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
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
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.
The description and alternative text may have been partially generated using an AI tool and may contain errors or omissions.
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Archives
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Libraries
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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.
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)--Maps
Love Canal Area Revitalization Agency--Maps
This color-coded map shows the Love Canal Emergency Declaration Area (EDA) in Niagara Falls, New York, as of August 31, 2000. The EDA is divided into seven zones labeled AREA 1 through AREA 7, with parcel numbers and acreages noted. Key landmarks include the Love Canal Containment Area, Black Creek Park, and LaSalle Facility. Colored sections indicate property status (e.g., owned by individuals, housing authority, Socio Contracting, available for sale, or designated as greenspace). A legend at the bottom left defines symbols and color codes, while dashed lines indicate boundaries and buffer zones. A north arrow at the top right confirms orientation. The map delineates containment fences, parks, streets, and the surrounding urban layout.
Detailed, color-coded map of the Love Canal Emergency Declaration Area (EDA) in Niagara Falls, New York, dated May 31, 2000. It segments the area into seven zones (AREA 1 to AREA 7) and includes parcel boundaries and acreages. The map identifies major features such as the Containment Area, Black Creek Park, LaSalle Facility, and Summit Park Village. A legend at the bottom left defines the meaning of colors and symbols including EDA boundaries, containment area fences, ownership status, property availability, and green space. Notable color blocks indicate land controlled by private individuals, local authorities, or designated for sale or redevelopment. The map also includes major streets, a north directional arrow, and a 100-foot buffer along the eastern edge adjacent to wetlands.
Final Love Canal Emergency Declaration Area
Map showing the finalized boundaries and land designations of the Love Canal Emergency Declaration Area (EDA) in Niagara Falls, New York, as of August 31, 2003. It features labeled regions (AREA 1 through AREA 7) and color-coded parcels with details on land use and ownership. Key landmarks include the Love Canal Containment Area, Black Creek Park, LaSalle Facility, and Summit Park Village. Compared to earlier versions, several parcels are shown with updated ownership or purpose (e.g., green space, redevelopment). The map includes a 100-foot buffer along the wetlands on the eastern side and a detailed legend identifying elements such as EDA boundaries, containment fences, city-owned land, and redevelopment zones. A north directional arrow is located in the upper-right corner.
Love Canal Area Resettlement Phasing Plan
Presents the labeled redevelopment plan for the Love Canal area, prepared by The Saratoga Associates, titled “Love Canal Area Settlement Study – Phasing Plan.” The map outlines land parcels and proposed uses across the former Emergency Declaration Area. Key zones include: - Black Creek Village (62+ acres): designated for single-family residential housing. - Commercial and Industrial Zones: planned along Frontier Avenue, 102nd Street, and Buffalo Avenue. - Planned Residential Development (77+ acres): located west of the containment area. - Office Parks and Parkland Areas: strategically distributed throughout. - Gateway Area: a designated public space at the southern tip along Cayuga Island. - Existing landmarks like the LaSalle Facility and containment area are preserved and fenced. Shading and hatch patterns differentiate between land uses, phasing priorities (short, medium, long term), and public vs. private ownership. A compass and legend appear on the right.
Love Canal Area Resettlement Land Use Diagram Alternate 2
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) -- Maps
Detailed land use map titled "Love Canal Area Settlement: Land Use Diagram Alternate 2 - Resettlement 'In Kind'" (Figure 27) was created by The Saratoga Associates as part of the area settlement study. It outlines redevelopment zones surrounding the Love Canal Emergency Declaration Area. Key designated zones include: - Black Creek Village: area for single-family residential development. - Commercial Office and Strip Zones: located on the northeast and southeast corners of the map. - Medium density and Single-Family Residential Areas: proposed west of the containment zone. - Community Center and Local Commercial Areas: placed along 93rd Street and Buffalo Avenue. - Parkland and Open Space: includes the Gateway Transition Area and LaSalle Park near Cayuga Island. - Existing Features: the fenced Love Canal containment area and filtration plant are preserved. The map uses color coding and shading patterns to indicate zoning types and outlines ownership and development status with a detailed legend in the upper right. Streets and infrastructure are labeled throughout.
