- City:
- Tonawanda, NY
- Site Type:
- Parks and Recreation, Shelters
- New Deal Agencies:
- Work Relief Programs, Works Progress Administration (WPA)
- Site Survival:
- Extant
Description
Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry states that
“The majority of the original park was acquired through the purchasing of private land and County tax foreclosures (1936 & 1937)…. WPA crews built structural construction. The WPA structures included the Boathouse & concession stand (1939), shelters, recreation facilities, and the boat dock. Ellicott Island, A.K.A Island at “three mile bend” was constructed to make the creek more navigable and divert canal traffic. Charles Ellicott, a Landscape Architect, heavily influenced the island in the design process. The spur in development in the late 30’s through the 40’s created the peak popularity with boaters and families. (Erie Co.)
Source notes
National Archives and Records Administration, Negative 7738-D National Archives and Records Administration, Negative 7123-CContribute to this Site
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Submit More Information or Photographs for this New Deal Site2 comments on “Ellicott Island Park Facilities – Tonawanda NY”
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Cassata
Elia K
I grew up directly across the street from the island castle. Only saw a photo of the entire castle once as a child. These photos are great. Thank you.
I remember that legendary NY Yankee (1931-1945) manager Joe McCarthy lived on Ellicott Creek Dr. (possibly Rd.), and this was a local source of pride and interest to me. He managed Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio and their contemporaries -The Yankees Dynasty.