Historic Preservation on Staten IslandFrom The Peopling of New York City
Preserving the Past - The Ongoing Process   Often forgotten and isolated from the city, Staten Island may be small but has a great heart for the preservation of history. Staten Island historical sites define the island’s past, present, and future. There are many organizations that contribute to maintaining Staten Island’s past. The Preservation League of Staten Island (PLSI) was started in 1977 with the mission to “enrich Staten Island’s sense of community by promoting and advocating the conservation of its diverse and significant historic built environment and cultural landscapes.”1 They have been very successful in past few years, getting landmark status for the Lighthouse Service Center near the St. George Ferry Terminal and attempting to landmark the old clinic in Castleton. Chan Graham, Consultant for the PLSI, believes we can learn from our past and thinks the historical sites on Staten Island are successful in getting people to care about history. Another important aspect of the PLSI's work is “adaptive reuse.” “This is an important part of preservation,” according to Chan. The clubhouse at the LaTourette Golf Course, the Alice Austen House, the Conference House, and the buildings at Snug Harbor are all landmarks that were adapted and reused. These landmarks were once private homes and have been modified to landmarks and open for the public.
The Center of Hidden Treasure There are many places to visit on Staten Island that truly unfold the story of Staten Island. Historic Richmond Town is among the many that reveal the beginning of settlement in Staten Island. Historic Richmond Town enacts what life was like in the 17th Century. In the 1600s the Dutch Reformed Congregation thought this location was ideal for its religious activities, situated where the two main roads of the island intersected. In the 1700s, the town of Richmond became the center of government of Richmond County. In the early 1800s, it was a prevalent retreat as the city of Manhattan became overcrowded. The location became ideal for estates, resorts, industries, and even maritime trade. The Greek Revival style courthouse building was established in 1837. Surrounding the courthouse, a small town developed; however; business declined when the government center changed location. They moved the Court House to St. George in 1898 when Staten Island officially became a borough of New York.  Richmond Town surfaced as the highlight of the local preservation movement during the Great Depression of the 1930s and underwent restoration. In the 1950s the Historical Society signed a contract with the City of New York, agreeing to continue and improve Historic Richmond Town as a museum village. Historic Richmond Town is an important landmark. With many restored buildings as well as a museum, Historic Richmond Town offers an opportunity to step back in time. The Executive Director of Historic Richmond Town, Ed Wiseman, has been in his position since April 2008. The historical sites at Historic Richmond Town are trying to tell us “we have a common heritage with the rest of America. We are a microcosm of American town growth and each item tells a story. We [Historic Richmond Town] have over 100 acres and so many original areas that should make us proud of existence,” said Ed during the interview. These historical homes were going to be torn down if they were not taken in. The Historical Society recently saved the Seaman Cottage from demolition. Built in 1837, the Greek Revival cottage was one of many homes built by Henry I. Seaman. In 2004 the cottage was purchased and plans were to knock it down. Today the cottage resides at 441 Clarke Avenue, the main street of Historic Richmond Town. Historic Richmond Town lets outsiders see Staten Island as a place rich in history and culture and represents multiple nationalities.   ChallengesA reason why Staten Islanders and outsiders shy away from preserving the past is the sometimes-negative connotation of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). The process of preserving a landmark is often long and difficult with multiple meetings on voting whether or not a piece of history should saved. There is not always a happy ending. If the LPC decides against landmarking a home or building, it is usually demolished. For example, an article published in the Staten Island Advance spoke of Islanders being extremely angry with the LPC for considering to demolish the Mariners' Family Asylum located on Tompkins Avenue. Built in 1852, it served as the only facility in New York City devoted to the care of the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of seamen of the ports of New York. Even Michael McMahon, city council member, favored in demolishing the building. Some of Staten Island’s most remarkable structures certainly do not get the respect they deserve and the fact that the Mariners' Family Asylum was demolished is proof. Possibly, more Staten Island residents would have more respect for preserving historic homes if the LPC responded quickly and positively to residents’ requests. Thus, the challenges in attracting people to care and have consideration for preserving the past continue. I believe it is important to maintain these old homes. It is quite remarkable that many have withstood decades. If we start demolishing our past, we will lose our irreplaceable future. The Impact Preservation of historical sites and buildings can have a positive impact on residents and outsiders. Increasing their awareness and knowledge will help gain respect of our island’s culture and history. Historic Richmond Town gets over 100,000 visitors a year internationally and has the largest number of active volunteers of any other Staten Island historic site. This year Historic Richmond Town hosted the NYC Chili Cookoff and brought in many tourists who have not even been to New York before.  Working on Our FutureAttracting tourists and local residents, Historic Richmond Town and the rest of Staten Island’s historical sites have greatly impacted the perceptions of Staten Island inside and outside. They positively welcome visitors and show that there is so much more Staten Island has to offer. They have made visitors more aware of the island’s history and as a result have successfully achieved in getting more people to care. Although not as much funding from the government goes into preserving historical landmarks, it is still important to protect them. By preserving the past and respecting the past, we can show the true inner meaning of Staten Island’s present, and work on keeping it for the future. Next time you go out, take a visit to one of the historical sites on Staten Island. I promise you will find unexpected treasures because I sure have. Sources
|