Love Canal activist Debbie Cerrillo collecting donations for the Love Canal Homeowners Association, June 1980
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
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.
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
If you believe material in our digital collections infringes copyright or other rights, please review our Notice and Takedown Policy for information on how to report your concern.
COPYRIGHT NOT EVALUATED. The copyright and related rights status of this Item has not been evaluated. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use.
This digital collection is made available for research and educational purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining copyright status, and securing permissions for use and publication of any material. Copyright for items in this collection may be held by the creators, their heirs, or assigns. Researchers are required to obtain written permission from copyright holders and the University Archives prior to reproducing or publishing materials, including images and quotations. For inquiries about reproduction requests and permissions, please contact the University Archives.
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.
Missy Gibbs, Lois Gibbs' daughter, at the Love Canal residents' meeting at the Wesley United Methodist Church, May 21, 1980
Wesley United Methodist Church (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
Missy Gibbs, the young daughter of Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs, wearing a colorful patterned dress looks downward with an expression of focus or excitement, mouth slightly open. Missy has shoulder-length hair with a red hair clip. Behind her, an adult in a blue and white striped shirt is partially visible, holding a pencil. The background is neutral and unfocused, drawing attention to the interaction between the two figures; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal resident Grace McCoulf and her young daughter, June 1980
Love Canal resident Grace McCoulf with short dark hair sits cross-legged on the floor, wearing a white shirt with yellow trim and holding a clear plastic cup. Her young daughter sits in front of her mother, wearing a striped shirt and dark pants, holding a lollipop in one hand. Both are positioned against a plain wall with a wooden floor beneath them. Grace looks down while her daughter faces forward; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Patricia Conn, Lois Gibbs' mother with her grandson Michael Gibbs (center, wearing a Love Canal tee shirt) and a young friend at the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices, June 1980
A group of three people stands indoors in front of a bulletin board covered with papers. Lois Gibbs' mother Patricia Conn stands behind two children. Her grandson Michael Gibbs (center) wears a "Love Canal" t-shirt and holds a large, crumpled drawing depicting a playground with trees and children playing. The other child wears a Yankees jersey and stands with arms crossed. The setting appears dimly lit, with the focus on the drawing and the people; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Protesters gather outside the Colvin Avenue Love Canal Homeowners Association offices on the day of the EPA officials 'hostage-taking', May 19, 1980
United States. Environmental Protection Agency
A group of protesters is gathered outside the Colvin Avenue Love Canal Homeowners Association offices on the day of the EPA officials 'hostage-taking.' The central figure is a man wearing a red jacket with a sports emblem on the chest. He is flanked by others, including a person in glasses and a blue shirt on the right and a younger person in red on the left. The Love Canal Homeowners Association building with light-colored stone walls and a blurred tree are visible in the background. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government with one participant holding a sign stating 'We are Love Canal boat people', held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building, April 17, 1979
A group of Love Canal Homeowners Association protesters stands on a sidewalk in a grassy urban area in front of the multi-story Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building, Several adults hold handmade signs, including messages like “We Are Love Canal Boat People,” “Fools Employed by Mismanaged Administration,” and “Love Canal National Shame.” Some individuals wear shirts with “Love Canal” slogans. Two children are seated in strollers, and another child is sitting on the ground. The protest, targeting the federal government over he Love Canal environmental crisis, appears peaceful and organized. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners Association protest, with burning effigies of Jimmy, Rosalynn and Amy Carter in the street being photographed by the news media, targeting the federal government held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building, April 17, 1979
A burning effigy lies on the pavement with flames rising from its torso during an intense street protest targeting the federal government over the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill crisis held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building on April 17, 1979. The effigy appears to be constructed from clothing and bedding materials and represents U.S. President Jimmy Carter, his wife Rosalynn and his daughter Amy. Around it, several individuals, including press personnel with cameras and recording equipment, observe and document the scene. Some people are standing while others kneel to film or photograph the fire. The background includes a brick building with boarded-up windows and signage partially visible reading "FRONTIER." Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Archivea
Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs speaks from the pulpit at the Love Canal residents' meeting at the Wesley United Methodist Church, May 21, 1980
Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs stands at a podium speaking into a microphone at a meeting of the Love Canal Homeowners Association inside the church sanctuary of the Wesley United Methodist Church on May 21, 1980. The warm setting features tall wooden paneling, vertical window panes, and a small altar with lit candles. The speaker is partially obscured by an out-of-focus figure in the foreground, suggesting an audience is present. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street protest signs in the front yard of a ring 1 residence, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
Two handmade protest signs are displayed in a yard in front of a house with white siding and shuttered windows in a ring 1 residence, in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. The top sign reads: “Politicians solution to the pollution, give 'em food stamps!!” The bottom sign says: “WELCOME TO RAINBOW CITY. Come see our Multi-color TOXIC CHEMICALS,” with colorful lettering and a drawing of a skull and crossbones. The signs express frustration with the environmental conditions at Love Canal and the lack of governmental response. Photographed by Penelope Ploughman.
