Main Building Detail, Ellis Island

 
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Member: TravlynWomyn
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When I originally tried to picture Ellis Island I thought of practical buildings, serving a basic purpose. Indeed. When her doors first opened to welcome newcomers on January 1, 1892, it was a simple building - a former fort.

By the time more than 12 million people passed through her doors before she was closed in 1954, the 'island' had expanded two three interlinked islands built from landfill, and each subsequen addition had grown more elaborate.

Entering buildings such as these reminds me of the grandeur of London's Victoria and Albert and British Museums. Only steerage passengers had to go through Ellis Island - those with cabins were given their physicals and other tests in the comfort of their cabins and delivered safely to New York City before their ships turned to Ellis Island. Exhausted, the comforting sights of such splendid buildings must have given them new hope for their unknown futures.

Comments

Guest - Sep 19, 2007 11:33 AM EDT
Thank you,Beverly. It was a wonderful experience. Vicki
Guest - Sep 16, 2007 12:09 PM EDT
Nice use of leading lines, here. And I have enjoyed all your Ellis Is. photos.
Guest - Sep 12, 2007 06:00 PM EDT
There's more to come, Carol - but I had to get to work. Be sure to add it to your list - you aren't that far away. Eventually they hope to restore ALL the buildings. When that happens it will take several trips to see everything thoroughly. Vicki
Guest - Sep 12, 2007 04:11 PM EDT
Very interesting series of Ellis Island, I would like to visit there some day. Carol
Guest - Sep 12, 2007 03:55 PM EDT
Hi there, Alan. It's funny that you mentioned "Standing on the roof". At one time, detainees would indeed go out on these rooftops outside the Registry Room (on the second floor - First floor to the British) to get air while waiting to be interviewed. Vicki
Guest - Sep 12, 2007 02:25 PM EDT
Wonderful photo of the old building. I really like your composition, it's like I'm standing out on the roof taking in the view. Thanks for the information, it was very interesting and fun to read.

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