Toxic waste seepage in the basement of a south 99th Street residence, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
In 1978, after heavy rains, many Love Canal residents complained of dark, thick, and chemical smelling liquids appearing in their basements. Interior view of a concrete‐walled corner with peeling green and gray paint. A green-and-white cardboard carton lies open on the stained concrete floor beside scattered wood pieces and metal rods. A small, partially visible window near the ceiling provides limited natural light; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman
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State University of New York at Buffalo. University Archives
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Libraries
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View of ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
Outdoor view through a weathered metal chain-link fence enclosing an overgrown grassy lot in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Behind the fence, a single-story brick structure with a flat roof stretches left to right under a pale sky, partially framed by bare tree branches; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 791 97th Street, ring 1 residence, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
Exterior view of a dark-paneled single-story house with a white gable and boarded-up windows and door in the ring 1 of the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. A paved driveway runs along the left side, and untrimmed bushes and patchy grass border the front steps. Leafy trees are visible behind the house under a clear blue sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Sign from Love Canal protest on a pile of demolition debris on 99th Street, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A weathered cardboard sign with red spray-painted text reading “LOVE CANAL PRISONER” rests amid discarded boards and other debris at the base of a tree. The scene appears to be on a sidewalk edge, partially shaded by overhanging branches; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners Association's swale map showing distribution of symptoms believed to be caused by Love Canal pollutants, Niagara Falls, New York
A color-toned map showing a grid of streets and housing plots in a residential neighborhood. Numerous red and black marks are dispersed across the map, indicating certain properties. A newspaper clipping and a cartoon of three figures with a target on one appear pasted in the lower left quadrant. A section of curved highway and shaded green space is shown in the bottom portion; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 925-929 97th Street, ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
View from the street of two single-story houses flanking a cracked, weed-filled driveway that leads to a blue garage in the background. Both houses have windows and doors boarded with plywood and the surrounding lawns are overgrown. Trees with sparse leaves frame the scene under a clear sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Debbie Cerrillo in the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices with banner reading, "Love Canal Victims, Niagara Falls, New York, Created by Hooker's chemical negligence," January 1981
Indoor scene showing a large red banner with white painted letters criticizing chemical negligence in Love Canal, Niagara Falls. The banner hangs on a wall above a cluttered table and chairs. Additional handwritten signs, flyers, and papers are visible on the adjacent wall, and a person sits at a desk in the corner of the room; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of Ring 1 residences, 97th Street, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A daytime view of several single-story homes on a suburban street. All houses have their windows and doors boarded up with plywood. The lawns are overgrown in some areas, and the concrete driveways and sidewalks show signs of wear. Leafless trees line the street; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 921 97th Street, ring 1 residence with a view of clay capping in the background, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A front view of a single-story dark brown house with boarded-up windows and doors. The house has a paved driveway and a patchy lawn bordered by bushes. A metal awning extends over the entry, and a ramp or piece of wood rests against the side of the structure. The neighboring house is partially visible, and the area behind the home opens into a grassy field; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street and Frontier Avenue, Ring 1 residences behind fencing, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, January 1981
A row of residential houses in winter, viewed through a chain-link fence in the foreground. The ground is covered in snow, and several leafless trees and evergreen shrubs are present. The houses vary in exterior materials and colors, including green and red siding, with visible porches and awnings. Power lines cross the upper portion of the scene; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 902-906 97th Street, ring 1 residences, looking south, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A wide, cracked residential street extends into the distance, flanked by sidewalks, power poles, and lawns on both sides. On the left, a row of leafless deciduous trees and evergreens lines the sidewalk. On the right, single-story houses with grassy yards are partially visible behind trees and shrubs. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a spring or early fall season; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 911 97th Street, a ring 1 residence with a view of the clay capping in the background, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A wide, cracked residential street extends into the distance, flanked by sidewalks, power poles, and lawns on both sides within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. On the left, a row of leafless deciduous trees and evergreens lines the sidewalk. On the right, single-story houses with grassy yards are partially visible behind trees and shrubs. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a spring or early fall season; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 903-907 97th Street, ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A small single-story house painted light green is shown with its windows and doors boarded up. The front yard is overgrown with grass and scattered debris, and a narrow concrete path leads to the front steps. To the right, a large evergreen tree partially obscures a neighboring house that is also boarded up. The scene is lit by clear daylight and trees in the foreground are beginning to bud; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