Aerial view of chemical plant areas (including Hooker) in Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
Chemical plants--New York (State)--Niagara Falls--Aerial views
Hazardous waste sites--New York (State)--Niagara Falls--Aerial views
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)--Aerial views
The image shows a high-altitude aerial view of a landscape composed of forested areas, patchwork farmland, and a large industrial complex near the bottom center. The industrial site includes multiple excavated pits or waste ponds and various buildings and infrastructure. The surrounding landscape features a mix of agricultural plots and dense tree cover, with a body of water visible in the distance near the horizon. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
The image shows an aerial view taken from an aircraft, with part of the plane’s wing visible on the right. In the center is a large industrial complex with multiple buildings, storage areas, and what appears to be containment ponds. Residential neighborhoods are visible in the foreground and upper left, characterized by grid-pattern streets and small homes. The background stretches into open farmland with scattered structures and distant haze. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Aerial view of both the American and the Canadian falls and rapids, Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario, Canada, summer 1978
Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (N.Y.)--Aerial views
Niagara Falls (N.Y. and Ont.)--Aerial views
Waterfalls--New York (State)--Niagara Falls--Aerial views
The image captures an aerial perspective of Niagara Falls, showing both the Horseshoe Falls in the foreground and the American Falls slightly downstream. The Niagara River flows from the bottom right to the top center of the image, with mist rising from the falls. A bridge spans the river between the U.S. and Canada, and both cities are visible on either side, densely packed with buildings, streets, and landmarks. A portion of the airplane wing is visible in the bottom right corner. The Love Canal neighborhood was located in southern Niagara Falls, New York; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
This image shows a high-altitude aerial view of Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. The Horseshoe Falls is prominently visible with a large plume of mist rising from the cascade. Goat Island sits between Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls upstream. The image includes both urban and rural areas on either side of the river, with bridges connecting Canada and the United States. The scene is bathed in soft daylight, with the horizon visible in the distance. The Love Canal neighborhood was located in southern Niagara Falls; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Hooker Chemical sign on a chain link and barbed wire fence surrounding the containment zone, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site and along the Niagara River, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
Hazardous waste sites--New York (State)--Niagara Falls
View of a closed chain-link gate with barbed wire along the top, situated in a grassy area. A sign attached to the fence reads “PRIVATE PROPERTY NO TRESPASSING” and appears to reference the Hooker Chemicals & Plastics Corp. though parts are obscured by a leafy plant growing next to the sign. Beyond the fence is a large open field with sparse trees under a clear bllue sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Fenced-in sports field in park at Frontier Avenue, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site and along the Niagara River, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
View of a fenced-in baseball field under a clear blue sky at Frontier Avenue, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site and along the Niagara River, Niagara Falls, New York, A metal chain-link fence separates the viewer from the field. In the background, there are two dugouts, a backstop, and a small structure near home plate. The field is surrounded by tall green trees, and picnic tables are visible to the left near the tree line. The grass inside the fence is partially dry and brown; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a chain-link and barbed wire fence surrounding the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site bearing a Hooker Chemical 'No Trespassing' sign as viewed from Frontier Avenue, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
View of a grassy area enclosed by a tall chain-link fence topped with barbed wire surrounding the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site. A yellow sign that reads "No Trespassing – Private Property – Hooker Chem. Corp." is posted in the middle of the fence as viewed from Frontier Avenue, Niagara Falls, New York The field beyond the fence is overgrown with grass and small wildflowers, and a few trees are scattered throughout the area. The foreground shows a dirt path and some litter on the ground. The sky is clear and blue; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a debris-ridden shoreline of the Niagara River upstream from the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site (south of the canal and Frontier Avenue), Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
View of a rocky and uneven shoreline with various debris, including concrete pieces and metal scraps along the Niagara River upstream from the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. The water’s edge appears murky, with scattered plants growing along the bank. On the opposite side of the waterway, partially obscured by trees and shrubs, is a white two-story house with a porch. Dense green vegetation lines the hillside to the right of the house. The overall setting suggests a polluted and neglected waterfront area near residential housing; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a black, oily residue deposited on the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill containment zone, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
Detailed view of a muddy, uneven shoreline with black, oily residue deposited on the Niagara River edge, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill containment area. The scene conveys environmental degradation along a contaminated waterway. The ground is covered in small rocks, broken concrete slabs, and bits of wood, suggesting pollution or hazardous waste deposits. The water appears dark and murky with a reflective surface that glimmers in the light. In the background, dense vegetation borders the edge of the water; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a black, oily residue deposited on the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
Love Canal Chemivcal Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
Detailed view of a muddy patch of ground mixed with black, oily residue deposited on the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. Damp soil, rocks, and various debris, including sticks and broken reeds, are visible while green plants grow along the edges. A dark rubber or plastic pipe runs vertically through the center of the scene, appearing to emerge from the soil. In the top left, part of a brown shoe is visible, suggesting the presence of a person standing nearby. The area appears disturbed, possibly due to toxic contamination; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Detailed view of a black, oily residue deposited on the rocky shoreline of the Niagara River, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. It also shows dried plant stems, and green vegetation with a dense tangle of organic debris concentrated between rocks near the water's edge. A small stream of dark, murky water flows from the foreground toward the body of water, passing beneath a fabric-like material. In the background, the water surface contains floating debris, including what appears to be a tire. The scene suggests evidence of toxic waste pollution; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a black, oily residue deposited on the Niagara River's rocky shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. A small stream or runoff flows across the rocks, showing a visible oily sheen that reflects light. Water in the background appears dark, murky and polluted with glints of sunlight scattered across the surface. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a black, oily residue deposited on rough-edged rocks and reddish stones along the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. A thin trickle of dark, oily water runs between the rocks with a visible iridescent sheen. Small twigs and natural debris are interspersed with rocks on the damp soil; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a black, oily residue deposited along the rough and broken stones of the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. Porous concrete and reddish rock fragments also lie over dark, wet ground. A thin layer of oil creates a glistening sheen across parts of the soil with scattered twigs and dried reeds mixed among the debris. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.,)
