Governors Island 1
08/10/04
I'd long wondered what Governors Island was like, and along with Christina, Kevin and Rudy I finally got a chance to find out. The island, which over the years has been home to Dutch governors, British militia, the U.S. Army, Confederate prisoners, and the Coast Guard, is right in the middle of New York Harbor, and there's an unfamiliar feeling of being surrounded by the city yet somehow apart from it. Proposals for the island's future include a CUNY campus, a hotel/conference center, an oceanographic research facility, and a casino; the last one, alas, is forbidden by the terms of the deed conveying the island from the federal government to the city. More at Christina's Governors Island site.
2:36 AM | Comments (62) | TrackBack (1)
Comments
I love the first photo! That cloud looks 3D.
Posted by: Chris at August 10, 2004 02:47 PM
argh you beat me to it. i was going to go there on sunday but as far as i could tell, there's no ferry service to the island that day. who knows i could be wrong... i got lost on their website. i definitely like the first photo too.
Posted by: trevor at August 10, 2004 03:52 PM
Great pictures! I worked as a park ranger on Governors Island this past summer, and may have even led your tour. I don't know. Since the summer's over, I'm back home in Missouri working on the election and finishing up my schoolin'. Great blog, too.
Posted by: Alyssa at September 28, 2004 01:20 PM
I worked for four days over there in archaeology when they were still arguing over then President William Clinton's offer (funny where's Jefferson I used to think you have Castle William(s) and Castle Clinton, where's Jefferson, William Jefferson Clinton?) if the right uses for it could be established, we could have it for $1, instead of what Congress' scheme to do with it, reduce the National debt by $500 million for it. Mayor Giuliani reported putting a casino there. Geoarchaeology Research Associates of the Bronx, for the Public Archaeology Lab of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, did some testing there for the deeper geology around Fort Jay. One of the test was in the wall of the dry moat another near the covered subterranean walk that once connected Fort Jay with Castle Clinton. While we were there the "last" Coastguardsman grounds-keeper was by a few times telling us about the island and I also strolled around as much as I could. About the same time incidently the Omega company agreed to replace all the faulty fire sprinklers in Federal buildings (over 1 million) but was refusing to in private and commercial space (over 3 million of them I think).
(The ferry when I was to it, was "The Swivel" and it was run by a Caterpillar engine. I later met its Captain digging test holes on and near GAteway Park on Staten Island, he had a "blond" Irish wolfhound he was walking. He stated that all the ferry crews had been fired and the City was trying to re-arrange everything based on new employees.)
1) There is a monument next to the swivel gun monument to Peter Zenger I can't recall what it was. Perhaps you might mention the swivel gun.
2) The eagles you show are Army eagles facing to the left, other eagles, from the Coast Guard era face right (or vice versa) on some of the other buildings.
3) Some of the iron work there was made by foundries in the Bronx (coal chute covers on the Officers "mansions" are from the Mott Foundry in the Bronx. The Janes and Kirtland foundry in the South Bronx made and assembled, the current US Capitol Dome during the Civil War for a little over $1 million.
4) It was reported that the first flight school by the government in the US was held there, planes catapulted into the air. There is also some talk of whether there was a canoe tied to Wilbur Wright's plane when he flew off there to Grant Tomb and back and what happened to it, as it is now at the Smithsonian.
5) Recently some chatter had that the plans to "Operation Overlord" the D-Day invasion plans, were kept in the safe at the Admiral's House.
6) Chesnuts (the edible ones) grow there near Fort Jay. Might they be the original Pagganck or Nutten that the natives then the Dutch called the island?
7) A Revolutionary War, unmarked cemetery was found when electrical upgrades were to be installed in parking lots to the west of the ferry landing. There is a marker there that might be good to include in any update of the site. Nothing other than the dates are known for those buried there once in the "field of view" of the Twin Towers.
