From the book Fading Ads of NYC (History Press, 2011) © Frank H. Jump
Staten Island
Marine Power & Light – Richmond Terrace, SI – Future Waterfront Park Planned
© Frank H. Jump
In early August 1991, the body of twenty-eight year old restaurateur Mark Raffone was found by divers near the Marine Power & Light Corporation boatyard. Raffone was abducted two weeks earlier by a 36 year old homeless woman and two teenagers, according to Jacques Steinberg of the New York Times. ¹
I could find no other information about this organization except for the fact that it has been closed for some time now. Plans for using this site for a future park was found on the North Shore Waterfront Conservancy of Staten Island website. Here is an excerpt from their site:
Future Park in West Brighton
The North Shore Waterfront Conservancy is working with the Trust for Public Land, local elected officials and residents on the creation of a 9 acre waterfront park. The site is the former Marine Power and Light Marina and is located west of Snug Harbor at Richmond Terrace and Tompkins Court. The park will allow for community access west of Snug Harbor and greatly enhance the quality of life for the residents of West Brighton and the entire North Shore. With funding rom Citizen’s Committee of New York, the NSWC will conduct community planning workshops this fall. – NSWC-SI
Former Staten Island Edison’s Livingston Electric Plant – Richmond Terrace, SI
© Frank H. Jump
© Frank H. Jump
From 1882 to 1952, Staten Island produced its own electricity. In September 1952, with the turn of a switch, submarine power cables laid across the Narrows to Brooklyn were activated, and power lines connecting Staten Island with Public Service Electric and Gas of New Jersey were shut down. Staten Island Edison’s Livingston electric plant (on what is now a Con Ed parking lot, across Richmond Terrace from its Davis Avenue executive offices), would be retired in 1961 after 64 years of service. Arthur Kill Generator No. 1, built in 1947 with only 25,000 kilowatts capacity, would be retired in 1963. It would be replaced by Arthur Kill No. 2, producing 397,000 kilowatts and built on the site of an old linoleum manufacturing plant, which opened in 1959. Arthur Kill No. 2 is still in operation. – Staten Island Advance, March 26, 2011
Come Together Bar & Restaurant – Richmond Terrace, SI
© Frank H. Jump
Unskewed © Frank H. Jump
Here come old flattop, he come moving up slowly…” Come Together, John Lennon
Sailor’s Snug Harbor 1833 – SI
© Frank H. Jump
© Frank H. Jump
Located along the north shore of Staten Island near the ferry, Sailors Snug Harbor was originally built as a home for retired sailors, eventually becoming a cultural center for both Staten Island and the rest of New York.
The institution was founded in 1801 after Captain Robert Richard Randall’s (d. 1801) will specified that his Manhattan estate be used to start a marine hospital for “aged, decrepit and worn-out seamen.” The name Sailors Snug Harbor was suggested by Randall himself. At the time of his death, Randall’s estate, located north and east of modern-day Washington Square, was rural. By the time a protracted challenge to his will was settled, the land around the estate had changed dramatically, the city being developed around the area. Opting instead to maximize profits on the Manhattan property, Snug Harbor’s trustees relocated the proposed site to Staten Island, buying property around the harbor in 1831.
The first of Snug Harbor’s many buildings opened in 1833. Over time its initial group of 37 residents grew and more buildings were added, including the chapel, music hall, and more dormitories. Completed in 1830-31, Building C, the center building in a series of five Greek-revival style structures facing the water, is the home of the Main Hall of the Newhouse Gallery. The other four buildings were added in 1839-1841 and 1879-80, and are notable in that they exhibit a high degree of stylistic uniformity. The Chapel (1854) and its romantic Anglo-Italian style of architecture is also a landmark. – City of NY Parks & Recreation
Title Guarantee & Trust Company – St. George, SI
© Frank H. Jump
NYPL Digital Collections – CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE
© Frank H. Jump
© Frank H. Jump
- NYPL Digital Collections – Business Centre, St. George, Staten Island, N.Y. [old car in street and ‘Title Guarantee and Trust Company’ painted on side of 6-story building]
Beuscher’s Flower Shop – Bay Street, SI
© Frank H. Jump
Frederick Beuscher’s marriage to Louise Luhm occurred on April 2, 1887, at Tompkinsville. … Under his management the business has been considerably broadened with the result that flowers, blooms and plants of considerable variety suitable for all occasions are to be found within … He is also identified with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the Staten Island Rotary Club, Great Kills Lodge, No. – Staten Island and Its People: A History, 1609-1929 – Leng, Davis 1930
Read about Beuscher’s most recent owner of over 40 years, Donald Bruns, who died in 2009. Also see Capturing SI‘s blog posting on Beuscher’s.