Love Canal Area Resettlement Land Use Diagram Alternate 3 - P.U.D. Concept
Land use diagram, labeled “Figure 28” from The Saratoga Associates’ Love Canal Area Settlement study that outlines a proposed redevelopment plan for the Love Canal Emergency Declaration Area and its surroundings. The plan includes: Residential Zones: - Black Creek Village in the north designated for single-family homes. - Medium and single-family residential areas proposed west of the containment zone. Commercial and Mixed Use: - Commercial Office and Hotel zones in the east. - Local commercial strip and community center near 93rd Street. - Mixed commercial/residential planned east of the containment area. Park and Open Space: - Future parkland and designated green spaces west of the containment zone. - Gateway Transition Area at the southern edge. Infrastructure & Public Use: - Retention of the Love Canal containment area in the center. - The existing filtration plant and old firehouse noted for potential future use. Streets and parcel boundaries are clearly marked. A legend in the top right explains zoning color codes and boundary types, while a scale and north arrow provide orientation.
Love Canal Area Resettlement Development Plan for Zones 2 and 3
This is Figure 15A from the Love Canal Area Settlement Study, created by The Saratoga Associates. It presents a conceptual development plan for an Office/Light Industrial Park located within the Emergency Declaration Area (EDA). Key features include: Lot Layout: - Multiple 3–5 acre parcels for development, each intended for buildings between 30,000–60,000 square feet. - Each building has a 100-foot setback from the existing chain-link fence surrounding the containment area. Infrastructure: - Roads loop around and through the parcels, providing access from new connections to Colvin Boulevard and Frontier Avenue. - Entry/drop-off point indicated for a proposed commercial/hotel complex at the site’s southern end. Site Amenities: - 30% of each parcel is designated as greenspace. - A large wetland/water feature occupies the center of the site near the Love Canal containment area. - Parking spaces are allotted at 3 per 1,000 square feet of building space. Additional Details: - Adjacent residential area marked as Black Creek Village. - Side panel includes a more detailed architectural rendering of an individual office/hotel site. The design emphasizes green buffering, commercial use, and regulated redevelopment over the formerly hazardous land.
Love Canal Area Resettlement Phasing Plan for Zones 2 and 3
This is Figure 15B from the Love Canal Area Resettlement Study, created by The Saratoga Associates. It presents a phasing plan for redevelopment in Zones 2 and 3 of the Emergency Declaration Area (EDA), as well as illustrative diagrams of landscape design elements. Left Panel: Phasing Plan Map Geography: Covers the area surrounding the Love Canal containment site, extending from Colvin Boulevard (north) to Frontier Avenue (south). Zones: - Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 are marked as sequential development zones, mostly to the west of the containment area. - Labels identify "Remaining Residents" (owner-occupied or vacant/tenant properties). Infrastructure: - Proposed new access roads to Black Creek Village and a health/medical center. - A wetland area is delineated east of the containment zone. Right Panel: "Typical Buffers & Screening": - Diagram showing how commercial/office buildings will be visually and acoustically buffered from adjacent residential areas using fences, vegetation, and berms. - Includes a cross-section of a vegetative buffer zone between buildings and residences. "Typical Streetscape Section": - A side-view diagram showing road layout, sidewalk, buffer plantings, and adjacent development. - Features elements like sidewalks, curbs, trees, and landscaped strips for aesthetic and environmental separation. Purpose: This document provides guidance for phased redevelopment, emphasizing visual screening, resident protection, and integration of commercial facilities into the post-contamination urban landscape of Love Canal.
Environmental Protection Agency's remediation equipment
Image shows the rear of a large EPA Environmental Emergency Response Unit vehicle. The unit is labeled with bold white text reading “U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Emergency Response Unit, Edison, N.J.” The vehicle is parked on a road with industrial equipment and another truck visible in the background. The scene takes place during daylight and depicts an environmental response event related to the hazardous waste cleanup at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York.