8) General and President Grant's first assignment before Captain at Governors Island was as Lt. Grant, just out of West Point, to Sackett's Harbor, on Lake Ontario, near Watertown, NY.
Best regards,
George Myers
georgejmyersjr@hotmail.com
2004-11-05
Posted by: George Myers at November 5, 2004 01:29 PM
Dear
all members of this association please i want to join your association and am man of 32years old and my a nigeria please i will like to hear fromm you thanks
yours
adeyemi rolland
Posted by: Adeyemi Rolland Taiwo at April 6, 2005 02:45 AM
i lived on governers island as a kid and attended P.S 26, i miss it so much and wish i still lived in my old dogbone shaped apartment building facing the statue of liberty, i remember sleeping over at my friends house, he lived in those huge building now deemed historic(his dad was the admiral) so much has changed in the last 14 years. anybody who lived on GI from 1991-1995 please let me know.
Posted by: Brad at April 24, 2005 06:18 AM
I too lived on Governors Island but from 1968 to 1975 and attended PS26. It was in an old building behind the catholic church and during my 3rd grade, we moved into the newer building on the other side of the island. I loved growing up there. There was such a sense of freedom as a kid there. We would leave early in the day to play and come home for lunch and leave again. My parents never worried. I didn't know it was opened to the public. Next time I am in NY, I will have to take a look.
Posted by: Jacquie at May 15, 2005 08:08 AM
Hey I live on Governors Island from November 1991-June 1996. I went to PS 26 for 4-6 grade and then NYC Lab school for Junior High. My dad was enlisted so we lived in Bldg 877. I really miss the good times..it seemed like a small town in the middle of a busy city.
Posted by: Nichelle at May 19, 2005 07:06 PM
All invited, 09-18-04. 12:00 am. PAGGANCK
As always discretion and furtiveness is demanded.
Posted by: C. Mara. at June 3, 2005 07:05 PM
Hey I lived on Governors Island from 1970- 1973 I attended PS26 in kindergarten- 3rd grade. I have fond memories of living there. I remember walking to school everyday, playing on the play ground then walking home for lunch. I recall life being very peaceful and fun. Our parents didn't have to worry about where we were. Wasn't life great back then. My family lived in the brick apartment house in Nolan Park. I have two older sisters Mary and Betty. I remember the playgroung that had the old concrete pipes with holes in them that also had tunnels to crawl through, what fun we used to have. Just recently went back to the island, now open for tours. What fun that was! If anyone lived there during those years, please contact me. Thanks.
Posted by: Patty at July 4, 2005 01:23 PM
For almost a year I lived and loved life on the island as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Please take care of the lady, she deserves it.
Thanks,
Jeff
Posted by: Jeff at July 8, 2005 01:43 AM
As a member of the WACS (Womens' Army Corps), I lived on Ft. Jay, Governor's Island, from 1957-58. The Fort was then, of course, 1st Army Area HQ, and I was assigned as a legal clerk in JAG.
I will return for the first time since then on August 20--a trip that's sure to bring back memories!
Posted by: Glenda Czerwinski at August 1, 2005 10:21 PM
I lived on G.I. from 90-96 in building 877, #207. Attended PS 26. Miss it so much and can't wait to go back oneday.
Posted by: Rachel Griffith at August 2, 2005 06:50 PM
born on the island in 1944...left in 1951...went back the last time when the CG was just taking over the island. really enjoyed reading all the comments about the island...it is truely a great place and should be taken care of. i am looking foreward to visiting before the summer is out. again, thanks for sharing your comments and pictures.
Posted by: richard constable at August 4, 2005 05:54 PM
I live on the island from 1985-1990. I attended PS 26 as well. I am looking for anyone whom might have attended PS 26 in those years! Thanks!
Posted by: Alexis Pendleton at August 25, 2005 11:57 AM
Does anyone know where General Winfield Scott Hancock of Civil War fame lived on the Island? and if so, is the house still standing.? He also ran for president of the US in the 1880's from the Island. Any info would be appreciative.