99th Street Elementary School viewed from Read Avenue with 99th Street residences at left, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A wide view of an open grassy field leads to a rectangular brick school building with multiple windows and a central chimney. Behind the school, several small residential homes are visible, partially obscured by trees without leaves. The scene is brightly lit under a clear blue sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Clay-capped and seeded section of Love Canal with the 99th Street Elementary School (at left) and hazardous waste treatment facility and 97th Street residences in the background, Niagara Falls, New York, Summer 1982
The photo shows a wide grassy field stretching into the distance, flanked on the left by a low brick school building and on the right by a cluster of residential houses and another structure. The lighting suggests it is taken during daytime under a clear sky, with no people visible in the scene; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street and Frontier Avenue, ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, January 1981
The image depicts a snowy street scene viewed from behind a locked chain-link gate. Power lines and utility poles run along both sides of the road, and leafless trees line the street. Residential houses are partially visible on the right side of the frame. The ground and rooftops are covered with snow, and the scene appears overcast; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Dark interior of 9905 Colvin Boulevard, the new Love Canal Homeowners Association Office, with a view outside from the window, Niagara Falls, New York, 1980
The image shows a dimly lit interior with a window on the left and a protest sign or decorated wreath on the right in the new Love Canal Homeowners Association offices at 9905 Colvin Boulevard, Niagara Falls, New York. The sign includes the words “Love Canal,” “Broken Hearts,” and mentions “Carter,” “Carey,” “Hooker Chemical,” and “Niagara Falls.” Because the room is dark, much of the text and detail are difficult to read. Snow and trees are visible through the window, indicating a winter scene outside; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Clay-capped and seeded southern section of Love Canal with hazardous waste treatment facility and 97th Street residences in the background, Niagara Falls, New York, Summer 1982
The image depicts a wide open grassy area under a clear sky. In the background, there is a row of single-story houses and a few utility poles running parallel to the homes. A dark, rectangular building is visible to the left. The field appears patchy in places, and the lighting suggests early morning or late afternoon; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Residence of Joann Hale at 97th Street, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
The image shows a small white house with a red roof, centrally located in a residential neighborhood. The windows and door of the house are boarded up and a yellow fire hydrant is visible in front. Leafless trees and utility poles line the area, and other homes and a brick structure appear partially in the background. The scene is framed by a patchy grassy field in the foreground; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of Ring 1 residences behind a chain link fence at Frontier Avenue and 99th Street, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, January 1981
A chain-link gate in the foreground blocks access to a snow-covered residential street. Behind the gate, small houses with snow on their roofs are visible, along with leafless trees and power lines. A yellow diamond-shaped traffic sign is attached to the fence, and utility poles lean slightly under the weight of cables. The setting appears quiet and deserted; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street, Ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A quiet residential street lined with small, single-story houses. One of the houses has windows and a door that are boarded up. The surrounding yard areas appear overgrown, and trees without leaves line the sidewalk. The road in the foreground is cracked, suggesting minimal recent upkeep; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 949-961 97th Street, Ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
View of a row of single-story residential houses along a paved street. Several of the homes have boarded-up windows and doors. The house on the left and the one in the center display large white "W" markings on their exteriors, and the one on the left is also marked with the number "96". The grass in front of the homes is overgrown and the sidewalks show signs of disrepair. Trees in early spring growth appear in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Hooker Chemical Corporation's full-page newspaper ad on Love Canal featuring a quote by Hooker shift supervisor William (Bill) Crockett: 'A lot of what's being said it makes me angry'
This newspaper advertisement displays a Black man wearing a hard hat labeled "BILL CROCKETT" at the center, flanked by blocks of text in a testimonial-style format. The headline at the top reads in large bold letters: "A LOT OF WHAT'S BEING SAID... IT MAKES ME ANGRY." The footer of the poster reads "HOOKER CHEMICAL" with the tagline "Listen to the people who know." The layout is visually structured to deliver a persuasive corporate message defending the company, presented as a personal statement by an employee, specifically, by Hooker shift supervisor William (Bill) Crockett; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners Association's full-page newspaper ad (produced in response to Hooker's ads) stating reasons why Love Canal victims need help from the government: 'Ask those who really know'
A black-and-white newspaper ad featuring large, bold headers that read “Love Canal: Ask Those Who Really Know!” It contains a list of reasons why residents cannot lead a normal life, each beginning with “Cannot,” and highlights contamination concerns, reproductive health risks, property issues, and government inaction. The words "Love Canal" and "Cannot" are visually emphasized throughout the text. The flyer ends with a plea for justice and permanent relocation for Love Canal victims; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Hooker Chemical Corporation's full-page newspaper ad on Love Canal: 'A hard look at the facts'
A full-page black-and-white newspaper-style advertisement issued by Hooker Chemical, a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation. The page is headed in bold with “A HARD LOOK AT THE FACTS.” It reprints a letter from Hooker’s president defending the company’s conduct related to chemical waste disposal. The text argues that the company was not careless, outlines compliance with environmental regulations, and reaffirms commitments to safety and transparency. At the bottom is the Hooker Chemical logo and a note of its affiliation with Occidental Petroleum Corporation; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Hooker Chemical Corporation's full-page newspaper ad on Love Canal: 'Try telling Bruce Davis that Hooker doesn't care about Niagara Falls'
Davis, Bruce, Executive Vice-President, Hooker Chemicals & Plastics Corp.