View of a black, oily residue deposited on the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. A patch of disturbed ground with tall grass and weeds surrounds the area of wet, muddy soil. A reflective, white substance with an oily sheen pools near the center, partially covering rocks and debris. The texture suggests toxic seepage or runoff through the vegetation; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a black, oily residue deposited on the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York, Dense grass and reeds partially obscure a section of wet ground while a bright white reflective substance seeps through the soil amid broken sticks and plant debris contrasting with darker mud and green vegetation. The material appears unnatural and concentrated in the center; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a black, oily residue deposited along the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
View of a black, oily residue deposited along the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. A wet, muddy area is shown with slick, iridescent patches on the surface, possibly from chemical runoff. Green algae or mold accumulates in the lower section. Twigs, rocks, and pieces of decomposing wood are scattered across the scene, with some plant growth in the upper right corner. Light reflects off the contaminated surface, highlighting the uneven texture; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a black, oily residue deposited along the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. Three slender tree trunks, partially bare with sparse branches, stand prominently in the foreground. They frame a calm, reflective body of water that curves toward the horizon's edge lined with rocks and a grassy embankment replete with the black, oily residue. In the distance, the tree line under a vivid blue sky completes the polluted landscape; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a black, oily residue deposited along the curving, rocky Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. An area of calm water reflects the blue sky, with scattered debris and two partially submerged circular metal objects visible near the bank. The shore is lined with grass and small shrubs, and a grassy field stretches into the background under a clear sky. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Close-up of the black, oily material deposited along Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
Close-up view of a black, oily material on a coarse, uneven surface made up of dark gravel and soil interspersed with small stones and pieces of debris deposited along the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. A few larger fragments of concrete or brick are visible, including a reddish chunk near the top and a greenish slab near the lower right. The ground appears damp and compacted in some areas; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a calm portion of the Niagara River's rocky shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York with debris, old tires, and a black, oily residue in the water, summer 1978
View of a calm portion of the Niagara River's rocky shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York coated with a black, oily residue on debris and discarded, partially submerged tires in the polluted water. The bank is strewn with rocks, broken concrete pieces, and plant debris. The water is dark and murky, with a reflective surface showing trees along the opposite side of the bank. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of organic debris along the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York, summer 1978
View of a mixture of green plants and scattered organic debris along a densely vegetated area of the Niagara River shoreline, south of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. The ground is covered with dry sticks, twigs, and pieces of bark. Larger logs and tree trunks are visible among the undergrowth, with thick foliage and trees in the background. The lighting suggests partial shade, especially in the upper portion of the frame; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Close-up view of a visitor's access pass to the restricted areas issued by the Love Canal Remedial Action Project, May 1982
View of a hand holding a clear plastic badge holder containing a visitor pass. The pass reads "LIMITED ACCESS GRANTED TO VISITOR 11" and includes the project name "LOVE CANAL REMEDIAL ACTION PROJECT" with "Albert Elia Bld. Co." and "Job No. 3231" printed at the bottom. The background is dim and out of focus; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 929 97th Street, a ring 1 abandoned residence with a child's tricycle in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
An abandoned single-story house and detached garage are shown with boarded-up windows and doors in the Love Canal neighborhood,, Niagara Falls, New York. The house has a stone and siding exterior, while the garage is painted blue with a white door. Tall grass grows along the edges of the driveway and sidewalk. A discarded child's tricycle lies on its side in the driveway near the garage. Trees and neighboring houses are visible in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a wire fence enclosing a dry, grassy field with a large sign reading "DANGER KEEP OUT" in bold letters near the clay cap in the background at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill remediation site, Niagara Falls, New York July 1979
View of a wire fence enclosing a dry, grassy field with a large sign reading "DANGER KEEP OUT" in bold letters near the clay cap at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill remediation site, Niagara Falls, New York. Behind the fence is a tall metal structure with ladders and railings, possibly industrial equipment or a monitoring platform related to the Love Canal remediation project. Several low buildings and utility poles are visible in the background under a clear sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 627 99th Street, a ring 1 residence with a large defoliated bush in the foreground in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
View of 627 99th Street, a ring 1 abandoned and boarded-up white house in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, A large shrub dominates the foreground, with dry, brown branches and sparse green growth near the base and sides. A separate green plant grows from within the shrub. In the background, the house shows a small address sign reading "627," and other unkempt greenery around the property. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of an abandoned and boarded-up 99th Street, ring 1 residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A single-story house with green siding and a gray roof has all its windows boarded up on 99th Street, ring 1 in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. In the front of the house are two large, overgrown bushes—one mostly dry and brown and the other partially green. The surrounding yard is filled with tall, unmaintained grass and a metal pipe protruding from the ground near the foreground. A neighboring house is partially visible to the right; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a row of 99th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