Posted by: steve heinstrom at October 14, 2005 07:52 PM
Greetings,
I had the pleasure of living on the rock from 72 to 86. Anyone who was there during that time frame e-mail me to catch up on old times. Or if we weren't there together, still e-mail me. It would be wonderful to talk with someone about the rock.
James
Posted by: James Pier at December 3, 2005 08:37 AM
I lived on Governors Island from 1990-1994 in building 877, apartment 530. I went to PS 26 K-3. I remember going firefly hunting in Nolan Park and walking through the buoy yard. I loved living on that island and miss the friends i made and the teachers i had
Posted by: Elizabeth at December 7, 2005 10:13 AM
I lived on the island from Feb 69 through Jan 70. I was an instructor in Yeoman School in the CG Training Center and lived in one of the enlisted high rise apts there. From all the pics that I have seen so far I have not seen these apts. My memorable event on the Island was the day I got out of the Coast Guard. The moving van that was moving my belongings back to Texas caught fire in front of the high rise and I lost everything that I had except what was in my tiny Volkswagen! What a way to start back to college!
Even with this event, I still have many fond memories of my life and times at Governor's Island! Send me a line if you can.
Thanks
Posted by: Terry Bond at December 13, 2005 11:11 AM
When I was a kid, my dad was stationed at the Fort Wadsworth Light Attendant's Station over on Staten Island (~'67-'70). I remember going to GI several times with my dad. I'll be in NYC this summer and it'll be interesting to drop by and check out GI (now that it's public). By the way, does anyone out there know what happened to the former light attendan't station at Fort Wadsworth? I can't find (google) much on it.
Thanks.
Posted by: Bill Shontell at January 8, 2006 03:38 AM
i lived on govenersisland from birth till the age of seven went to ps twenty six as well my dad was in the coast quard and my brother went to school there as well as i did i miss everything about the island the ferry boats the pools that we had the baseball fields and the uso coming to the island along the president coming i sill miss it though have not been back since 9 11 plus one more thing i miss apartment building 2 k and eight seven seven one of many fun places on that island i live in mass now hope to get some reply from people christina raymond
Posted by: christinaraymond at March 24, 2006 09:59 PM
I fell in love with a Coastie on Governor's Island, but that was a LONG long time ago!
Posted by: "Kitten" at April 29, 2006 08:59 PM
Hi there! Lived on the island till about '95 I believe. Looking for any of the old crew from that time. Drop me a line and say hello!
Posted by: athena at May 1, 2006 10:12 AM
hey i live on the island from 90-93..i lived in 866 and went to ps 26 from k-2nd grade...im 21 now, 22 in june...hit me up if you lived there too...ooolala6284@aol.com..i misss it sooooooo much...its just not the same visiting
Posted by: Tasha at May 19, 2006 12:08 AM
I practically lived on the island from 1986-1989, gotta admit it was one of the best times of my life.I have so many memories. If anyone remembers me I hung out with Alana, Bobby, Glenn, Rachel, Arty, JP etc...I'm looking for pictures from the teen center, Dances etc...
Thanx!
Posted by: Christal at June 5, 2006 10:04 PM
hello:mike midgett I lived on the island from 68-69 I also went to ps 26 for sixth grade.I've been wanting to come back for a visit but dont know how to get access.The photos brought back lots of memories.nice site
Posted by: md midgett at June 19, 2006 07:00 PM
Hey Nichelle I also went to ps 26 around the same time you did 4-5 grade and lived in building 877 we must know each other! well let me know my aim is sinyc02 c ya
Posted by: Noel Bleakney at July 10, 2006 03:32 PM
I was stationed at Fort Jay, Governors Island from March 61 - November 63, as an Army dental technician, MOS 917. Twas a very happy time for me in the peacetime army. However those were days of ferment in NYC and all over America. We witnessed the rise of Bob Dylan, Cassius Clay/Mo Ali, beatniks and peaceniks. It was a very exciting time. I had wished all my life before the Army sent me to Fort Jay that i could live in New York. So I did get my wish! And my future wife joined me as a civilian, working in Manhattan. I'd take that boat to South Ferry and we'd meet as often as we could. What a romantic, turbulent, exciting time that was. As to what my civilian ambition was: I wanted to be a radio DJ. Those happened to be the crest of the finest radio years in New York radio with WABC and WMCA the big competing rock stations. More later. Cheers!