A full-page printed advertisement by Hooker Chemical. At the top in large bold letters, the headline reads: “TRY TELLING BRUCE DAVIS THAT HOOKER DOESN’T CARE ABOUT NIAGARA FALLS.” Below is a black-and-white photograph of Bruce Davis, the man in charge of Hooker's Industrial Chemicals Group at Niagara Falls, New York, dressed in a suit and glasses and seated at a desk. The ad contains columns of text defending Hooker Chemical’s environmental practices and contributions to the Niagara Falls community. The ad closes with the slogan “HOOKER CHEMICAL – Listen to the people who know"; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Hooker Chemical Corporation's full-page newspaper ad on Love Canal: 'Hooker will inherit a great deal from these employees: their families'
Hooker Chemicals & Plastics Corp.--Employees
A printed advertisement from Hooker Chemical featuring three individuals — an older man and two women — under the bold headline, “HOOKER WILL INHERIT A GREAT DEAL FROM THESE EMPLOYEES. THEIR FAMILIES.” The ad includes testimonial-style text from each person describing their positive experiences working for Hooker Chemical and expressing trust in the company’s safety standards and values. The advertisement ends with the slogan: “Hooker Chemical – Listen to the people who know'; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Hooker Chemical Corporation's full-page newspaper ad on Love Canal: 'Dorothy Thomason is Hooker's security Hooker is Dorothy's security'
This advertisement for Hooker Chemical features a central portrait of Dorothy Thomason in a security guard uniform. She is standing with arms gesturing outward beneath a bold headline that reads: “DOROTHY THOMASON IS HOOKER’S SECURITY. HOOKER IS DOROTHY’S SECURITY.” Below the headline is a testimonial in paragraph form where Thomason discusses her responsibilities at Hooker Chemical, the importance of the company in her life, and her pride in the work and its role in the Niagara Falls community. The advertisement closes with the company tagline: “Hooker Chemical – Listen to the people who know"; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Hooker Chemical Corporation's full-page newspaper ad on Love Canal: Report on press briefing held at the Buffalo Statler Hilton
Full page newspaper ad with bold, large headline text at the top reading: "ON MARCH 15TH, HOOKER HELD A PRESS BRIEFING AT THE BUFFALO STATLER HILTON. HERE'S A REPORT." The content is divided into multiple columns with subheadings, including "Here’s What We’ve Been Doing," "The Love Canal," "The Hyde Park Program," "What’s at 102nd Street?", "Hooker’s Niagara Plant," "Multi-Million Dollar Pollution Control Programs," "3,500 Groundwater Samples," "The Way Ahead," and "What Else Needs to Be Said?" The lower right corner contains the word "HOOKER" in bold, followed by the slogan "Listen to the people who know." The overall appearance resembles a public relations or informational release from the Hooker Chemical Company, addressing environmental and community issues; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Hooker Chemical Corporation's full-page newspaper ad on Love Canal: 'Let's set the record straight'
A black-and-white advertisement features a bold headline reading "LET'S SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT." Below, a block of text defends Hooker Chemical from allegations related to the Love Canal environmental disaster. The statement outlines the company's knowledge of chemical hazards at the site, their communication with local authorities, and claims that no cover-up occurred. At the bottom, "HOOKER" is written in large bold type with the tagline "Ask the people who know"; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal residents gather to celebrate Lois Gibbs' birthday, June 25, 1980,
Lois Gibbs is seated at a table set for a meal, wearing a white T-shirt with green text that reads "LOVE CANAL" and includes an advocacy message referencing the Love Canal environmental disaster. She has a flower in her hair and is looking downward. The table is covered with a lace tablecloth and holds several dishes, glasses, and a partially eaten dessert. The room has dark wood-paneled walls and decorative objects in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal residents gather to celebrate Lois Gibbs' birthday, June 25, 1980
In a domestic interior, Lois Gibbs in a white “LOVE CANAL: Another Product from HOOKER CHEMICAL” T-shirt stands near a table holding a knife and facing a decorated cake. Another person in a red shirt stands nearby holding a plate. In the background, a third person is partially visible through a doorway, making a peace sign gesture with both hands and smiling widely. The scene appears to be informal and light-hearted, despite the serious message on the shirt; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal residents gathered to celebrate Lois Gibbs' birthday, June 25, 1980
Lois Gibbs standing indoors in front of a table with a decorated cake topped with lit candles. She is wearing a white T-shirt with the text "LOVE CANAL – Another Product from HOOKER CHEMICAL." Several other individuals are partially visible in the background, some seated and some standing. The room has dark wood-paneled walls and a patterned tablecloth on the table; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Adeline Levine and other Love Canal residents gathered to celebrate Lois Gibbs' birthday, June 25, 1980
The scene shows a group of people gathered indoors around a table with a birthday cake topped with lit candles to celebrate the birthday of Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs. She is pictured in the center of the group wearing a white T-shirt that reads "LOVE CANAL – Another Product from HOOKER CHEMICAL." Adeline Levine stands to the left, cutting a different dessert, while another person stands on the right edge of the frame. The table is set with plates, bowls, and utensils, and the background features dark wood paneling; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
10002 Colvin Boulevard resident Marie Posniak receives assistance in evacuating her home in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, July 3, 1980
Several individuals are standing outdoors near a green vehicle with its trunk or back open. One person is holding what appears to be a belt or strap while Love Canal homeowner and activist Marie Posniak looks on. A cardboard box is partially visible inside the vehicle. Marie Posniak is wearing a white T-shirt that reads “LOVE CANAL – Another Product from HOOKER CHEMICAL." The scene is taking place next to a light-colored building with sliding glass doors; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
10002 Colvin Boulevard resident Marie Posniak evacuating her home in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, July 3, 1980
Love Canal homeowner and community activist Marie Posniak standing in a room with white walls and a wooden door in the background holding a brown paper bag and a small white cup. She is wearing dark pants, sunglasses, and a white T-shirt that reads “LOVE CANAL – Another Product from HOOKER CHEMICAL.” A basket of laundry or clothing and an open cardboard box are visible in the foreground. The setting appears to be domestic, possibly a kitchen or laundry area; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal homeowner and activist Marie Posniak standing on a sidewalk next to a car with its trunk open. She is wearing sunglasses and a white T-shirt with the phrase “LOVE CANAL – Another Product from HOOKER CHEMICAL.” She is facing the camera while raising a hand. The background includes a two-story residential building with siding, a front door, and windows. Several household items and a wooden plank are propped against the car; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
10002 Colvin Boulevard resident Marie Posniak evacuating her home with a sign: '4 Sale Buy 1, Get 1 Free' in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, July 3, 1980