View of a series of small, single-story, closely-spaced, abandoned houses with boarded-up windows and doors that extend into the distance. The front yards are filled with tall, unmaintained grass and scattered bushes. A metal pipe extending from the ground is visible in the lower left foreground and trees and utility lines can be seen in the background. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the 99th Street Elementary School surrounded by a wire containment fence with a large 'Danger, Keep Out' sign on it in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, July 1979
The 99th Street Elementary School, a two-story brick building with large windows in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York is shown surrounded by a wire fence. A large sign on the fence reads "DANGER KEEP OUT" in bold letters. The area in front of the building consists of dry grass and sandy soil. A metal playground structure is visible to the left and the sky is clear and blue; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 684 99th Street, an abandoned and boarded-up, ring 1 residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
View of a small, white house with horizontal siding and its windows and door boarded-up with plywood within ring 1 of the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. The house number "684" is mounted beside the door. In front of the house, a hedge with dry and thinning branches is bordered by tall, uncut grass and encroaching vegetation which reinforces the notion of neglect and abandonment. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a tall metal structure with ladders and platforms, enclosed by a wire fence in the foreground and a view of abandoned residences in the background within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, July 1979
A wire fence encloses a dry field with sparse grass and sandy soil within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. At the center of the lot stands a tall metal structure with ladders and platforms, possibly a piece of monitoring or industrial equipment. A small, tilted sign is attached to the fence on the left side. In the background, several abandoned white residential buildings and utility poles are visible under a clear blue sky. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences with EPA trailers on the canal in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, July 1979
View of a white, abandoned house with boarded-up windows on the left side of the frame, adjacent to a dense, overgrown hedge within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Tall grass extends in front of the hedge, leading toward a distant view of multiple EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) trailers and small structures. The area is well-lit under a clear sky with scattered trees visible in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a large crane sitting at the 99th Street Elementary School with a wire fence in the foreground and a sign that reads 'DANGER KEEP OUT' in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, July 1979
A large crane with a lattice boom is positioned within a fenced-off remediation site in front of the 99th Street Elementary School, a low, modern-style brick building in the Love canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York . A “DANGER KEEP OUT” sign is attached to the fence near the foreground, along with a caution barricade. Tall grass grows along the outside of the fence, and rows of abandoned, boarded-up houses are visible in the background under a clear blue sky. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
U.S. War Department map of the Love Canal area, Niagara Falls, New York showing the original canal excavation, 1940
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)--Maps
A close-up view of a reddish topographic map depicting part of La Salle, New York. The map includes labeled areas such as 91st Street Park and Jayne Park, with multiple elevation benchmarks marked (e.g., BM 571, BM 572, BM 578). Streets, railroads, and rivers—including the Little River—are visible, along with shaded regions representing elevation contours and plot divisions. The map also features smaller labeled streets and residential blocks, including 97th Street and the surrounding grid. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
U.S. War Department map of the Love Canal area, Niagara Falls, New York, showing the original canal excavation, 1940
A detailed section of a topographic map highlighting Niagara Falls, New York, and adjacent areas. The map shows La Salle, Cayuga Island, and Jayne Park, along with parts of Bergholtz and Black Creek. Roads, railways, parks, and rivers are labeled, including the Little River and Niagara River. Colored shading indicates elevation (e.g., BM 574, BM 578) and land use, with green areas denoting parks or undeveloped land. Dense red grid sections represent developed urban areas, particularly along the west and central portions. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Map of the Love Canal area, Niagara Falls, New York, 1977
A close-up of a detailed street map highlighting an area near the Niagara River. Griffon Park is labeled in the lower center, surrounded by streets such as Joliet Avenue, Griffon Avenue, and Chippewa Avenue. Above the park, major roads include Wheatfield Avenue, Colvin Boulevard, and Lindbergh Avenue. Black Creek appears in the upper right corner. The map includes numerous intersecting residential streets, labeled with ordinal numbers and names, along with railway lines and a marked “City Line” running vertically through the right portion of the map. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
A detailed map highlights part of La Salle, New York, and its surrounding area. Key features include Cayuga Island, 91st Street Park, and Griffon Park, with major roads such as Buffalo Avenue, Frontier Avenue, and Corporate Avenue. The map shows nearby schools, including St. John’s School and 99th Street School, as well as a filtration plant near the lower right. Jayne Park is located near the confluence of the Little River and Niagara River. Streets are laid out in a grid pattern, with elevation benchmarks labeled (e.g., BM 572, BM 578). Residential areas, parks, and infrastructure are clearly delineated. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Hooker Chemical Corporation's full-page newspaper ad on Love Canal: 'Hooker cares. And we want you to know it!', July 13, 1979
A newspaper advertisement prominently displays the bold headline “HOOKER CARES. AND WE WANT YOU TO KNOW IT!” Above the company name “Hooker Chemical” at the bottom. In the center are black-and-white portraits of four men, identified in the accompanying text as employees of Hooker Chemical. The article appears to describe their roles and promote the company’s commitment to safety and the community, possibly in response to public concern. The layout uses large, eye-catching typography and a photo collage to draw attention. Photographed by Penelope Ploughman.
U.S. President Jimmy Carter addresses the crowd at a Love Canal press conference in Niagara Falls, New York to announce the signing of Superfund legislation and to increase the Love Canal relocation area to include rings 1-3, October 1, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter is seen speaking at a microphone podium, framed by blurry and indistinct shapes in the foreground that obscure much of the view. The background is bright and washed out, making the central figure the only clearly defined element. Other individuals are faintly visible behind and beside the speaker; photographed by Penelope Ploughman.