Posted by: George Kaplan at July 13, 2006 09:45 PM
I lived on GI from 1970 to 1974. Attended p.s.26 old and new, (4th and 5th grade). Had Mrs. Smokler for a teacher. Played flag football for the Vikings in 1972, champs. Lived in 855 and 877. Great times. Love to hear from someone from that time frame. I live in Boston now.
Posted by: Jeff Jordan (Brosseau) at July 21, 2006 03:28 PM
I lived on the island during the weekends in the early 1980's. My dad was stationed on the island and worked at the United Nations. I lived w/ my mom in NJ. I would take the train to Hoboken. From Hoboken I would take the PATH to WTC (God Rest Their Many Souls). From the WTC I would walk to the ferry. Because I did not live with my father I did not have a lot of friends on the island but loved to bowl. My dad taught me how to drive his red, 1972 VW bug around the island, I was only 13/14 years old. I did have a mentor on the island, Chief Harry Wadsworth (spelling). I would love to know what he is doing now.
Posted by: Lars Lindahl at July 25, 2006 10:31 PM
Used to live in 877 from 80-82, I believe. Went to PS 26 and lived in apt 315. Last name was Nuccio then; I was very young, but there aren't too many Nuccios around, so anyone who may know my Dad Harry or attended Kindergarten-first grade in 80-81, feel free to write! Beth flippin1999@yahoo.com.
Posted by: Beth at August 9, 2006 08:26 PM
Lived on governors island in yearly 90's went to ps 26 lived in building 877 apt #518 sure do miss that place. to go and see a movie only cost 50 cents, the buger king, bowling alley hope to here from some of you. kcorkhill@comcast.net
Posted by: kenneth at August 13, 2006 12:56 AM
I lived on Governor's Island from 82 - 90. I attended PS 26 from K-6 but moved off the island in 91. and would love to hear from anyone that I was friends with.
Posted by: Elizabeth Kenyon at August 14, 2006 05:24 PM
I lived on governors island as a kid in 1995. My dad was in the coast guard as an HS1 petty officer, was promoted as head chief, and then he later retired in the summer of 2005. I remember i used to ask my dad for some money to go to the movie theatre every friday and saturday nights and he did. Now going to the movies cause booko bucks along with the snacks separate. i was a fourth grader in ms. dimson's class{401}, and i wish to hear from the people i became friends with, including my fourth grade best friend michelle from class 3/4, hi michelle! i also wish to hear from some of the people from my fourth grade class, hi everybody long time no see! i had really despise the fact they had to close the island down because, lol man, we had alot of fun times there,just being kids.
Posted by: Jocelyn Janae Barnhill Age now 21 at September 16, 2006 12:26 PM
Served onboard the USCGC Dallas (WHEC-716) between 1992 and 1995 (it was still homeported at Governors Island at the time). Presently stationed at the Vessel Traffic Service over at Fort Wadsworth, but it still makes me sad (and a little angry) when I see how little has been done with Governors Island over the course of the past ten years since we (the Coast Guard) vacated. I know that it's a pipe dream, but boy it would be nice if the city would see fit to hand it back to us...at least we'd put it to good use.
Posted by: Jim Moore at September 24, 2006 09:01 AM
I lived on GI from 77-88 and not a day goes by that I don't think about the island or some memory of. I recently reunited with an old friend I knew from 77 and we revisited the island together. It brought back so many memories and it was nice to be back, yet sad. If there was a time machine, this is the place that I would return to. I miss you GI and all my friends!