Love Canal homeowner and community activist Marie Posniak is standing behind a chain-link gate with a hand-painted sign that reads “4 SALE BUY 1 GET 1 FREE.” She is wearing a white “LOVE CANAL – Another Product from HOOKER CHEMICAL” T-shirt and sunglasses. Behind her is her one-story house with beige siding and a truck parked in the driveway. A large patterned mattress is propped vertically on the truck bed, and shrubs partially obscure the gate. An antenna is visible on the roof; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 10002 Colvin Boulevard where helpers assist Love Canal activist homeowner Marie Posniak and her family to evacuate their home in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, July 3, 1980
A man wearing a plaid shirt and baseball cap is carrying a cardboard box down the steps of the home of Marie Posniak at 10002 Colvin Boulevard in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Two others are visible standing inside the doorway—a man in a white T-shirt and another partially obscured by a bush. The house has light-colored siding and the door frame is painted dark with a bush positioned in the foreground; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 10002 Colvin Boulevard where Love Canal homeowner and community activist Marie Posniak and her family receive assistance evacuating their residence as local television film crew covers the story, July 3, 1980
A group of people is loading items into the bed of a green pickup truck parked in a driveway outside a one-story house with light siding owned by Love Canal activist Marie Posniak. One person operates a red hand truck, while another appears to be part of a local news crew recording the scene with a shoulder-mounted video camera. The gate in the foreground displays a hand-painted sign that reads "4 SALE BUY 1 GET 1 FREE"; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
10002 Colvin Boulevard homeowner and community activist Marie Posniak evacuates her Love Canal residence that bears the sign: '4 Sale Buy 1, Get 1 Free', husband Al Posniak is in the background, July 3, 1980
Love Canal homeowner and community activist Marie Posniak, wearing a "Love Canal – Another Product from Hooker Chemical" T-shirt, stands next to a chain-link gate displaying a large hand-painted sign that reads "4 SALE BUY 1 GET 1 FREE." The gate is in front of her one-story house with beige siding and a covered porch. In the background, two other individuals including Marie's husband Al Posniak, are seen loading items, including a mattress, into the bed of a green pickup truck parked in the driveway. The scene is taking place on a sunny day; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
10002 Colvin Boulevard where Love Canal residents Al and Marie Posniak evacuate their home as a local television news crew covers the story, July 3, 1980
A television news crew, including a camera operator, a sound technician with a microphone, and a reporter are recording an interview on the sidewalk with Love Canal homeowners and community activists Al and Marie Posniak in front of their one-story home with tan siding. Marie wears a T-shirt that reads "LOVE CANAL – Another Product from Hooker Chemical." A green pickup truck is parked in the driveway, and another person is partially visible seated in the doorway of the house. A microphone bag and audio equipment are placed on the ground beside the kneeling technician. The scene takes place during daylight; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Adeline Levine with socks on her hands at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance, May 31, 1980
Adeline Levine sits at a table inside a room with wood-paneled walls and a drop ceiling, wearing a white "Love Canal" T-shirt and long white socks with colored stripes at the top on each arm. She appears to be speaking or gesturing with her hands raised. A plastic cup, a wallet, and a checkered tablecloth are visible in the foreground. Other people can be seen in the background standing or seated at tables. The atmosphere suggests a community meeting or informal gathering; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Lois Gibbs at the podium at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance with Adeline Levine (at far right, foreground) in the audience on May 31, 1980
The image shows speakers at a wooden podium during the Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance on May 31, 1980 which took place in a room with wood-paneled walls and a drop ceiling. Lois Gibbs stands at a wooden podium with a microphone, flanked by three others behind her. One banner in the background reads "Town of Niagara Fire D[epartment]" with additional text suggesting a local context in Niagara County, New York. In the foreground, several individuals, including Adeline Levine (at far right) are seated at a table with cups and papers with some of them clapping while listening to the speaker; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal community activists Lois Gibbs (at left) and Marie Posniak seated together at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance, May 31, 1980
Love Canal community activists Lois Gibbs (at left) and Marie Posniak seated at a table in an indoor setting with wood-paneled walls and a low ceiling. Both are wearing white T-shirts that read "LOVE CANAL Another Product from HOOKER CHEMICAL." Lois Gibbs has long curly hair adorned with a red and white floral decoration and is looking to the side; Marie Posniak, also with curly hair and glasses, appears to be engaged in conversation. A small camera and a white cup are visible on the table in the foreground. The setting suggests a community or activist meeting space; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Three attendees, including Al Posniak (at far right), at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance on May 31, 1980 posed in the classic "hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil" gestures
Three members of the Love Canal Homeowners Association including Al Posniak (at far right) standing side-by-side indoors, each wearing a white T-shirt that reads "LOVE CANAL Another Product from HOOKER CHEMICAL." They are posing humorously with the classic "hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil" gestures: the person on the left covers their ears, the middle one covers their mouth, and the person on the right covers their eyes. The background is dimly lit with a dark ceiling and minimal visible detail; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Three attendees, including Al Posniak (at far right), at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance on May 31, 1980
Three attendees standing indoors against a dark background at the at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance on May 31, 1980. All three are wearing white T-shirts that read "LOVE CANAL – Another Product From HOOKER CHEMICAL" in bold text with a green heart symbol replacing the letter “O” in “LOVE.” The man on the left is smiling with arms resting casually; the man in the center has curly hair and a mustache and is pointing with one hand; the man on the right is Al Posniak who is facing forward with a neutral expression. The setting is a dimly lit interior space with minimal visible furnishings; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Adeline Levine, Lois Gibbs, and Stephen U. Lester at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance held on May 31, 1980
Adeline Levine, Lois Gibbs and Stephen U. Lester (left to right) seated at a table with a blue checkered tablecloth. Two of them are clearly visible, both wearing white T-shirts that read "LOVE CANAL – Another Product From HOOKER CHEMICAL" with a green heart symbol in place of the “O” in “LOVE.”. Lois Gibbs (at center) is smiling and holding a cup, while Adeline Levine (at left) looks in her direction and is wearing a jacket and scarf. Stephen U. Lester (at right) is only partially visible and is also smiling. Behind them, multiple people are dancing or conversing in a dimly lit room at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance fundraiser held on May 31, 1980. A red chair and several white cups are also visible on the table; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Adeline and Murray Levine seated at a table at at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance fundraiser held on May 31, 1980
