Staten Island Sites

A program of repairs to Hylan Blvd. along a 1.2-mile stretch from Page Avenue to Arthur Kill (Staten Island Sound) was undertaken as a sponsored federal WPA project during the 1930s. The project occurred in the Tottenville neighborhood of Staten Island. Repairs included "resurfacing the existing pavement (44 ft. wide) ... and paving the wings (8 ft. wide each) ...; constructing concrete curb on both sides."

An overpass carrying John Street over what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway) was constructed during the mid-1930s, in conjunction with the lowering of the railroad right-of-way, as one link in a massive grade crossing removal project. This bridge has since been removed; vehicular traffic now reaches a discontinuity at this point. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

"Joseph H. Lyons Pool, the largest public pool on Staten Island, was built in 1936. Constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Lyons Pool was one of eleven pools that opened throughout New York City in a single summer during the Great Depression." (NYC Parks) "Opened July 7, 1936, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia summed up one of the main goals of the WPA pools, calling the facility "a monument to the progressive government which would not and could not see unemployed men on the breadline." (NYC Parks - Pools history) The year of the pool’s opening – 1936 – became known in...

On May 7, 1936, the Department of Parks announced the opening of the newly constructed second nine and the reconstructed first nine at La Tourette Golf Course in Staten Island, which had been “thoroughly reconstructed with new tees and greens throughout…with relief funds provided by the C.W.A., T.E.R.A. and W.P.A.” The course is still in use.

The federal Work Projects Administration put many men to work starting in 1935 with a Staten Island project that removed dangerous street ditches from roads throughout the borough. Granite block gutters and headers were installed by WPA laborers along a dozen streets, including the stretch of Lafayette Avenue between Prospect and Brighton Avenues.

The overpass carrying Lake Avenue over what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway) was constructed during the mid-1930s, in conjunction with the lowering of the railroad right-of-way, as one link in a massive grade crossing removal project. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The Lake Avenue railway station was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project along what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway). Developed as a two-track, two-side platform facility, it was located off Lake Avenue to the west, with entrances from both Lake Ave. and Simonson Ave.. The station has long since been abandoned. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

Levy Playground is a small plot in the Richmond district of Staten Island. It was one of five “model playgrounds” designed as templates for further playground development by Robert Moses and his team after Moses assumed control of the New York City Parks Department in 1934. The August 1934 press release announcing the opening of this and 13 other playgrounds – constructed with Work Relief funds probably coming from the Civil Works Administration (CWA) – described this playground as containing: "Recreation building and the usual playground apparatus. There is an octagonal wading pool. The smaller children will be separated from...

The land for Mahoney Playground was acquired in two parts in 1933 and in 1961. Parks announced the opening of a new playground on the first half in 1937, with "a fully equipped small children's section besides facilities for handball, basketball, horseshoe pitching, paddle tennis, shuffle board and Softball for older children and adults. Here, too, benches and shade trees are also provided." Although the 1937 press release does not mention the WPA or other New Deal agencies, researcher Frank da Cruz explains here that almost all New York City Parks Department projects between 1934 and 1943 were carried out with...

A railway-crossing bridge carrying Major Avenue was rebuilt ca. 1936 as part of a massive grade separation project along what was then the South Beach Branch of the Staten Island Railway. The line has long since been abandoned (as the line was discontinued in 1953) and the space beneath the bridge has been filled in. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

An August 1935 Parks Department press release lists Mariners Harbor Playground as one of seventy-three play areas developed in the preceding year with "city, state and federal relief funds." The release describes this park as having play areas designed for mothers and infants and older children. NYC Parks reports that the playground opened on "December 10, 1934 with a basketball/volleyball court, a playground, and a spray shower. The site name was changed several times over the years, to Mariner’s Playground in 1996 and to Harbor Playground in 1997, before its original name was recently reinstated." Although neither source identifies which federal agencies...