Posted by: Laura Hutchinson at September 29, 2006 01:34 PM
Posted by: at December 19, 2006 07:39 AM
Great memories!! I lived on Governor's Island as a kid, between 1975 - 1978. I attended PS 26, and was in Ms. McAuliffe's class. I remember she took a bunch of us on an unofficial field trip to the city to see Bing Crosby sing White Christmas as they lit up the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. My Dad was Capt. Stephen Pugh. He was a Doctor at the Dispensary. We lived in Nolan Park, in the house right next to the Admiral's house. My older sisters are Dawn, Chrystal, and Tanya. My best friend on the island was Shirley Hargraves. Those were the days my friends.
Posted by: Wendy at February 19, 2007 06:56 AM
Lived on GI '82-83; back '90-'97. Worked Group NY as a radioman, then Atlantic Area as a LT-LCDR; then shut down the Island as Personnel Chief and cleaned it up as Environmental Safety Chief. Started in Bldg 400 (Liggett Hall) barracks, went to Bldg 550(?); then "Junior Officer's Ghetto" Bldg 12, Apt O-4. Had my first wife and first son with me on GI from 90-94. Loved the small town in the middle of the big city. Never worried about Scotty or his safety. Still remember him trick-or-treating at the Admiral's House and him offering his candy to a costumed Cookie Monster. Admirals' wife (Mrs. Welling, I think) was amazed at a three-year old offering up his goodies! I miss GI/The Rock all the time.
Posted by: LJ (Joe) Dumas at March 3, 2007 03:16 PM
Hello everyone! I lived on G.I. from 82-96. went to P.S.26 k-6, school of the future (down the street from 104) 7-8, then curtis high scholl on staten island for 3 years of 9th grade befor dropping out.nice!when i left the island i was 18 i think.the memories of that small hunk of rock in the new york harbour are magical.this past christmas my wife, daughter, mother and i went back to new york for the first time since we left. everything is different. up town got a spring ceaning. down town got blown up, but G.I. seemed frozen in time.we were not aloud on the island beacuse it's closed in the winter,but i'm not sure i could any way.the fact that it seems like we all left and the island is just waiting for us all to come back and pick up right where we left off.it's been like 11 years cince i was there, and i know no one has lived in 638 apt. #f in brick village since.after all this time, MY finger prints are still on the wall, where i got mad and punched a hole in the wall while moving will still be there. it just seems to weird. i lived there frome 5-18. did all my growing up there. i'v been away almost as long as i lived there in the first place, but inside i'm still a G.I. brat. every one i've lost, your all still loved in my memories, and thad wonderfull island will always be a definition of who i am.
Posted by: jason christensen at March 12, 2007 12:16 AM
I used to live on Governors Island. My dad was stationed there sometime around 1978. I was only a smll baby then, but I remeber going back to visit friends and catching fireflys.
Posted by: max squires at April 18, 2007 02:33 PM
I was stationed at the TRACEN on GOVISL from 1971-1974. I went to YN school and stayed as an Instructor in YN school for the next 2 years. I went from SAYN to YN1 during that time. When YN school went to Petaluma, CA, I became the Chief Clerk for the CO at the TRACEN, Capt. Roy K. Angell. I was only in for 4 years. We lived on Staten Island in the section called West Brighton. Working on GOVISL was OK. Being in NYC was terrible. Staten Island was OK. I would like to hear from anyone who was at the TRACEN at that time. Thanks. Jim Caldwell, Monongehela, PA
Posted by: Jim Caldwell at April 25, 2007 11:05 AM
I lived 0n Gov Is from 75-78 went to 5th,6th grade at pS 26-Had Mcaullife and Bolonia as teachers--Went to Simon Baruch JHS 104. 7th and part of 8th grade) I had some good friends there played little league baseball-teen league ball--and on the G.I. Bengals (Kyle Rote) football team.