Married couple Adeline and Murray Levine seated at a table in the crowded indoor setting of the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance fundraiser, held on May 31, 1980. Both are wearing white T-shirts with the text "LOVE CANAL – Another Product From HOOKER CHEMICAL" and a green heart symbol replacing the “O” in “LOVE.” Adeline (at left) wears a navy windbreaker over her T-shirt and large glasses, with a checkered scarf around her neck. A clear plastic pitcher and cup sit on the table in front of them. Murray Levine (at right) is also wearing glasses, has short dark hair peppered with grey and a beard. Other people are visible in the background and are seated at similar tables; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Marie Posniak at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance fundraiser held on May 31, 1980
Love Canal resident and activist Marie Posniak is seated indoors at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Active Hose Dinner Dance fundraiser held on May 31, 1980. She is silhouetted against a dark background and is wearing a white T-shirt with the text “LOVE CANAL – Another Product From HOOKER CHEMICAL.” The green heart graphic replaces the “O” in “LOVE.” Marie has short curly dark hair, is wearing large round glasses, and is resting her chin lightly on her hand. Only part of the surrounding environment is visible due to the low lighting; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Police officers douse burning effigies of the Jimmy Carter family with water at the Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building on April 17, 1979
United States. Environmental Protection Agency
A group of uniformed police is seen spraying water from a hose onto a burnt patch of debris on a paved street. A TV news vehicle is parked in the background, with "TV 8 WJW" marked on its trunk. Several onlookers, some standing on the sidewalk and others further back on the grass, observe the scene. One person is holding a handwritten protest sign. The scene documents the protest or public demonstration by the Love Canal Homeowners Association targeting the federal government and the Jimmy Carter administration held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building on April 17, 1979 that resulted in the burning of effigies of the U.S. President and his family; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government with burning effigies in the street of President Jimmy, Rosalynn and Amy Carter held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building on April 17, 1979
A crowd of people, including multiple media personnel with large cameras and microphones, gathered on a street to document a protest. In the foreground, an effigy is engulfed in flames on the pavement. Some protesters hold handwritten signs in the background, while others observe or photograph the scene. A person in a dark suit stands prominently near the fire, holding a recording device. The demonstration appears to be orchestrated and well-documented; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
An effigy burns in the foreground on a street with bright orange flames. In the background, a group of people gathers closely, some holding protest signs and others equipped with professional video cameras and microphones. Several media personnel film and document the event, while a white motorcycle is parked to the right. The crowd appears to be part of an organized demonstration, set in a green, tree-lined public area; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
A burning effigy is engulfed in flames in the foreground of a street. A group of people, including demonstrators and media personnel with cameras and microphones, stand in the background near a white motorcycle. Many individuals appear to be protesting, some clapping or raising their arms. The gathering takes place in a shaded, tree-lined area under daylight, likely during a demonstration related to environmental or public health concerns; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
A group of protesters stands on a street and sidewalk, holding handwritten signs during a daylight demonstration outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building. A partially visible burning effigy lies on the ground in the lower left corner, with visible flames. People of various ages, including children, are present. One protester holds a sign that reads “Lois says let my people go,” while others hold signs mentioning Hooker Chemical. A person wearing an ABC news hat is visible among the group, indicating media coverage; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government with effigies in the street of President Jimmy, Rosalynn and Amy Carter held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building on April 17, 1979
A group of demonstrators stands on a street during a midday protest rally. In the foreground, a person is bending down near several life-sized effigies arranged on the pavement, some of which are dressed in patterned clothing. Another person stands nearby holding a cigarette or match, possibly preparing to ignite the effigies. Several members of the media are present in the background, including individuals with video cameras and microphones. A bicycle wheel is partially visible on the left edge of the image. The setting is a residential area with houses and a multi-story parking garage in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government with effigies on the ground of President Jimmy, Rosalynn and Amy Carter held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building on April 17, 1979
A group of people stands on a grassy area holding protest signs related to the Love Canal environmental disaster. Several individuals wear white t-shirts with the slogan "Love Canal: Another Product from Hooker Chemical." The signs read messages like “We Are Love Canal Boat People,” “Permanent Total Relocation,” and “Love Canal National Shame.” In the foreground, life-sized effigies dressed in clothing are laid out on the grass. A young child with hands over his eyes stands among the protesters, and part of a media vehicle or equipment is visible at the bottom edge of the frame. Trees and a building are in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Women and children participants in the Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building on April 17, 1979
A group of protesters stands on a sidewalk near a "Dead End" street sign during a Love Canal demonstration. Several individuals wear t-shirts reading “LOVE CANAL Another Product from HOOKER CHEMICAL.” One person holds a sign that reads “WE ARE Love Canal Boat People,” while another sign says “LOVE CANAL: NATIONAL SHAME.” Two children are visible in the foreground, one seated in a stroller and another standing nearby. Protest signs are partially visible on the left side, and a television news camera with a mounted light is also present. A building is visible in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Three effigies lie on the grass as part of a Love Canal protest. One effigy wears a sign reading “President Carter GOD,” and another smaller effigy has a sign reading “Amy Carter.” A person in a red shirt is crouched and leaning over the effigies, while another person’s legs are partially visible behind the sign. Protest materials and media equipment are visible in the background on the lawn; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Participants in the Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building on April 17, 1979
A group of people stand on a grassy area holding protest signs related to Love Canal outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building. Several individuals wear white shirts with “Love Canal: Another Product from Hooker Chemical” printed on them. A yellow “Dead End” street sign is prominently visible in the background. One person in the foreground, facing away from the camera, holds a notepad, possibly a journalist or organizer. The atmosphere suggests a daytime public demonstration; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