Niagara Falls Mayor Michael C. O'Laughlin, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey (center of crowd, left to right) visited Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York, to announce the signing of Superfund legislation and to increase the relocation area to include rings 1-3, October 1, 1980
Love Canal Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
Niagara Falls Mayor Michael O'Laughlin, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and New York Governor Hugh Carey seated closely together, facing the same direction, listening to a speaker on the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill crisis. The occasion for their visit was to announce the signing of Superfund legislation and to increase the relocation area to include rings 1-3 of the Love Canal neighborhood. They are dressed in formal or semi-formal attire. The foreground is partially blocked by out-of-focus heads, shoulders, and a raised arm, creating a layered perspective. The background is bright and minimal; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 928 97th Street, a ring 1 vacant residence with an environmental monitoring unit in the foreground in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1979
Environmental monitoring--Equipment and supplies
View of a single-story white house with a light-colored roof and an attached garage in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Several windows and the front door are boarded-up and the lawn is overgrown with tall grass and weeds, indicating abandonment of the property. A utility box labeled "U.S. EPA" is installed on a concrete base near the front walkway, and the house number "928" is visible next to the door. The sky is clear, and trees are visible in the background. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of chemical waste remediation work behind the 99th Street Elementary School with a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation mobile laboratory and heavy machinery in foreground, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
View of a fenced-in excavation area where a yellow backhoe is parked beside a white trailer labeled “Department of Environmental Conservation” and “Mobile Laboratory.” Several individuals wearing white protective hazmat suits are gathered near the trailer. The ground around the site is uneven and includes piles of dirt. The 99th Street Elementary School, a large brick building with horizontal windows, is in the background, along with trees and a clear blue sky. Grassy vegetation and a sidewalk appear in the foreground. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the 97th Street and Read Avenue chemical waste remediation work in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York with a 'Danger, Keep Out' sign on the fence around an abandoned home in foreground and additional residences in background, September 1978
A partially fenced-off construction area extends along a residential street, marked with a "DANGER KEEP OUT" sign posted on the fence. Construction materials, including coiled rebar and stacked pipes, are arranged on the ground. A yellow backhoe is visible further down the site. On the left side, a single-story house with a conifer tree in the yard is adjacent to the fenced zone. The street is partially blocked, with scattered debris and a manhole cover lying on the pavement. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 920 97th Street, a ring 1 abandoned residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1978
A small white house with boarded windows and door sits behind a white picket fence. The yard is overgrown with tall grass and wildflowers. The front door has a notice posted on it, and the number "92" is visible on the exterior wall near the entrance. The fence appears weathered, and the area shows signs of abandonment or disuse. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 97th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1979
A green house with boarded windows and a white gutter sits on the left side of a narrow driveway. The driveway is cracked, with a patch of grass growing through the surface, and leads to a collapsed red wooden gate. A second dark-colored house is visible on the right, separated by overgrown grass and a white picket fence. In the background, several light-colored houses are visible under a clear blue sky.
View of a 99th Street, ring 1 abandoned residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1982
View of a single-story, abandoned Love Canal house that is mostly hidden behind dense shrubs, tall grass, and a large tree that casts heavy shade across the structure. The house appears to be in a state of disuse, with limited visibility of the facade and roof. Only a small section of the porch and roof line is visible, along with a partial view of a sign near the entrance. The yard is overgrown with wild vegetation.
View of ring 1 abandoned residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1982
A view of two single-story houses, one brown and one white, both with windows boarded up. The houses are separated by a yard with tall grass and a few thin, sparsely leaved trees. The area appears unmaintained, with signs of neglect and natural overgrowth. Trees in the background have full foliage under a clear blue sky.
View of 953 97th Street, a ring 1 abandoned residence defaced by graffiti in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1979
View of a single-story white house with plywood covering the windows and front door in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. The board on the main window has graffiti in various colors. A sign on the door indicates restricted access. The surrounding lawn is unkempt, with tall grass covering most of the yard. A detached garage with boarded-up openings is visible in the background, along with neighboring homes and a large tree partially obscuring the view.
Three workers clean up debris near the remediation work area, June 1979
Hazardous waste management industry--Employees
Three individuals are working outdoors on a sunny day, standing along a narrow concrete sidewalk bordered by tall grass and yellow wildflowers. One person on the left is using a tool to cut vegetation, while the person in the center is shirtless and standing with arms crossed. The person on the right is wearing gloves and holding garden tools. A cardboard box containing supplies sits on the sidewalk in front of them. A large leafy tree provides partial shade over the scene, and utility poles and additional vegetation are visible in the background. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Remediation work area behind a chain link fence with a view of clay capping in the background at the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1979
A metal chain-link gate blocks access to a wide, cleared expanse of land. The gate is reinforced with diagonal braces and secured with a lock at the base. Behind the gate, the land appears leveled and barren, with no vegetation, and stretches toward a line of trees in the distance under a clear blue sky. A small can is visible on the pavement near the curb in front of the gate. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 389 99th Street, a ring 1 abandoned residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1979
A small, single-story house with dark wood siding and stone columns is seen behind a chain-link fence. The windows and doorways are boarded up, and fabric awnings hang above each opening. The yard is overgrown with tall grass and wildflowers. Trees in the background provide partial shade, and the sky is clear and blue. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street Elementary School with playground equipment in the foreground and a wire fence with a sign that reads, 'DANGER KEEP OUT', June 1979
A long, two-story brick elementary school building with many windows is enclosed by a chain-link fence. Two prominent “DANGER KEEP OUT” signs are posted on the fence. The area around the building is overgrown with tall grass and weeds, and a dirt road runs along the front. A wooden utility pole and sidewalk are visible in the foreground, and the sky is clear with bright daylight. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a 99th Street, ring 1 abandoned residence with clay capping in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1979
A large, mostly leafless tree stands beside a smaller, leafy tree in an overgrown grassy area. Overhead utility lines cross the upper part of the scene. In the background is a white building with boarded-up windows and a low roof. Further back, additional low buildings are visible under a clear blue sky. The curb of a dirt street runs along the foreground. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Clay capping of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill as viewed from Frontier Avenue in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1979
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (NIagara Falls, N.Y.)