State University if New York at Buffalo. University Archives
Vandalized and abandoned Love Canal homes, Niagara Falls, New York
A single-story brick house with severe fire damage is shown, with the roof partially collapsed and charred. The front porch structure is mostly intact but heavily blackened. The house is surrounded by overgrown vegetation, including tall grass and dense bushes, particularly around the porch and along the side. Trees are visible in the background, and no people are present in the scene.
View of abandoned and boarded-up Love Canal homes, Niagara Falls, New York
View of two small, single-story residential houses situated side by side in the suburban area of Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York. Both houses have light-colored horizontal siding and gable roofs. The house on the left has boarded-up windows and an antenna mounted on the roof, and the house on the right has a covered porch and shrubs in the front yard. The foreground features a grassy lawn, a concrete sidewalk, and some scattered shadows from nearby trees. The background includes leafy trees and overhead utility lines.
Two young people walking near the fenced-in containment zone at Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York
A grassy area bordered by a chain-link fence in the background. A white vertical signpost in the foreground reads "Love Canal Area Revitalization Agency" along with a contact number. Two people, wearing light-colored shorts and hats, are walking on a path behind the sign. The scene is shaded by large trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. In the background, is an open field with some structures partially visible beyond the fence.
View of the fenced containment area around the original Love Canal site, Niagara Falls, New York
A chain-link fence runs along a grassy roadside, enclosing a large, barren, and mostly cleared area. A white warning sign with red lettering is attached to the fence, stating "Danger Chemical Waste Site Keep Out." In the distance, construction vehicles and equipment are visible, as well as scattered trees and low buildings along the horizon. The sky is clear and blue, and the ground within the fenced area appears dry and patchy.
View of the demolition site of the 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
View of the demolition site of the 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York with a partially collapsed building in the background. A large construction vehicle is visible amid the rubble, and light smoke rises from the debris. A multi-story building with large windows stands intact on the left side. Overhead utility lines and a leaning utility pole are also present. The foreground features a grassy area with scattered shrubs under a clear, blue sky.
Love Canal residents protest by burning effigies of New York State Governor Hugh Carey who served from 1975-1982 and David Axelrod who served as New York State Health Commissioner from 1979 to 1991
A scene depicting a Love Canal residents' protest with burning effigies on the ground of New York State Governor Hugh Carey and New York State Health Commissioner David Axelrod. The surrounding area includes several onlookers and photographers, some holding cameras and others standing at a distance. The background shows garage structures and a utility pole, with smoke partially obscuring parts of the scene. Flames are intense, with fire spreading on the ground and nearby objects.
Effigies of New York Governor Hugh Carey and New York State Health Commissioner David Axelrod at a Love Canal residents' protest rally
Two human-like cloth effigies are seated next to each other on chairs representing New York State Governor Hugh Carey and New York State Health Commissioner Dr. David Axelrod. Both effigies wear plaid pants, light-colored shirts, and ties—one red and one patterned. Their faces are hand-drawn with exaggerated features, including glasses on one. The room has a window with blinds, a radiator below it, and a bulletin board with papers in the background. The effigies are positioned leaning towards each other.
Love Canal demonstrators marching on the street with protest signs
A group of protesters marching on a paved street, holding signs and banners. Prominent signs in the foreground include messages reading "Hooker: Corporate Child Abuser" and "Chemicals Are Hell." The crowd consists of people of various ages, some wearing casual clothing and others in more formal attire. One marcher wears a white outfit with a large red heart on the chest. Additional signs in the background express opposition to corporate pollution and chemical hazards. Trees and parked cars are visible in the distance.