A person wearing a “Love Canal: Another Product From Hooker Chemical” T-shirt stands on a grassy area next to a child wearing a shirt labeled “JUSTIN.” They are near three life-sized effigies laid out on the grass, including one with a caricature mask resembling U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Signs on the effigies and ground read “Get Hooker,” “President Carter GOD,” and other protest messages. The image captures a moment from a public demonstration held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building on April 17, 1979. Trees and shrubbery form the background under a clear sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Women and children participants in the Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government, with an effigy of President Jimmy Carter on the ground, held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building on April 17, 1979
A public protest on a grassy area held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building on April 17, 1979. Two individuals in white “Love Canal: Another Product From Hooker Chemical” T-shirts stand near a child holding a handwritten sign that reads “... PLAY IN OUR SANDBOX?” A large effigy lies on the ground with a caricature mask labeled “President Carter GOD.” Additional signs are visible on the ground, one reading “Get Hooker on your…” partially obscured. Another individual in a red and blue vest is partly visible in the foreground. The protest setting includes surrounding trees and clear weather; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Niagara Falls Mayor Michael C. O'Laughlin, holding a child, addressing Love Canal protesters in front of auditorium stage at the 99th Street Elementary School (protest signs and placards line the floor behind him), October 1978
Mayor Michael C. O'Laughlin of Niagara Falls, New York stands at the center of a dimly lit stage holding a small child, positioned in front of a closed beige curtain. Several protest signs are displayed at the base of the stage, with messages such as "WILL I SEE AGE 7?", "HELP! Give our newborns a chance", and "I LOVE NY — WHAT A GREAT POLLUTION." Audience members are visible in the foreground, seated and facing the stage. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protesters, including children, march along street carrying signs, April 27, 1979
Penelope D. Ploughman Love Canal Collection
Several people stand on a sidewalk holding protest signs with slogans such as “Fences Don’t Stop Chemicals,” “A ‘Love’ Canal, It Is Not,” and “Governor Carey Only Makes Promises But Does Not Follow Through.” A child is visible among the group, also holding a sign. Storefronts, including one for “Francis Optical Co. Inc.” and “John Palumbo Real Estate,” are seen in the background across the street. A red vehicle is parked on the roadside, and the group appears to be engaged in a peaceful protest. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protesters, including children, carrying signs on steps of Niagara Falls, N.Y. City Hall, October 16, 1978
A group of people stand on the stone steps of a neoclassical-style building with tall columns and large windows. They hold protest signs with various messages such as “TAX US ON VALUE,” “NO NO’s: No Basement, No Garden, No Air, Just Chemicals,” “GOVERNOR CAREY ONLY MAKES PROMISES,” and “YOU GIVE AID TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES. WHY NOT US?” A child is present among the group, and one person holds a baby. The gathering appears peaceful, with individuals spaced along the stairs in advocacy of environmental or residential concerns. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protesters, including children, march carrying signs during 1979 Mother Day March past Hooker Chemical headquarters, May 13, 1979
A line of individuals, including adults and children, walk along a paved city street in a protest march. Several carry hand-made signs with messages such as “RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS ARE NOT ENOUGH” and “STATE HEALTH DEPT. REJECTS.” They are dressed for cool weather, with coats and hats. In the background is a tall apartment or office building, some mid-rise structures, and an open lot. The group walks in single file, suggesting a peaceful demonstration. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Niagara Falls Mayor Michael C. O'Laughlin addresses Love Canal protesters outside the 99th Street Elementary School, October 1978
A group of people stands in a parking lot outside a mid-century, flat-roofed school or institutional building. A man in a dark suit and tie speaks with the group, which includes both adults and children. Several individuals are turned toward him, listening. The group stands next to a green car, and other parked vehicles are visible behind them. The sky is clear, and trees in the background show autumn foliage. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Niagara Falls Mayor Michael C. O'Laughlin addresses Love Canal residents at the 99th Street Elementary School (protest signs and placards in background), October 1978
Niagara Falls Mayor Michael C. O'Laughlin wearing a dark suit stands on a stage in front of a closed curtain, addressing an audience seated below. Numerous handmade protest signs are arranged along the front of the stage, with messages such as “Governor Carey Only Makes Promises but does not follow through,” and “WILL I SEE AGE 7?” The lighting is dim and warm, suggesting an indoor evening event or meeting. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protesters gather near a car with a 'Save our children' sign on the windshield, to organize their demonstration at New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to teachers at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, April 27, 1979
Niagara Falls Convention Center (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
A group of people stand close together outdoors, holding protest signs related to pollution and child safety. A white car in the foreground has a handwritten sign on its windshield that reads “Save our Children.” Other signs in the crowd include messages such as “Governor Carey Supports Child Abuse?” and “I LOVE NY. WHAT A GREAT POLLUTION.” The demonstrators are dressed in jackets and coats, suggesting a cool day. Power lines and a building are visible in the background. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protesters carrying signs, with activist Lois Gibbs and her daughter Missy at left, outside the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
Several people are gathered on a shaded sidewalk, holding protest signs expressing environmental and health concerns. One sign reads, “WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE A NORMAL BABY,” held by a seated child. Another large sign lists “Things Our City Fathers Have Done” with question marks. The group includes adults and children, some engaged in conversation. The protest appears to be taking place in a residential or municipal area, with trees and a few buildings visible in the background. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protesters march outdoors carrying signs, April 1979
A group of people is gathered on a sidewalk during daylight, holding signs related to environmental health concerns. One sign in the foreground reads, “Health Survey is a farce. We want OUT!” Another visible sign says, “Children should not be chemically treated.” People are dressed for cool weather, and some children are present. A yellow and blue hat is visible on one child. A city bus and buildings appear in the background. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protesters march indoors carrying signs, April 1979
A group of people gathers inside a dimly lit building, holding protest signs addressing environmental and residential concerns. One prominently held sign reads, "IF THE MAYOR WANTS THE DIGGING TO BEGIN, HE CAN MOVE IN HERE AND MOVE OUT!" Other visible signs include phrases like "Save our Children" and "Give me a home where the children don’t die." The scene is crowded, and expressions are serious, reflecting concern and urgency. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