Almost all the people I knew there I never saw again after I left--typical of a military upbringing. I allways look back fondly on those times forever gone...........
Posted by: Jeff Carlson at May 25, 2007 11:51 PM
I lived on Governor's Island from 1985-1995. I went to PS 26. I had Ms. Weintraub for 3rd grade, Ms. Danielson for 4th, and Ms. Feinglass for 5th and 6th grade. I went to School of the Future for 7th and 8th grade. I lived in building 844 apt. 5J and then moved to building 877 apt. 616. I used to be in GINYSAC playing basketball and soccer. Damn I miss the memories. I would love to talk to ANYBODY who lived there to share some memories. PS I just turned 26.
peteg818@yahoo.com
Posted by: Pete Gomillion at August 25, 2007 07:18 PM
I lived on G.I. from 78-89ish. My name is Peter Raymond, Im 31 now and would love to get into contact with anyone I knew from the island. I lived in 866 apt.2g. What a great time I had as a child, the island was the greatest place for a child to grow up. No crime, you could roam all over the island, cheap movie prices, bowling alley, pools, it was the greatest. Skyline seems so unfamiliar though! I remember a few names I went to P.S. 26 with Larry Sterling, Zippy Buting,Jennifer Scott,Jennifer Delion, Clinton Sovia, Robby Calafano, Danny Robinson to name a few. I have a sister named Christina Raymond if anyone recognizes. email me boxer-guy@msn.com
Posted by: Peter at September 8, 2007 02:12 PM
Old timer here-I'm from the original Coast Guard class of 1966, when they took over the isle from the Army.
In my case, I was coming in from District 14, which was of course another island.
We were bussed to midtown Manhattan to go to JHS 104 (the Catholic kids went just uptown, and they got the luxury bus, because it was a private school).
The "lucky" high school kids got to go to Staten Island to school.
Posted by: Craig at September 21, 2007 11:25 PM
I lived on Governor's island from 85-88 I lived in 877 apartments then later moved into the brick village apartments across the ball fields. So many memories I remember going to ps 26 I'll never forget my crazy germophobic kindergarten teacher Mrs. Fader. I remember riding my bike to the country store over by the exchange, and the Burger King built on to the bowling alley. I used to love going to the community swimming pool too. Some of my favorite memories were from living on that little island.
Posted by: Pete at October 26, 2007 11:41 AM
Hello. I lived on Governors Island between 1986-1989 while my dad flew with the coastguard on an exchange program the Royal Air Force. His name was Squadron Leader Paddy Hayes and my twin sister Becky and I both attended P.S 26. It would be great to hear from anyone who remembers the Hayes family from England.
Posted by: David Hayes at November 3, 2007 03:42 PM
My name is Dominique Henry and i lived on the island in 93-95 i believe. I was in Mrs.Dimson's class 3rd and 4th grade during that time. I am now 21 about to be 22. I lived in building 877 apt# 324 i just wanted to see if i could find anybody i went to school with during that time i really miss that place. My email address is dominiquedhenry@yahoo.com
Posted by: Dominique Henry at December 6, 2007 01:48 AM
I lived on GI during the Spring, Summer and early Fall of 1952, brief stint in second grade at PS32, Miss Duff - first door to the left off the main hall! When my Dad shipped to Korea, we moved to CT.
I attended a reunion of Army+Coast Guard Brats in June of 2006 and actually got to see the inside of our apartment in the Fort Jay Quad - what a kick! Fondest memories of the idyllic setting in the middle of the East River...so quiet, safe and kid-oriented. Check out the GI Brat web page: just search it on Google - Satan's Laudromat won't let me give post the address.
Posted by: Jeff Holmes at February 6, 2008 03:13 PM
Lived on GI from 88-90, my family lived there from 86-90. Married my hubby there in 89, before that spent many wonderful nights hanging out at the pool after hours with my lifeguard friends... Steve, Art, Jon, Dave, Michelle, etc.
