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| Stupidity: The Temperature at which Flesh Burns
October 12, 2004
Dreamland
"Renwick's Remains," Smallpox Hospital; Roosevelt Island
Of all of the creepy places in NYC (and there are a myriad), I think Roosevelt Island is one of the weirdest-- not because of the insane asylum or smallpox hospital ruins, but because it is such a weird, neat, quiet little place sandwiched between two colossal boroughs.
Roosevelt Island was once a repository for the sick, poor, criminal, and/or insane. Today it still houses two hospitals: Coler and Goldwater, specializing in "long-term and sub acute care with centers of excellence in areas such as: geriatrics, rehabilitation and ventilator dependence". Yeesh. Massive apartment complexes stand between the hospitals, connected by Main Street. The whole island feels like some sort of bizarre movie set-- clean roads with generic signage, replete with city pool, a school, and all other amenities.
Without knowing the history of misery and abuse that was Blackwell/Welfare Island for over 100 years, it could just as well be assumed that it is and always was an oasis a few short miles between Manhattan and Queens. However, knowing the history, the whole thing just gives me the willies.
All that remains of the lunatic asylum is the eroded shell of the octagon, which at this point looks more like a pile of boulders than anything else. The smallpox hospital still has a recognizable shell (and is quite beautiful).
Lunatic Asylum remains; Roosevelt Island
More Roosevelt Island info at Forgotten NY.
Roosevelt Island at night and day [Jake Dobkin].
Posted by callalillie at October 12, 2004 4:17 AM | City Life
wow those photos are really surreal!
Posted by: ChrisG at October 12, 2004 10:48 AM
It was a pretty strange place. A good contrast would have been to photograph the living areas of Roosevelt Island, but I was too tired, cold, and cranky.
Posted by: corie at October 12, 2004 10:49 AM
I love these history lessons!! This sounds fascinating to me. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: carrster at October 12, 2004 11:10 PM