A group of individuals participates in a protest march along a city sidewalk, partially shaded by a building. They carry handmade signs, one of which includes the text “Rooms 3-4-5 want to stay ALIVE.” The group appears to be walking in a line, with some people more clearly visible in the shadows. Trees and parked vehicles are seen in the background. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protesters, including children, march carrying signs, April 1979
A group of individuals participates in a demonstration on a sidewalk. Visible protest signs include phrases like “City fathers sit idle as usual” and “YOU GIVE AID TO Foreign Countries, Why NOT US.” A child in the foreground, wearing a red hat, carries a sign made from cardboard. Other participants and signs are visible in the background, with some people standing and others walking. The setting appears to be in a residential or civic area with trees and a few cars nearby. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Lois Gibbs (standing at right) on the telephone at Love Canal Homeowners Association offices in the 99th Street School (prior to its demolition) in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs stands beside a desk, holding a corded telephone to their ear while reaching for another phone. The room appears dimly lit, with protest signs or messages posted in the background and taped to the window. The desk is cluttered with cups, papers, and office supplies. Another seated person is partially visible in the foreground, facing the camera. The setting resembles a grassroots office or organizing space. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 673 99th Street and Read Avenue, a ring 2 residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
A small, single-story house is shown with all of its windows boarded up with plywood. The front yard is trimmed, and there are flowers planted near the steps. A detached garage is visible to the right. The house sits on a quiet, paved residential street bordered by grass, with a large evergreen tree on the left and more trees and power lines in the background under an overcast sky. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the athletic field behind the 99th Street Elementary School as seen from Wheatfield Avenue in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
A long, low-rise school building with rows of windows extends into the distance along the left side of the frame. The area beside the building includes several basketball hoops and a paved area. In the foreground and right side, an overgrown field with patches of mud stretches out under a dull, overcast sky. Trees line the distant background, and a few small structures are visible on the far right.Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Stat University of New York at Buffalo. University Libraries
View of the Ring 1 residences behind a chain link fence at Frontier Avenue and 97th Street, enclosed by 8-feet high fence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
A chain-link fence with a yellow diamond-shaped sign and sidewalk in the foreground encloses a residential area. Beyond the fence is the intersection of 97th Street and Frontier Avenue, marked by two street signs. Several two-story houses, mostly white and brown, are visible, all with windows and doors boarded up. The sky is clear and blue, and the area appears unoccupied. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 902 97th Street at Read Avenue, a ring 1 residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1979
A small white single-story house sits on a corner lot at Read Avenue and 97th Street, Niagara Falls, New York, with its windows and door boarded up with plywood. A "Dead End" road sign and a black-and-white striped directional barrier with left and right arrows stand at the edge of the street. Power lines crisscross the upper portion of the scene, and trees and other similar houses are visible in the background. The setting appears quiet and vacant. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 97th Street and Wheatfield Avenue, ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, Summer 1979
Love Canal Chemical Waste Site (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
View of 97th Street as seen from Wheatfield Avenue in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York showing a chain-link fence that spans the quiet residential street, blocking access. Attached to the fence is a yellow traffic sign with double arrows pointing left and right, along with several diamond-shaped warning markers. A sidewalk and grass run along both sides of the road, and a few single-story houses and trees are visible in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Utility poles and wires line the street. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a chain-link fence surrounding ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
View of Colvin Avenue in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York from the cornerwide grassy lot occupies the foreground, leading to a suburban street lined with utility poles and trees. A line of evenly spaced metal fence posts runs parallel to the road, with no fencing yet attached. A few cars drive along the street, and residential houses with pitched roofs and well-kept yards are visible in the background. The sky is overcast, giving the scene a muted tone. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street, ring 1 residences, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
A residential building, mostly obscured by dense leafy trees, stands across a paved street. A sign on the right side reads “School Speed Limit 20.” A sidewalk with patches of overgrown grass lines the foreground, and a folding barrier is visible near the curb. The scene appears quiet and overcast, with minimal traffic or activity. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 9820-9826 Colvin Boulevard, occupied residences at the intersection of 99th Street and Colvin Boulevard in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
View of the suburban Love Canal neighborhood with small single-story houses on either side of a tree-lined street and a car turning onto 99th Street. A stop sign stands on the right at the edge of an intersection, where the pavement is wet from recent rain. Two black-and-white striped barrier posts divide the entry to the street. Multiple parked cars are visible in driveways and along the curb. Power lines crisscross the sky above. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Emergency evacuation buses lined up on 97th Street in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
Two red and white chartered buses are parked on the left side of a wide residential street, followed by several yellow school buses extending into the distance. The street is lined with trees, utility poles, and suburban houses, and the lighting has a reddish tint, possibly due to aging or photographic processing. The scene is quiet with no pedestrians visible. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Child with hand on chain-link fence encircling abandoned residences on Frontier Avenue, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
A paved suburban street curves into the distance, bordered on one side by utility poles and grass, and on the other by a tall chain-link fence. A person is seen walking close to the fence, reaching toward it. Behind the fence, there is a well-kept residential yard with a white house and trees. The lighting has a reddish hue, possibly due to the photographic film or processing. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Protest sign in the front yard of a 100th Street resident, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
A rectangular protest sign lies flat in tall grass. The sign is handwritten in large block letters, though much of the writing is faded or obscured. Parts of the message are faintly visible, suggesting a personal statement that begins with "MY NAME IS" and references to suffering and home. The overall red hue of the image distorts color accuracy, making the text hard to decipher. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Protest sign in front yard of an abandoned 100th Street residence, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