Love Canal demonstrators march down the street of their neighborhood carrying protest signs past abandoned, boarded-up houses, Niagara Falls, New York
Three individuals standing on a residential street in cold weather. Two of them are wearing winter jackets, hats, and face masks. One holds a handmade sign with red lettering that says, "Get Your Quota of Dioxin Here." The third person, standing slightly apart, is dressed in a tan jacket and orange hat. In the background, a parked car with a government emblem is visible, as well as a row of abandoned, boarded-up Love Canal houses and bare trees along the road. The atmosphere appears chilly and overcast.
Women and children Love Canal demonstrators marching with protest signs
A group of adults and children gathered on a residential Love Canal street holding handmade protest signs. One sign reads, "Hurry and read my sign it may be my last." Another sign states, "You have done nothing." The participants wear casual clothing, including jackets and hoodies. The scene takes place outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and abandoned, boarded-up houses visible in the background. The mood is somber and serious.
Headquarters of the Love Canal Homeowner's Association in a resident's garage
A single-car garage with a gable roof and light-colored siding constitutes the headquarters of the Love Canal Homeowner's Association . The garage door is covered with a large red banner displaying white text that reads, "Love Canal Victims Governments Hostages Love Canal, New York." Two small heart symbols are painted on the lower corners of the banner. A concrete driveway leads up to the garage, and a small porch is visible to the right with a window and entrance. The surrounding area includes grass and partial views of neighboring structures.
Love Canal protest sign reading: Danger, Dioxin Kills
A handmade Love Canal protest sign with bold red lettering reading "DANGER DIOXIN KILLS" arranged in two sections. The word "DANGER" is written at the top on a white background. Below it, a faded skull and crossbones illustration appears against a dark, smoky backdrop. The "X" in "DIOXIN" is created with the crossed bones. "KILLS" appears below, with letters resembling dripping paint. The sign is pinned to a bulletin board.
Protest signs posted in front of an abandoned house displaying Love Canal residents' opinion of their government's reaction: 'Disaster Area, City Failed Us'
A protest sign mounted on a wooden post in front of a small, single-story house with boarded-up windows. The sign has a red and blue background with white text that reads: "DISASTER AREA" (blue section) "CITY FAILED US" (red section) "TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION" (red section) "FED. GOVT. HELP" (red section) The house behind the sign has white siding, a gable roof, and boarded-up windows. A small front porch and shrubs are visible near the entrance. The atmosphere appears somber and abandoned.
Speaker at a public meeting for Love Canal residents, Niagara Falls, New York
An indoor gathering with a person in the foreground pointing directly ahead, appearing to address the audience emphatically. The setting is a crowded room with people seated and standing in the background. A chalkboard with partially visible drawings is on the wall. The atmosphere appears tense or passionate, as the person’s gesture is assertive.
Lois Gibbs and her mother Patricia Conn at a public meeting for Love Canal residents
A group of people seated in rows of wooden chairs at an indoor event. One man holds a small recording device, while others have personal belongings, including bags and papers, on their laps. The attendees are dressed in casual and semi-casual clothing, appearing focused on a speaker or presentation. The lighting is dim, giving a muted and subdued atmosphere. The floor is visible with some scattered items near the seats.
Love Canal community activist Lois Gibbs on the telephone at the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices, Niagara Falls, New York
An indoor office setting with Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs seated at a wooden desk, speaking on a black rotary phone in the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices, Niagara Falls, New York. Papers and small items are scattered on the desk. The background shows a radiator, stacked cardboard boxes and other items on shelves. A small file cabinet and additional office supplies are visible in the corner. The room appears utilitarian, with basic furnishings and a somewhat cluttered appearance.
Two young boys stand in a natural drainage gully from the unfinished Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York
View of large, eroded ditch with steep, uneven dirt walls and sparse vegetation in the unfinished Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York. Two children are standing at the bottom, one holding an object aloft, while the other stands nearby. Discarded items, including a bicycle wheel, are scattered within the ditch. The surrounding area features single-story houses with lawns, parked cars, and a calm residential setting. The ditch appears dry, with patches of overgrown grass and shrubs.