The best place to live ever! Wish that we could live there again.
Posted by: Wendy at February 10, 2008 12:12 AM
LIVED ON THE ISLAND (74 & 75) BLDG 877 APT 415
WENT TO PS26 GRADES 4 & 5
PLAYED FOR THE GINYSAC BENGALS # 35
ENJOYED HANGING OUT AT THE BOWLING ALLEY LISTENING TO THE JUKEBOX.
SKATING ON THE ICE CIRCLE AT BLDG 855 DURING THE WINTER. FOND MEMORIES OF THE PLACE. WENT BACK IN 96, ALOT HAD CHANGED. HAVE NOT BEEN TO N.Y. SINCE 9/11. CANT IMAGINE THE SKYLINE WITHOUT THE WTC IN THE "BACKYARD"
Posted by: DAVE HAYS at February 19, 2008 04:05 PM
Sorry, that was PS3 on GI - PS32 was the school on Staten Island when our family lived at Fort Wadworth. I has been 55+ years afterall...had a brain cramp, I guess.
Posted by: Jeff Holmes at February 22, 2008 10:01 AM
LIVED ON THE ISLAND BEGINNING 63 FOR TWO YEARS WHEN IT WAS HQ FIRST US ARMY UNDER COMMAND OF GEN.DUNN I BELIEVE.WENT TO JHS 104 23 RD ST MANHATTAN.MY SISTER WAS MARRIED ON POST,LOOKED OUT MY BEDROOM WINDOW AT STATUE OF LIBERTY AND ELLIS ISLAND,PLAYED IN A BAND THAT PLAYED AT THE TEEN CLUB.USED TO SKATE IN CONCRETE CIRCLE IN CENTER OF APT. HOUSING. WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE BEST MEMORIES AND A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART
Posted by: JOHN HAUG at March 28, 2008 07:11 PM
Roll Call...
I lived on GI from 66-nearly 72. Hope all you brats know of the Governors Island Yahoo sites.
If not, come on over, there are over 600 of us on the 71-85 site, and there is another for younger brats. All are invited to the 71-85 one. It's governorsislandbrats2@yahoogroups.com.
I recognized Mike Midgett's name. HI MIKE!!!
Jo Ann
Posted by: Jo Ann Aguirre Burkett at March 30, 2008 09:19 AM
i too lived on governers island from the early 50's to the mid 60's. first we lived on the brooklyn side, bldg 110 F 4, then later 110 F 8. then still later we lived over by the NCO club in wooden barrack type places.the last time was in the early 60's when we lived in the 7 story building on the statue of liberty side of island. some things are a blur as it was so long ago. but i do remember it being a wonderful time in my life. i attended 6th, 7th and 8th, grades on the island school later attended hs at curtis high school in staten island. what a wonderful way to grow up. it was all so great, and back then we were all so SAFE and SECURE. never a locked door. i remember meeting my husband at the base pool. he was a lifegaurd there in the summer of 59 or 60. i remember going to the nco club with my parents and atttending the movies on the island. back then it was only 25 cents. i remember getting off of the ferry and on the right hand side was my fathers work place back then it was called RPC recruiting publicity center, but later changed to RPB recruiting publicity bureau. on the left side was the commissary. as u walked up the hill to the right was sthe BX. if you went left up the hill you wnet through the park area which is where all the officers lived. our apt. was by the big protestant church. the catholic church was in front of the school. off to the right of the church was the place where they held dances andsuch and the movie was next to that. i remember walking past the old quadrangle, and of course when u came on to the island to the right was the famous brig Castle.there are so many many memries left there, that when the time comes to tear down parts of it, i am sure there will be many ghosts that will linger forever. mine is one of them. loved that place dearly and would give anything to be able to return there .
scubagal62@aol.com
Posted by: shirley carawan at April 1, 2008 01:54 AM
I lived on Governor's Island in about 79 - Went to the public school - 3rd grade - Ms. DiNapoli - My sister Michelle was in 1st grade - Ms. Lewis - I remember the old boat on the playground we could play hide and seek in - and the big open baseball fields where there was baseball, tball, softball, etc. It was a great place to grow up for a while - so close to the city yet far enough away - Your own little world - we would hang out at the bowling alley, have pizza, and lived in what was called Brick Village......