A new Mariners' Harbor railway station was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project along what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway). Developed as a two-track, island platform facility, it was located off Van Pelt Avenue to the west, and featured an entrance at Van Pelt Ave. as well as a pedestrian bridge and entrance at the west end of the platform, between Erestina Place and Maple Parkway. The station has long since been abandoned, and the pedestrian bridge structure is no longer extant. The Public Works Administration...

The federal Work Projects Administration put many men to work starting in 1935 with a number of Staten Island street repair and maintenance projects along roads throughout the borough. Roads paved included the stretch of Martling Avenue (then known as "Martling's Lane") between Manor Rd. and Slosson Ave.

A railway-crossing bridge carrying McClean Avenue was built during the mid-1930s as part of a massive grade separation project along what was then the South Beach Branch of the Staten Island Railway. The line has long since been abandoned (as the line was discontinued in 1953) and the space beneath the bridge has been filled in. Traces of the bridge structure can be seen by way of the different cement used along the 100-foot stretch of McClean between Conger St. and Railroad Ave. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and...

The WPA undertook several projects to improve Staten Island's Miller Field Airport, a then-U.S. Army facility, during the 1930s and early 1940s. One project called upon the WPA to: "Improve Miller Field Airport at New Dorp Lane ... by landscaping grounds; constructing and reconstructing buildings, roads, lighting, sewer, and drainage systems; and performing appurtenant work." Miller Field is now a park, part of the "Staten Island Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area, which is managed by the National Park Service." (Wikipedia)

The overpass carrying Morningstar Road over what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway) was constructed in 1937, in conjunction with the lowering of the railroad right-of-way, as one link in a massive grade crossing removal project. This overpass was built in conjunction with a rebuilt (and since eliminated) Elm Park railway station. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The federal Work Projects Administration put many men to work starting in 1935 with a Staten Island street repair and maintenance project along roads throughout the borough. The streets, many of which in New York City were still unpaved, were surfaced with bituminous macadam. Roads paved included several stretches in the New Dorp neighborhood of Staten Island: The stretch of Beach Avenue between the Staten Island Railway and 10th Street 9th Street between Beach Ave. and New Dorp Lane 10th Street between Beach Ave. and New Dorp Lane Clawson Street between Lincoln Ave. and New Dorp Lane South Railroad Avenue between Jacques Ave. and Lincoln Ave. North...

From NYC Parks: "In 1918, the War Memorial Fund was established to create a $1 million Memorial Arch to commemorate those killed in World War I. The organizers were forced to adjust their plans when they were only able to raise $210,000, and by 1922 the project was scrapped and the money was turned over to the City. The fund earned interest, growing to nearly $340,000 by 1934. Parks Commissioner Robert Moses (1888–1981), wishing to construct playspaces for children, convinced the remaining members of the War Memorial Committee to allow the funds to be used for playgrounds. Parks received the War Memorial...

In the mid-1930s, the Public Works Administration (PWA) funded a $6,000,000 grade crossing elimination program for what was then Staten Island Rapid Transit Railway (SIRT). The final project was the mile-long Port Richmond-Tower Hill viaduct, which, at the time, was "the largest grade crossing elimination unit in the United States" (New York Times). The project sought to put an end to accident prone crossings. Arthur S. Tuttle, the State Director of the PWA, opened the newly elevated stations at Port Richmond and Tower Hill in a ribbon cutting ceremony. On February 26, 1937, The New York Times announced the opening of the viaduct...

The elevated Port Richmond railway station was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project along what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway). The structure opened Feb. 1937. Long since abandoned, the station—which is located between Park and Port Richmond Avenues—still stands. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The bridge carrying the the newly raised Staten Island Railway over Arden Avenue was built in the late 1930s, as one link in a large grade crossing removal project sponsored by the Public Works Administration (PWA). The bridge bears a 1938 date stamp.

The bridge carrying the the newly raised Staten Island Railway over Armstrong Avenue was built in 1939, as one link in a large grade crossing removal project sponsored by the Public Works Administration (PWA). The bridge bears a 1939 date stamp.