A field with tall grass and wildflowers, including white daisies and small pink blooms, dominates the foreground. In the background, piles of soil and a piece of construction equipment are visible on a dirt lot. The area appears to be partially cleared or under development. A few trees and shrubs frame the right and top edges of the image, and the sky is clear and bright. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 440 99th Street, a ring 1 Love Canal residence, Niagara Falls, New York, where hazardous waste site remediation was in progress in June 1979
A one-story house with dark siding and boarded-up windows sits on the left side of the frame. The house number "440" is visible on the front corner. Overgrown grass surrounds the front yard. To the right, a wide concrete driveway leads to a construction area with large piles of dirt, barrels, and equipment. Tall floodlights are positioned near the center of the site, and trees line the background under a clear blue sky. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 429 99th Street, a ring 1 residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1979
A small, single-story house with light-colored siding has its windows and doors boarded up with plywood. The garage door is covered and marked with the number “429” in red spray paint. Wooden planks are nailed across the front door. The yard is overgrown with tall grass and shrubs, and trees provide shade around the property. A neighboring house, also boarded up, is partially visible in the background. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Demolition of residences on 99th Street as viewed from Frontier Avenue, looking north, in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1982
A chain-link fence encloses a large, barren construction site with uneven, rocky ground. A sidewalk runs along the outside of the fence in the foreground. In the distance, construction vehicles are faintly visible, along with several single-story residential houses and trees. The sky is clear and blue; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
749 97th Street, a ring 1 residence with the preparation for clay capping in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1979
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N. Y.)
A light-colored house with boarded-up windows is partially visible on the right side of the frame. The number "749" is marked on the side of the house. A blacktop driveway leads to the front porch, bordered by overgrown plants. In the background, a large area of land has been cleared, exposing dirt piles and scattered vegetation. Trees line the horizon under a clear blue sky. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
730-738 97th Street, ring 1 residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1979
Several single-story houses are aligned along a sidewalk, all with boarded-up windows and doors. The house closest to the foreground is marked “738” in red on the plywood. The surrounding lawns and sidewalks are overgrown with tall grass and weeds. Utility poles and power lines run along the left side of the street, and the sky is clear with bright daylight. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of Newco Chemical Waste Systems Water Treatment Facility at 799 97th Street with an abandoned ring 1 Love Canal residence in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
A Quonset hut-style metal building sits behind a wire fence, with a sign identifying it as the "New York State Department of Health Temporary Water Treatment Facility." Utility poles and electrical equipment are mounted near the entrance. To the right, a boarded-up house and a parked car are partially visible. The surrounding yard has overgrown grass and patchy dirt areas, and the sky is clear with bright sunlight. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
William T. Love's Model City, New York Post Office and General Store, southern Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
Post office buildings--New York (State)--Niagara Falls
General stores--New York (State)--Niagara Falls
City planning--New York (State)--Niagara Falls
A two-story structure with a front porch and balcony houses a small convenience store. A yellow sign across the front reads “Cold Beer • Groceries & Meats.” Below the sign, the entrance is marked “Closed,” and several old-fashioned gas pumps stand in front of the building. A section of the building on the right displays the location “Model City, N.Y. 14107” and contains a mailbox and public bulletin board. The surrounding area is rural, with a few trees and utility poles nearby. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of old houses that were part of William T. Love's Model City plan, September 1978
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N,Y.)
A row of three two-story houses stands along a muddy, rain-soaked street. The houses appear weathered, with peeling paint and sagging porches. Two cars are parked in front of the middle and right houses, which have wagon wheels placed on their lawns as decoration. Leafless trees and overgrown grass surround the area, and the sky is gray, suggesting cold and damp weather. Power lines stretch across the scene. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Old, abandoned factory building that was part of William T. Love's Model City plan with earthmoving equipment parked outside, September 1978
A massive, rectangular stone structure with a vertical tower stands in a desolate, grassy field. The building appears abandoned, with no visible windows or doors intact. Scattered around the field are remnants of old vehicles and machinery, including a rusted tractor and a partially disassembled car. The sky is overcast, and the atmosphere is quiet and bleak, with power lines extending into the distance. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of Griffon Manor Apartments, a housing project in the Love Canal area, with emergency evacuee buses on 97th Street and Love Canal residences in the background, November 10, 1978
A quiet, curved residential street is shown around dusk, with dim lighting and a partly cloudy sky. Three city buses are visible on the road—two red buses closer to the foreground and a yellow bus farther in the background. Leafless trees line the street, and a two-story residential building with multiple doorways is situated on the right. Streetlights and sidewalks border the road, and houses and structures can be seen in the distance. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 95th Street and the Griffon ManorApartments, a public housing project in the Love Canal neighborhood with an 'Emergency Evacuation Pick Up' sign on the lawn, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
A row of two-story apartment buildings with dark brown siding and white-trimmed windows is shown near dusk. The buildings face a large open lawn with a concrete sidewalk running along the left side. A single fire hydrant is visible near the center of the field. Bare trees and a partly cloudy sky with fading light frame the background, and a street sign is posted near the sidewalk. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Emergency evacuee buses on Read Avenue and 95th Street at Griffon Manor Apartments in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York with abandoned residences and the 99th Street Elementary School in the background, November 10, 1978