Two children playing in a backyard adjacent to rising toxic waste at Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York
A grassy backyard area with two children standing barefoot near a small plastic bowl placed on the ground near the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. One child is wearing a light-colored top and striped shorts, while the other wears dark shorts. The backyard is enclosed by a chain-link fence, with a playground set, including a swing and climbing bars, visible on the left. A black outdoor chair is positioned near the fence. In the distance, single-story houses are scattered throughout the residential neighborhood. The ground appears slightly damp, suggesting recent water play.
Remediation work at the 99th Street Elementary School, Niagara Falls, New York
The 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York toxic waste remediation site site where workers wearing white protective hazmat suits and yellow hard hats are conducting environmental remediation. An excavator marked "Koehring" is positioned on the muddy ground, with its bucket raised near a rust-stained metal container. Another crane with a suspended block is visible on the left. The area is heavily disturbed, with piles of dirt and mud covering the ground. The background features brick school buildings with large windows and a central glass corridor. Trees are visible beyond the buildings, and the atmosphere appears overcast.
Remediation workers go about their tasks at the 99th Street Elementary School, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
Hazardous waste management industry--Employees
The 99th Street Elementary School cleanup site, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, where remediation workers, dressed in white protective hazmat suits, yellow hard hats, and rubber boots are excavating a trench. Some workers are positioning large metal panels to reinforce the trench walls, while one is measuring the depth with a tape. An excavator arm is partially visible on the right, and a large yellow construction vehicle is parked nearby. Other workers are standing or kneeling on the grassy area behind the trench, with some pipes and construction materials scattered on the ground. In the background, a building with boarded-up windows and shrubbery can be seen. The ground appears muddy and disturbed.
View of remediation work in progress at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York with earth moving equipment in the background.
A partially developed area showing a rocky embankment on the left and patches of standing water surrounded by grass and vegetation on the right at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill remediation site. The water has a murky, discolored appearance with reddish and dark tones. In the background, a yellow bulldozer is stationed on a mound of dirt, with a brick building and more construction activity visible further back.
Abandoned and boarded-up Love Canal home, Niagara Falls, New York
A blue-painted garage with boarded-up windows and door panels, situated at the end of a narrow driveway in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. A small tricycle with a yellow frame and blue wheels sits unattended on the driveway near the garage. The surrounding area shows signs of neglect, with overgrown grass along the edges and patches of weeds breaking through the concrete. The adjacent house, also painted blue, has boarded-up windows, suggesting the property is abandoned or unoccupied. Trees and fencing are partially visible in the background.
Organizational meeting of the Love Canal Homeowners Association with community activist Lois Gibbs and her mother Patricia Conn seated in the front center row
A full auditorium with hundreds of people seated closely together, facing toward the front of the room at an organizational meeting of the Love Canal Homeowners Association with Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs and her mother Patricia Conn. The audience includes individuals of various ages, and many appear engaged, listening attentively. Some are holding notebooks or recording devices. In the foreground, several people are standing, including a camera operator filming the event. The space is well-lit and filled to capacity.
Love Canal residents gather after listening to the federal government's first evacuation order, Niagara Falls, New York
A large group of people stands closely together on a residential street, facing a small house with shuttered windows within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. In the background, a protest sign is visible, reading “Disaster Area City Failed Us. ”The crowd includes adults and children, some with bicycles and strollers. The scene suggests a community demonstration or public gathering, likely related to local grievances concerning the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site. The setting is a suburban neighborhood with modest single-story homes.
Father bearing his young daughter on his shoulders who holds a sign reading 'I want to live' at a Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill protest rally
A small girl child wearing a bonnet sits on the shoulders of her father in a crowded setting. The child holds a handwritten cardboard sign that says “I Want to Live!” The scene appears to be part of a protest or public demonstration against the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York, with another person partially visible in the background.
View of a speaker at the podium at a New York State Department of Health public meeting on the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York.