The overpass carrying the Staten Island Railway over Canal St., between Bay St. and Front St., was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure is imprinted with the date 1936. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The overpass carrying what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway) over Faber St. was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure is imprinted with the date 1935. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The overpass carrying what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway) over Maple Ave. was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure is imprinted with the date 1935. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The overpass carrying what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway) over Nicholas Ave. was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure is imprinted with the date 1935. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The overpass carrying what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway) over Park Ave. was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure leads into the former elevated Port Richmond station, and is imprinted with the date 1935. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The overpass carrying what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway) over Port Richmond Ave. was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure leads into the former elevated Port Richmond station, and is imprinted with the date 1935. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The overpass carrying the Staten Island Railway over Prospect St., between Bay St. and Front St., was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure is imprinted with the date 1936. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The bridge carrying the the newly raised Staten Island Railway over Richmond Avenue was built in 1939, as one link in a large grade crossing removal project sponsored by the Public Works Administration (PWA). The bridge bears a 1939 date stamp.

The overpass carrying what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway) over Park Ave. was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure leads into the former elevated Port Richmond station, and is imprinted with the date 1935. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The overpass carrying what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway) over Sharpe Ave. was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure leads into the former elevated Tower Hill station, and is imprinted with the date 1935. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The overpass carrying the Staten Island Railway over Thompson St., between Bay St. and Front St., was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure is imprinted with the date 1936. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The overpass carrying what was then a freight and passenger railway (the North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railway) over Treadwell Ave. was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure leads into the former elevated Tower Hill station, and is imprinted with the date 1935. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The overpass carrying the Staten Island Railway over Water St., between Bay St. and Front St., was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure is imprinted with several instances of the date 1936. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The overpass carrying the Staten Island Railway over Wave St., between Bay St. and Front St., was constructed during the mid-1930s as one link in a massive grade separation project. The structure is imprinted with the date 1936. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $1.46 million grant for the $6 million grade crossing elimination project, which included work elsewhere in Staten Island and even in Manhattan. PWA Docket No. NY 4926.

The federal Work Projects Administration put many men to work starting in 1935 with a Staten Island project that removed dangerous street ditches from roads throughout the borough. Granite block gutters and headers were installed by WPA laborers along a dozen streets, including a 1,000-foot stretch of Richmond Avenue starting north at Hylan Ave.

The Works Progress Administration worked to "renovate and repair" several buildings on Staten Island (Richmond County), a $225,507 project begun in 1935. One of those buildings was the Richmond County Courthouse, next to the Borough Hall in the St. George district of Staten Island. The courthouse was built in 1919 in Neoclassical style and housed the Richmond County Supreme Court until 2015 (parts of the Supreme Court remain in the old courthouse). Today it is home to two sets of murals by Charles Davis and Axel Horn, originally painted for the old Farm Colony poorhouse and long hung in the old Seaview Hospital.

The Richmond County courts are home to two set of murals, one by Axel Horn, a New York-based artist, and another by Charles Davis, an African American artist based in Chicago.  The murals were painted in 1937-38 under the auspices of the Federal Arts Project. There are five murals by Horn, painted with egg tempera on gessoed masonite, 114" x 60" each.  The overall title is Economic Pursuits of the Early American Settlers. The murals have have been moved several times.  They were originally installed in a large workshop  for the benefit of the indigent residents at the Farm Colony,  which was across the road from...

The Richmond County courts are home to two set of murals, one by Axel Horn, a New York-based artist, and another by Charles Davis, an African American artist based in Chicago.  The murals were painted in 1937-38 under the auspices of the Federal Arts Project. There are six murals by Davis, in egg tempura on Masonite panels. Davis titled his murals The Progress of American Industry, with the following themes: Railroad Builders Lumbering Agriculture Mining Steel Workers Bridge Builders The murals have have been moved several times.  They were originally installed in a large workshop  for the benefit of the indigent residents at the Farm Colony,  which...