Posted by: Andrea Clay at April 2, 2008 03:20 PM
Hey there, I was on Governors Island as a dependent from 1978 to 1979, went to 7th and 8th grade up at JHS 104 in the city. I'm looking to connect with my friends I had while there - Tom Barnard, Tom Fleming, Steven ?itch, and Donna ?. Would anyone know these people, they would be in their early 40's now. Eric Dunn Sellersburg, IN dunns2007@gmail.com or catch me on Facebook.
Posted by: Eric Dunn at April 14, 2008 04:23 PM
Hi
I lived on GI from 64-66. Went to 1st - 3rd grade there. Made my first communion at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Catholic Chapel. I used to get my bike fix at the prison, by someone named "Otto". On sundays I used to take the ferry into the city to get the paper, they use to let me in the wheelhouse to "drive the ferry." We were one of, if not, the last Army families to leave the Island in 1966.
Posted by: Don Labrie at April 21, 2008 07:27 PM
I lived in the Quad (206D) on the island from '77-'80. Went to P.S. 26 Frederick Billard Elem. school with the purple wall-to-wall carpet...had Bologna for 5th grade and Smokler for 6th although she was absent a lot that year and my mother substituted a lot for her (uuggghh). Both years I participated in the foreign exchange to Mexico that Ms. Feinglass coordinated. I thoroughly enjoyed the 7th grade commute to JHS 104 with Mr. Sharon for music and Ms. Danza as my homeroom teacher. I remember how cool it was to turn 10 and get my very own ID card. What a great place to live....we enjoyed all the shows and museums that the city had to offer yet lived minutes away in a place where we never locked our doors!
Posted by: Sarah Arnold Shanley at April 27, 2008 10:37 AM
I lived on the island for eight years... left in '95 when my dad retired from the Coast Guard. I also received my First Holy Communium at the Our Lady of Star the Sea Catholic church, and attended PS 26 for K-4. I miss the island all the time, and went for one of the tours several years ago (around 2000). I currently live in Rockland County, NY, but am a grad student at Penn State College of Medicine. I remember living in building 948, right across from the Statue of Liberty... a view that cannot be topped. I also remember always being able to walk to friends' houses (and to school), eating at the Burger King/bowling alley that sold pizza, and going to the old movie theater. Sadly enough, when I visited the island in 2000, the elementary school was run down looking (some of the windows boarded up), and the grass was several feet high. The tour guide wouldn't let us see the apartment buildings on the "non-historical" side of the island, but the historical side of the island was as beautiful as ever (I guess thats where they do maintenance). If anybody remembers me, I'd love to catch up. Maybe somebody else remembers Ms. Bird's fourth grade class...
Posted by: Erin Walsh at May 4, 2008 08:29 PM
I lived on the Island from '72 - '74 (ish) Lived in one of the highrises, skated in the circle in the winter, floated cardboard boats in it in spring and fall and popped tar bubbles in it (much to my mother's dismay) in the summer! Went to PS 26 for K & 1st (had the most horrible "Nazi"-esque woman for a 1st grade teacher) My most vivid memory of the "rules" was getting caught by morning colors on my way to school one day and standing there crying the entire time because I knew I was going to be late!!! My father (Lee Moon EN1) was the Athletic Director and he coached the GINYSAC Bengals for my brother (David). I remember the Jenkins (Pooky and George) the Frenchs (Jeffery) and the Sharmellos...(sp?) and a lady named Candy Mann...LOL!!! Great to hear everyone's stories!!!