Three city buses are parked along a quiet street near dusk. Two red-and-cream buses are positioned in the foreground, with one clearly marked "7012." A yellow bus farther in the background has "FALLON" written along its side. The scene includes leafless trees, a sidewalk, and low-rise buildings in the distance under a dim, pastel-toned evening sky. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the Griffon Manor Apartments at 95th Street, a public housing project in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
A group of residential buildings, mostly single-story with one two-story structure in the background, is set behind a row of deciduous trees in various stages of autumn foliage. The foreground consists of an open grassy area, and globe-style lamp posts are spaced near the walkways leading to the buildings. The sky is partly cloudy, casting a soft light across the scene. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal family protests with signs that read: 'I want to live', 'Hooker, take a dump', and 'Dioxin kills' at Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, Niagara Falls, New York, April 27, 1979
Niagara Falls Convention Center (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
A father stands in a dimly lit space, carrying his young child on his shoulders and holding another by the hand. The individual wears a sign reading “Hooker Take A Dump,” referencing Hooker Chemical. The child on their shoulders holds a cardboard sign that says “I Want to Live,” and the child standing beside them holds a sign stating “Dioxin Kills.” Several other individuals are visible in the background, some with strollers or protest signs, suggesting a public demonstration or rally. The floor is paved with rectangular bricks; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Young girl wearing a protest sign reading 'Dioxin kills' at Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, April 27, 1979
A child wearing a red raincoat and a striped sweater stands in a crowd holding a handmade protest sign with the words “Dioxin Kills” written in large blue letters. The child appears to be participating in a demonstration, with other individuals visible in the background, some partially out of frame. The setting is dimly lit, possibly indoors or during evening hours, with a brick-patterned ground surface.
Young girl and baby in carriage with a protest sign reading: 'Our babies deserve a chance' at Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, April 27, 1979
A child wearing a red raincoat and bonnet stands next to a baby lying in a white stroller. Behind the stroller, a handwritten cardboard protest sign reads “Our Babies deserve a chance.” The setting appears to be indoors or in a covered area with dim lighting, and other individuals and strollers are visible in the background, indicating a public demonstration or gathering.
Love Canal activist Debbie Cerrillo (at left) and a fellow protester holding a protest sign that reads: 'You buy, you die' at Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, April 27, 1979
Two Love Canal activists stand closely together during what appears to be a nighttime protest. One of them (Debbie Cerrillo) holds a large sign with bold, handwritten text reading “You Buy You Die.” The background shows several other people gathered, some partially visible and out of focus. The lighting suggests the event is occurring in a dimly lit or outdoor setting. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protesters holding signs at Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, April 27, 1979
A group of individuals gathered at an evening or nighttime protest demonstration. The person in the foreground, wearing sunglasses and a denim jacket, holds a sign that says “Carey doesn’t care–y?” A second sign behind her reads “Must we all die of cancer before we can get a direct answer?” The people are dressed for cool weather and appear serious and determined. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protester Grace McCoulf with sign reading: 'Welcome to the Killing Grounds' at Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, April 27, 1979
Love Canal protester Grace McCoulf participating in an evening or nighttime protest demonstration among a crowd. She is smiling while holding a handmade protest sign that says “Welcome to the Killing Grounds” in large letters. The sign includes red marks resembling dripping blood and a small drawing of a gravestone. Other protesters are visible in the background, some holding additional signs, but their messages are mostly obscured. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Uniformed security guard standing in the 'Voucher and Etc. Office' in the 99th Street Elementary School, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1978
A uniformed security officer, stands behind a counter inside an office labeled “Vouchers & Etc. Office.” A handwritten sign with office hours is posted on the glass. A wall clock, red rotary phone, and filing equipment are visible in the background. A nameplate taped to the glass reads “Interdepartmental Task Force.” The setting appears to be a government or administrative building, viewed through a large interior window. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners' Association Office and Bulletin Board inside the 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1978
An empty corridor inside the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices which features a linoleum floor with alternating light and dark tiles. At the far end of the visible hallway is a wooden bulletin board mounted to the wall, labeled "Love Canal Bulletin Board," with multiple paper notices attached. To the right, a series of tall windows lets in natural light. The corridor continues beyond the board through a doorway flanked by handrails. The Love Canal Homeowners Association Offices were located in the 99th Street School, Niagara Falls, New York prior to its demolition. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Toxic waste that has risen to the surface of the ground at the south end of the 97th Street residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, July 1978
A rough, uneven area of dark soil and clumps of earth surrounds a shallow, reflective puddle in the middle of the frame. The water reflects light from the sky. The ground appears cracked and dry in some areas while damp and muddy in others, indicating recent disturbance or contamination. Rocks and debris are scattered throughout the scene. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
State University of New York at Buffalo, University Archives
State University of New York at Buffalo, University Libraries
Abandoned, fenced-in and partially deconstructed residence within ring 1 and 2 of the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
A single-story house with boarded-up windows is partially stripped to its wooden framing along one side indicating demolition. The house has a dark shingled roof and a brick chimney. The image is taken from behind a chain-link fence that is prominent in the foreground. A hedge and some debris are visible in the yard, and a parked orange and white car is partially visible on the right side. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
749 97th Street, rising toxic waste on the ground surface of the Love Canal with Deborah Cerrillo's yard and house on south 97th Street in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, July 1978
