Kiosk Renovation Complete
The Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway re-opens on Tuesday, November 30th at 11 AM.
This week, The Roosevelt Island Visitors Kiosk will be open during the following hours:
| Tuesday | November 30 | 10 AM – 5 PM | ||||||
| Wednesday | December 1 | 12 PM – 5 PM | ||||||
| Thursday | December 2 | 12 PM - 7 PM | ||||||
| Friday | December 3 | 12 PM - 7 PM | ||||||
| Saturday | December 4 | 12 PM - 5 PM | ||||||
| Sunday | December 5 | 12 PM - 5 PM |
Oct
7
Kiosk Reopening This Weekend
The RIHS Visitor Center Kiosk
Reopens for Open House New York
For This Weekend
Sat. & Sun 10/9 and 10/10
12 noon to 5 p.m.
Our workers are rushing to finish the
restoration of the kiosk for this weekend.
Also, Come and take a preview look at our new
tram cabin. Service resumes in November!!!
The kiosk will open with regular hours
when the Tram reopens.
To Reach Roosevelt Island take the F train
and walk south from the Subway Station
May
13
Kiosk gets a Face Lift
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