A protest sign is displayed outdoors in front of an abandoned Love Canal house against a backdrop of a wooden picket fence and trees with autumn foliage. The sign, written in red letters on a wooden board, states “PROPERTY VALUE ZERO TAXES 700,” criticizing high taxes despite low property value. The image has a strong red color cast that reduces overall contrast and visibility of finer details. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a contaminated creek (swale) south of Love Canal and Frontier Avenue, Niagara Falls, New York, 1978
A series of corroded barrels and metal pipes rest among leafless trees and dry brush in a narrow, sloped clearing. A narrow white stream or runoff flows past the barrels, bordered by rocks and vegetation. Some barrels are partially buried or surrounded by debris and fencing, suggesting disuse or abandonment in a natural or semi-industrial drainage area. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of ring 1 homes in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1978
A row of single-story abandoned residential houses is seen through a chain-link fence in the foreground at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. The homes are shaded, with closed windows and no visible activity. The ground in front of the fence appears unkempt, with patches of dirt and grass. The scene suggests restricted access or abandonment; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Contaminated creek (swale) with a dislocated drainage pipe south of Love Canal and Frontier Avenue, in the LOve Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1978
A concrete drainage pipe lies on the ground in the foreground near a narrow stream that winds through a brush-filled, muddy landscape. Leafless shrubs and dry grasses line the streambed, and buildings are visible in the background beyond the thicket. The area appears unmanaged and overgrown; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a storm sewer pipe running into a contaminated creek (Bloody Run) south of Love Canal and Frontier Avenue, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1978
A concrete drainage pipe emerges from an embankment in a wooded area, discharging into a small, shallow stream near the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. The surrounding ground is muddy with patches of standing water, and the area is overgrown with leafless branches and brush. Debris is scattered around the stream bed. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a contaminated creek (swale) south of Love Canal and Frontier Avenue, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1979
A small stream curves through a landscape of bare trees and shrubs, with muddy banks and sparse vegetation near the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. The surrounding brush appears dry and dormant, suggesting a colder season. The scene is quiet and overcast, with no visible structures or people. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street, ring 1 residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1979
A row of small, single-story abandoned houses stands behind a chain-link fence in the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill area, Niagara Falls, New York. The house in the foreground has its windows and door boarded up. The yard is overgrown and the driveway is cracked and uneven. A tree with dense green leaves stands just outside the fence along the sidewalk. The overall atmosphere suggests neglect and abandonment; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 982 97th Street, a ring 1 residence, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1979
The image shows a single-story house with a stone facade and white siding in the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. The front door and windows are covered with plywood boards, indicating the house is abandoned. The yard is overgrown with tall grass and weeds. A concrete driveway leads to a detached garage, which also appears boarded up. A second house with similar characteristics is visible in the background, adding to the sense of neighborhood-wide disuse. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Fenced-in containment zone at 99th Street and Colvin Boulevard, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York bearing sign 'Admittance by permit only,' Spring 1979
A chain-link fence encloses an area at the intersection of 99th Street and Colvin Boulevard within the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site area, Niagara Falls, New York. Attached to the fence is a sign that reads: “ADMITTANCE BY PERMIT ONLY. VISITORS APPLY 9826 COLVIN BLVD. OFFICE OF LOVE CANAL TASK FORCE.” A black-and-white striped barricade is also present, and a car is visible on the road outside the fence. The area behind the fence is grassy and slightly overgrown. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street, ring 1 residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, spring 1979
A quiet residential street is shown after rainfall, with wet pavement reflecting the overcast sky. On the right side of the street, a row of single-story homes is partially enclosed by a chain-link fence which is part of the Love Canal Chemical Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. Leafless trees line both sides of the street, and telephone poles with overhead wires run parallel to the road. There are no visible people or vehicles, and the scene has a subdued, somber tone. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the 99th Street and Frontier Avenue Elementary School bus stop in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
A suburban residential street is captured on a sunny day, with a school bus visible far in the distance near the end of the road dropping off kids at 99th and Frontier Streets, Niagara Falls, New York. Both sides of the street are lined with single-story houses and green lawns. Numerous utility poles and overhead power lines run along the road. The pavement shows signs of wear with visible cracks, and there are no pedestrians or parked cars in the foreground. The scene appears calm and orderly. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 10002 Colvin Boulevard where the Posniak family receives assistance evacuating their Colvin Boulevard residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, July 3, 1980
A person wearing a white T-shirt and dark sunglasses stands in front of the open bed of a pickup truck. The truck is loaded with household items including an old-style television, a patterned mattress, a striped bag, and pieces of wooden furniture. The setting appears to be a residential yard on a sunny day, with part of a house and a parked car visible in the background. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal activist Debbie Cerrillo collecting donations for the Love Canal Homeowners Association, June 1980
Love Canal activist Debbie Cerrillo stands in a doorway holding a large plastic fundraising jug labeled “Love Canal Please Help!” She is wearing glasses and a floral-patterned shirt, with a cross around their neck. Another person is partially visible in the background to the right, turned away and engaged with another container. The setting appears to be indoors near a brick wall; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protester Joann Hale wearing a Love Canal tee shirt, June 1980
Love Canal activist Joann Hale is shown standing outside in daylight, wearing a white T-shirt with a green heart and the words “LOVE CANAL” printed on it, referencing the Love Canal environmental crisis. The shirt also contains smaller text partially visible. Joann Halel has curly hair and is holding her hands together, with a shoulder bag strap visible. Other people are partially visible around her, suggesting a group setting or gathering. Trees and grass are seen in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.