A man in a suit and glasses stands at a podium speaking into several atmicrophones, labeled with news station numbers at at a New York State Department of Health public meeting on the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York.. He faces an audience of formally dressed individuals, some seated and others standing in a doorway. Several attendees appear to be journalists or officials, with one person kneeling and operating a video camera in the foreground. The setting is a plain, well-lit room, and the overall atmosphere suggests a formal press conference at the New York State Department of Health public meeting on the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York.
Audience at a New York State Department of Health public meeting on Love Canal
Officials from the New York Department of Health called a series of meetings to alert the Love Canal neighborhood residents that there might be health-related environmental problems in their neighborhood.
A public meeting or community forum is depicted with rows of seated attendees. Several individuals have their hands raised, while others are reading from papers or writing notes. A person on the right side is holding a camera, and a few people in the back are standing near video equipment and a bright studio light.
Backyard of an abandoned and boarded-up Love Canal home, Niagara Falls, New York
A grassy yard of an abandoned Love Canal house featuring a small plastic rocking horse and a low circular stone border in the foreground. Two single-story blue houses with boarded-up windows and doors are visible in the background. A picnic table and outdoor grill sit near the buildings. The trees are leafless, suggesting late fall or early winter, and the overall scene appears quiet and uninhabited. This image shows how near children played to the Love Canal site toxic waste.
View of holes in the ground, filled with chemical-smelling black liquids in the fenced yard of a Love Canal residence, Niagara Falls, New York.
View of a patch of uneven grassy terrain featuring a shallow depression filled with dark liquid or sludge within the fenced yard of a Love Canal residence, Niagara Falls, New York. The surrounding area includes dry grass, scattered debris, and small rocks. A chain-link fence is visible in the background, indicating a possible boundary or restricted area. The appearance suggests soil disturbance and chemical contamination.
Ground sinking over barrels of toxic waste in the yard of a Love Canal resident, Niagara Falls, New York
A patch of barren, uneven ground with several small pits or depressions partially filled with dark or murky liquid. The soil appears cracked and disturbed, with minimal grass or vegetation along the edges. Some light-colored rocks and organic debris are scattered throughout the area. The overall scene evokes the environmental damage and contamination of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York
Toxic waste rising to the surface in the fenced backyard of a Love Canal resident, Niagara Falls, New York
A rough, barren area with scattered debris including wooden planks and other unidentifiable materials. The ground appears uneven and contaminated, with sparse tufts of grass growing near the edge. In the background, a tall wooden privacy fence runs across the scene. A structure is partially visible on the left side, suggesting the abandoned Love Canal contaminated house nearby.
Toxic waste rising to the surface in the backyard of a Love Canal resident, Niagara Falls, New York
A muddy area with dark, oily liquid pooled among sparse grass and patches of exposed earth. Large rocks and clumps of dry soil are scattered in the foreground, partially framing the contaminated section. The liquid appears to have seeped into the ground, discoloring the soil and affecting the surrounding vegetation. The overall setting suggests environmental degradation and the chemical contamination of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York.
William T. Love wielding a ceremonial shovel gathered with a large group of onlookers in attendance at the commemorative groundbreaking of his proposed Love Canal in 1894
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)--History
A sepia-toned historical photograph showing a large group of people standing in a field attending the 1894 groundbreaking ceremony for the Love Canal. The white-bearded man in the center holding the ceremonial shovel is William T. Love whose vision of diverting the waters of the Niagara River in order to develop a Model City outside Lewiston, New York required the building of this canal which was never completed. It, ultimately, was abandoned and resulted in one of the worst environmental disasters in American history after local chemical company Hooker began dumping toxic waste at the site. Most of the people pictured are dressed in long coats and bowler or top hats and are arranged in a semi-formed line facing the camera. A wooded area is visible in the background, and the ground is covered in grass and light brush.
Aerial view of the Love Canal site after the landfill was completed
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)--Aerial views
A black-and-white aerial photograph showing a shoreline in the foreground, with parkland, open fields, and tree-lined paths extending inland. A highway or major road runs horizontally across the middle of the image, separating the open land from a densely populated residential neighborhood filled with houses and tree cover. The upper portion shows a grid of streets and rooftops, while the bottom left corner reveals part of a water body, likely a river or lake, with a developed shoreline.
