Explore New York - Snug Harbor, Staten Island
Heritage Victorian Village a Short Ferry Ride from Manhattan
May 10, 2007
The fifty cent return trip across the Hudson River from lower Manhattan to Staten Island was one of the world's best bargains for decades. In 1997 it became an even better bargain when the fare was eliminated altogether. Most visitors do the round trip for a great photo opportunity of the New York skyline and a close look at the Statue of Liberty. But for those who decide to take a look around Staten Island itself, there’s an interesting surprise in store.
There isn’t much to see on the dock, but if you take a short bus ride to the sleepy little community of Sailors' Snug Harbor you’ll be in for a real treat - Victorian small town America within sight of downtown New York.
New York - The story of Sailor's Snug Harbor
Snug Harbor was founded in 1833 with a legacy from a Captain Robert Randall as a haven for "aged, decrepit and worn out sailors" and nothing was too good for the old salts. A Staten Island farm was purchased and a row of five magnificent temples were built facing the water. They are considered the finest collection of Greek Revival buildings in the United States. One of these, the Music Hall, hosted famous vaudeville artists of the day as well as groups such as the Boston Ladies Schubert Quartet. Silent movies were shown in 1911 and when the talkies came in 1933 they continued weekly until 1965.
Other buildings took care of more basic needs: the Matron's House was originally the Wash House and Bake House, and the pretty little houses scattered around accommodated the staff: Secretary, Gardener, Baker, Farmer and other workers on the estate.
New York - Snug Harbor - The sailors begin to leave
In 1900 there were around one thousand men in residence but by the 1950’s there were fewer than 200. Eventually, the old sailors needed more modern facilities and they were moved to a new home and the Trustees were searching for ways to reduce the cost of maintaining the precious site and its historic buildings - some of which were demolished and there were signs that Sailor’s Snug Harbor might disappear altogether.
New York, Snug Harbor - Citizens Rally Round
The notion of losing this historic site proved too much to accept and a small army of concerned citizens and public servants banded together to save it. Thanks to their awareness and efforts the entire site was eventually purchased by the City of New York. In 1976 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis spoke up for the preservation of Snug Harbor when she said, "Attention should be brought to a place like this. There's no place in all the five boroughs where there is such a sanctuary as this...it must be preserved.”
New York - Snug Harbor today
Today, Snug Harbor is a peaceful 80-acre park. The graceful buildings have been extensively restored and are now home to several arts organizations. There are regular exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography and the beautiful grounds with their great trees are a delight to stroll in, providing fresh air and a breathing space from the skyscraper tunnels of Manhattan.
New York - Where to Go, What to Do
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