The image shows two residential houses, both painted dark and with some windows boarded up on 97th Street in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara falls, New York. The yard in the foreground is muddy and waterlogged, with standing water, debris, and sparse grass. A small tree, clothesline, and wire fencing are visible near the right side of the frame. The area appears abandoned or affected by contamination. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Children walking home on south 99th Street from their school bus stop past ring 1 residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
A quiet suburban street lined with single-story homes, each with well-kept lawns and trees on south 99th Street, ring 1 residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Utility poles and overhead wires run along the road, and a few people are visible near a mailbox and driveway. The area appears clean and orderly, with a mix of sun and tree shade across the pavement. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 95th Street with the Griffon Manor Apartments and showing the backyards of 97th Street residences in the background within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
A two-story wooden residential building stands near the left side of a grassy field. A leafless tree is positioned near the center of the image. In the background, rows of single-story houses with boarded-up windows and doors are visible, suggesting vacancy or abandonment. The sky is partly cloudy, casting diffused light across the scene; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 95th Street and Read Avenue showing the Griffon Manor apartments at Wheatfield and 97th Street with a chain link fence in the foreground within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
A street is blocked by a chain-link fence with two yellow diamond-shaped warning signs and a red stop sign attached. A small white barrier is also placed in front of the fence. Behind the fence are wooden residential buildings with boarded-up windows, and trees are visible in the background. The sidewalk and grassy areas on either side of the road appear maintained, though the overall scene is subdued and overcast. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
99th Street Elementary School athletic field with residences at Read Avenue and 97th Streets in the background within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
A tilted and damaged chain-link backstop stands in an overgrown grassy field, likely part of a former baseball or softball area. A temporary construction or snow fence runs across the foreground at an angle. In the background, several single-story houses with boarded-up windows are visible, along with utility poles and power lines under a hazy sky. The scene appears deserted and neglected; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View across Read Avenue with fenced-in 97th Street residences and Griffon Manor in the background within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
A quiet residential street borders a large fenced-in grassy area. Across the fence, several single-story houses are visible, many with windows and doors boarded up. Some houses are painted in pastel tones such as blue and white. Trees line the sidewalk on the right, and utility poles with overhead wires run through the scene. The atmosphere appears calm and somewhat deserted; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Playground equipment at the 99th Street Elementary School with the 97th Street residences and the Griffon Manor apartments in the background at Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
A grassy playground contains red and blue metal swing frames and a vertical metal climbing structure. No swings are attached. In the background, a row of single-family houses, painted in pastel colors such as yellow and light blue, have their windows and doors boarded up. Utility poles and overhead wires run across the scene, and an orange plastic mesh fence separates the playground from the homes. The area appears abandoned or unused; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Playground equipment at the 99th Street Elementary School with the 97th Street Love Canal residences in the background, August 1978
A playground sits on a patchy grass field and features a blue metal slide, dome-shaped climbing arches, and swing frames without seats. In the background, several single-story houses have boarded-up windows and doors. A trailer with the words "VAN LINES" is parked near the edge of the lot. Overhead utility wires cross the scene, and trees with autumn foliage are visible behind the buildings. The area appears unused or abandoned; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building. with effigies of Jimmy, Rosalynn and Amy Carter on the ground, April 17, 1979
The scene shows a protest on a grassy area with several people standing near handmade effigies laid out on the ground. The effigies are labeled "President Carter," "Rosalynn Carter," and "Amy Carter," and are accompanied by signs with slogans such as "President Carter GOD." A woman in a "Love Canal Homeowners Association" t-shirt stands nearby, along with a man and a child, both wearing shirts referencing Love Canal. The demonstration appears to criticize the federal government's handling of the Love Canal toxic waste crisis. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building, April 17, 1979
The image shows two individuals participating in a protest. One person in the foreground is wearing a white shirt that references Hooker Chemical and the Love Canal disaster. Another person in sunglasses stands behind a handwritten protest sign that begins with “Hooker dumped on...” and continues out of frame. A yellow diamond-shaped “DEAD END” street sign is prominently visible in the background above their heads. The setting appears to be a grassy public area, and additional people are seen in the background. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
A group of people are participating in a Love Canal protest, standing and sitting along a sidewalk and grassy area. Several individuals wear shirts referencing Love Canal and hold various protest signs. One visible sign reads “LOVE CANAL NATIONAL SHAME.” Another sign partially visible includes the words “Hooker dumped...” A yellow diamond-shaped “DEAD END” traffic sign is mounted on a pole in the center background. The scene is in a residential or institutional area with multi-story buildings in the background. A video camera appears in the foreground on the left; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
A large group of people are gathered for a Love Canal protest along a sidewalk in front of a brick building. Many wear T-shirts labeled “LOVE CANAL” and hold handmade signs. One prominent sign reads “We Are Love Canal Boat People.” Several children are also present, some holding signs. Members of the media are seen interviewing participants, with microphones and cameras in use. A white police motorcycle is parked in the foreground, and a yellow “DEAD END” traffic sign is visible in the background near a tree. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Protester, wearing a 'Love Canal' tee shirt, at the Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building, April 17, 1979
A young woman protester stands among a group of people during a public gathering or protest. She is wearing a white T-shirt with black text that reads: “LOVE CANAL Another Product from HOOKER CHEMICAL.” The scene appears to take place outdoors near parked vehicles, with other individuals partially visible in the background. The lighting is relatively dark, giving the image a high-contrast appearance; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.