Color poster, picturing Lois Gibbs and her daughter Missy Gibbs, promoting environmental protection
Center for Health, Environment and Justice (Falls Church, Va.)
An advocacy poster promoting environmental awareness features a close-up image of Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs holding her daughter Missy both with serious expressions. The text emphasizes the lasting impact of the Love Canal environmental disaster. White bold letters against red and brown blocks read: “20 Years ago Love Canal families thought they were safe after evacuating their contaminated neighborhoods…” “…only to discover they couldn’t protect their families from chemical exposures anywhere. Love Canal could be evacuated but… We can’t Evacuate the World!” The bottom line reads: “We must stand our ground to take back our communities, our health and our environment.” Produced by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, the poster calls for collective action against widespread environmental contamination.
Pipe leaking toxic waste in Forest Glen, New York
Hazardous wastes--New York (State)--Forest Glen
Drainage pipes--New York (State)--Forest Glen
Subsurface drainage--New York (State)--Forest Glen
Hazardous waste sites--New York (State)--Forest Glen
A black-and-white photograph showing a drainage pipe protruding from a concrete wall at the base of a steep, rocky hillside. The pipe empties into a shallow, debris-filled channel running alongside a highway. A chain-link fence runs along the edge of the slope, separating the hillside from the road. The highway curves gently to the right and continues into the distance, where a vehicle is visible traveling away from the camera. The scene shows signs of erosion and unmaintained infrastructure along the road’s edge.
View of a drainage pipe and pollution in Forest Glen, New York
Pollutants--New York (State)--Forest Glen
A black-and-white photograph of a densely vegetated area with a narrow stream or drainage channel cutting through the middle. Thick foliage, shrubs, and tall grasses dominate the scene. In the lower right corner, discarded metal debris and at least one large tire are partially buried among the plants, indicating illegal dumping. A tall, leafless tree stands near the center, surrounded by dense woodland.
Child protesters holding a sign for news cameras in Forest Glen, New York identifying it as 'Love Canal II'
Demonstrations--New York (State)--Forest Glen
Political participation--New York (State)--Forest Glen
A group of children standing on a bench holding a handmade protest banner that reads “FOREST GLEN, Love Canal II, Niagara Falls, N.Y.” The scene takes place outdoors on a paved surface with trees and a mobile home or trailer in the background. Several adults and at least two news camerapeople are filming the demonstration. Tables and chairs are visible nearby, suggesting a community gathering or press event. The setting appears to be a residential area, and the banner references environmental concerns relating to the Love Canal hazardous waste site disaster.
Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier
Protesters, including children, with signs at a rally against landfill construction by CECOS International Inc. (a waste management service company in Niagara Falls, New York)
A group of people, including several children and adults, participate in an outdoor protest rally holding various handmade signs related to toxic chemical exposure and environmental protection. Messages on the signs include phrases such as “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH STOP #6,” and “NO DIOXIN LOOPHOLES! YOU KEEP YOURS, WE’LL KEEP OURS." The protest takes place on a sidewalk near parked vehicles outside the CECOS International Inc. commercial building (a waste management service company in Niagara Falls, New York). The scene suggests community opposition to continued or renewed hazardous waste activity.
A group of individuals, including adults and children, are gathered under a covered sidewalk area near parked cars. They hold handwritten signs expressing concerns about toxic waste management and landfill issues. Messages include “Governor, Our Backyard Is Full,” “We Don’t Want to Be the Seventh Toxic Wonder of the World,” and “No More Landfill on CECOS Mountain.” One sign mimics a report card format titled “CECOS Environmental Report Card” with failing grades across multiple categories. The protest appears to be directed at local or state government and a waste disposal company.
