March 22 – Greetings from Roosevelt Island

By admin

CHECK OUT our newest graphic
@ the RIHS Visitor’s Center Kiosk!

FROM
THE 
ARCHIVE 

THE IMAGES BELOW WERE DONATED TO THE RIHS FROM DICK LUTZ,
EDITOR OF THE MAIN STREET WIRE, UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

One of our favorite photographs is that of the Warden’s House, located just north of the former Penitentiary, which is now site of the Sports Park.  Just south of the house were the walls of the prison. 

Note the in-ground swimming pool and diving board. These extravagant features make it evident that the administration was used to living in luxury, and undoubtedly a factor in their notorious corruption. Mayor Fiorello opened a corruption investigation into the administration, and eventually closed the Penitentiary in 1936.

From 1916 to 1957 the trolley rolled over the lower level outer roadways and over the Queensboro bridge, stopping mid-bridge to discharge and pick-up passengers. 

In 1957 the trolley service was discontinued. And with the opening of the Welfare Island Bridge, the trolley cars were abandoned.  The last trolley car #602 was sent to the Kingston, NY Trolley Museum where it was scrapped for parts.

EDITORIAL 

It was a crisp spring day today and perfect to visit Southpoint Park.
There were many folks walking through the park.

I stopped by the Wildlife Freedom Foundation Cat Sanctuary.   The feline residents were enjoying their meal, completely oblivious to social separation.

-Judith Berdy, President