Sister Margeen Hoffmann (at far right in green jacket) leads children with signs at a rally against landfill construction by CECOS International Inc. (a waste management service company in Niagara Falls, New York)
Sister Margeen Hoffmann is on right, dressed in blue skirt and shirt and green blazer. She was Executive Director of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier from 1979-1988. A group of children and adults gather closely outside a building, holding handmade protest signs with messages against landfill No. 6 and chemical waste disposal. Slogans include “Protect My Future Stop CECOS #6,” “NO! Landfill #6 No More Chemicals!,” and “I Have a Safe Life Stop CECOS.” Sister Margeen leans down to talk with a child holding a sign at this community-driven demonstration.
Several youth stand outside a building, holding protest signs criticizing toxic waste management and the CECOS landfill in Niagara Falls. Messages on the signs include “Niagara Falls needs... Tourists not Toxic Waste,” “Enough is Enough!! Stop CECOS Site #6,” “Toxic Time Bomb Stop CECOS Now,” and a hand-written "Environmental Report Card" giving failing grades. A large banner in the background reads “DISASTER AREA Help Us Save Our Children.” The scene conveys organized community opposition to environmental hazards.
A group of community members, including many children, stands outside under a building overhang holding protest signs related to chemical exposure and opposition to landfill creation policies. Messages include “Protect My Future Stop Cecos #6,” “No! Landfill #6 No More Chemicals,” and “No Dioxin Loopholes! You Keep Yours We'll Keep Ours.” Some signs reference Love Canal and Niagara Falls environmental pollution sites. The protest is directed against corporate policies involving hazardous waste disposal and landfill construction by CECOS International Inc. (a waste management service company in Niagara Falls, New York)
Sister Margeen Hoffmann (at far right in green jacket) leads children with signs at the rally against landfill construction by CECOS International Inc. (a waste management service company in Niagara Falls, New York)
Sister Margeen Hoffmann is on right, dressed in blue skirt and shirt and green blazer. She was Executive Director of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier from 1979-1988. A group of protesters stands outside a building holding signs denouncing landfill site #6 and CECOS, a hazardous waste disposal site. Several children are in the foreground, holding handmade posters with messages like “NO! Landfill #6 No More Chemicals!” and “STOP CECOS.” One child wears a costume shaped like a protest sign. Sister Margeen leans down to interact with one of the children in the front row. The group includes both children and adults, with expressions of concern and determination.
A group of adults and children stands outdoors near a building, participating in a protest. Several people hold signs calling for an end to toxic waste dumping at CECOS site #6, with messages such as “Protect My Future Stop CECOS #6,” “I Have a Dream: To Be Safe & Healthy,” and “Stay Tuned for the Continuing Saga of Love Canal.” One child stands in front, smiling while holding a sign with the help of an adult. The mood is calm but resolute, with participants advocating for environmental safety and public health.
A group of people participates in a street protest, holding handmade signs expressing concerns about dioxin exposure. The signs feature messages such as “DON’T FAKE IT! The ‘PUBLIC’ CAN’T MAKE IT!” and “NO DIOXIN,” along with drawings of factories, skulls, and sun imagery. Participants include adults and children, and the demonstration takes place in a residential or urban neighborhood with brick buildings visible in the background. The overall atmosphere conveys a sense of community activism.
A group of children and adults gather closely during a protest, holding handmade signs with messages against toxic waste and landfill sites. Some of the visible signs read “Protect My Future Stop CECOS #6,” “They May Be New But they...Dump on NIAGARA,” and “PLEASE HELP US! We HELPED YOU.” The children in front display a large horizontal banner with the phrase “Protect My Future Stop CECOS.” The crowd is standing outside a building, and the demonstration appears peaceful but urgent, emphasizing environmental health and community protection.
A crowd of protesters, including both adults and children, stand closely together outside a building under a covered walkway. They are holding numerous handmade signs with messages opposing toxic waste dumping and landfill site number 6, such as “Protect My Future Stop CECOS #6,” “NO! Landfill #6 No More Chemicals,” and “STOP CECOS.” Several signs appeal directly to government officials and reference the community of Niagara.