Press coverage of the Love Canal Homeowners Association protest targeting the federal government held outside the Niagara Falls, New York Department of Health building, April 17, 1979
United States. Environmental Protection Agency
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
A small group of individuals is assembled outside a building with glass block walls and curtained windows. Several people appear to be reporters—one holding a microphone labeled with a "4" logo, another operating a film camera, and one holding a notepad. In the center, a person in a striped shirt stands with arms crossed, observing. Two individuals in the foreground wear white shirts with "LOVE CANAL" text. The setting appears to be a press event or public statement.
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.
Lois Gibbs holding her daughter Missy 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 group stands closely together in an outdoor urban setting, partially shaded. Lois Gibbs stands near the center, wears a white shirt with a visible "LOVE CANAL" logo, and holds her daughter Missy who is dressed in a red and white striped top. Others around them appear attentive, with some looking in the same direction. A tall building is visible in the background, indicating a city or government complex setting, likely related to a demonstration or public gathering; 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
A group of individuals stands on a grassy area in front of a multi-story building, participating in a public demonstration. Several people wear white "LOVE CANAL" t-shirts. Multiple hand-held protest signs are visible, including “PERMANENT TOTAL RELOCATION,” “LOVE CANAL NATIONAL SHAME,” and “WE ARE LOVE CANAL BOAT PEOPLE.” A camera operator with professional video equipment is positioned to the right. Children are present, some holding signs or standing alongside adults.
View of the ring 1 abandoned residences behind the chain-link fence sporting a yellow diamond traffic sign and a white printed notice in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1980
A metal chain-link fence spans across a paved street, blocking vehicle access. A yellow diamond traffic sign and a white printed notice are attached to the fence. Beyond the fence, a tree-lined residential street with houses is visible, though the area appears unmaintained, with tall grass and overgrown vegetation. Power lines run parallel to the street, and the overall scene conveys a sense of abandonment or restricted access.
Patricia Conn and her grandson Michael Gibbs (mother and son of Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs) wearing a 'Love Canal' tee shirt at the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices, June 1980
Patricia Conn and her grandson Michael Gibbs (Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs' mother and son) are seated indoors against a wall with papers pinned to it. Michael is wearing a white t-shirt with the slogan "LOVE CANAL Another Product From HOOKER CHEMICAL" printed on the front. Patricia Conn is holding a piece of crumpled paper with large, handwritten letters. The lighting is low, creating shadows on their faces. The image suggests participation in the Love Canal environmental protest movement.
Patricia Conn and her grandson Michael Gibbs (mother and son of Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs) wearing 'Love Canal' tee shirt at the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices, June 1980
Patricia Conn and her grandson Michael Gibbs (Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs' mother and son) sitting indoors in front of a wall covered with papers and posters. Michael Gibbs wears a white t-shirt reading “LOVE CANAL Another Product From HOOKER CHEMICAL” and holds a crumpled piece of paper in one hand. Patricia Conn also holds a similar piece of paper. The setting appears informal and dimly lit, consistent with a protest or grassroots meeting environment.
Love Canal residents Stephen Lester (at left) and Debbie Cerrillo (at right) collecting donations for the Love Canal Homeowners' Association, June 1980
Three Love Canal activists (Stephen U. Lester at left and Debbie Cerrillo at right) are gathered in front of a brick building at night. Stepjhen U. Lester is wearing a "LOVE CANAL Another Product From HOOKER CHEMICAL" t-shirt and is holding a jug labeled "Donations – Don’t Dump LOVE CANAL PLEASE" with a red heart graphic. The person in the center wears a light-colored shirt and stands slightly behind the others. Debbie Cerrillo, on the right, smiling broadly, wears glasses and a dark floral shirt. The scene appears to document a grassroots fundraising or awareness event related to the Love Canal environmental crisis.
Love Canal residents' meeting with Murray Levine seated in the front row, far right, at the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York, May 21, 1980
Wesley United Methodist Church (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
A group of concerned citizen members of the Love Canal Homeowners Association, including Murray Levine (in the foreground, far right) seated in wooden pews inside a dimly lit church, namely, the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York. They appear attentive and solemn, looking forward toward a speaker or presentation. Two large pendant lights hang from the ceiling. The focus is on several individuals in the middle rows, while Murray Levine, in the the foreground, is out of focus. The gathering suggests a serious or concerned community discussion, involving the Love Canal environmental crisis.
Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs speaks from the pulpit at the Love Canal residents' meeting at the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York, May 21, 1980
Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs speaking into a microphone at the wooden church pulpit of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York. The pulpit is adorned with a cloth displaying a gold cross. Behind them, large blue stained glass windows are framed by wooden paneling. To the right, a candelabrum is visible on a side altar. Another person, wearing a plaid shirt, appears to be adjusting a recording device or audio equipment. Lois Gibbs is wearing a "Love Canal" protest shirt, indicating the context is a community meeting or advocacy event related to the environmental disaster at Love Canal.
Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs speaks into a microphone from the wooden church pulpit of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York. The pulpit is covered with a white cloth featuring a gold cross. Behind them, large wooden-framed stained glass windows dominate the background. A row of lit candles is visible to the right. Another person wearing glasses and a white jacket sits behind a partition to the left, listening attentively. Lois Gibbs wears a “Love Canal” shirt, indicating the context relates to the environmental and public health activism surrounding the Love Canal crisis.
Love Canal residents' meeting at the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York, May 21, 1980
A large group of people fills wooden pews in a church, namely,the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York, with tall, narrow stained glass windows along the brick walls. Most individuals are seated, facing forward, and appear to be listening intently. The audience includes people of various ages, including a child in the foreground wearing blue. Lighting is dim and the setting suggests a community gathering or public meeting, focusing on the Love Canal environmental crisis.
Missy Gibbs, daughter of Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs, at the Love Canal residents' meeting at the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York, May 21, 1980
Missy Gibbs, the young daughter of Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs, sits at a wooden table with a partially obscured companion. Missy Gibbs, who is pictured in the foreground, smiles at the camera and wears a colorful patterned dress with a polka-dot scarf. The other person, slightly out of focus, is leaning over a sheet of paper, appearing to be engaged in drawing or writing. Both are dressed in bright, patterned clothing, and the background is softly lit, indicating an indoor setting.
An indoor gathering shows a crowded church with wooden pews and high ceilings. A man near the center stands and raises his hand, possibly to speak, while others around him remain seated or look in his direction. The room is softly lit with hanging light fixtures and rows of tall, narrow windows along the brick walls. Most attendees appear focused and attentive.
Inside a crowded church, specifically, the Wesley United Methodist Church in Niagara Falls, New York, a child is being lifted into the air in the foreground, wearing a light blue top and brown pants. The child’s arms are raised near their head, and their face is slightly blurred due to motion. In the background, a man stands among seated attendees with his hand raised. The room has a high, vaulted ceiling with hanging cylindrical lights and narrow windows set into brick walls. The audience appears engaged, with several people watching the standing man.
A large group of people gathered in a church with brick walls, tall windows and a vaulted ceiling, specifically, the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York. At the center, a man stands with one hand on his hip and the other lowered, facing forward with a serious expression. Surrounding him, several people are seated or standing, some raising their hands. The room is dimly lit, with light coming from hanging cylindrical fixtures and the windows. The audience appears to be participating in a discussion or vote.
Love Canal resident and activist Marie Posniak speaks out at a Love Canal residents' meeting at the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York, May 21, 1980
Love Canal resident and activist Marie Posniak stands among a seated crowd inside a church with a vaulted ceiling, wooden beams, and tall windows, specifically, the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York. The individual appears to be addressing the group, holding a piece of paper. Overhead, a hanging light fixture illuminates the area. The audience includes people of various ages, many of whom are attentively listening, while a few are turned toward the speaker. The atmosphere suggests a community meeting or public forum.
Love Canal homeowner and activist Al Posniak holds a 'Love Canal' tee shirt up to his chest at a Love Canal residents' meeting at the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York, May 21, 1980
Love Canal homeowner and activist Al Posniak stands indoors holding a white T-shirt stretched out in front of him. The shirt features a large printed slogan: “LOVE CANAL – Another Product From HOOKER CHEMICAL.” The text includes a green heart symbol. Al Posniak is smiling and appears to be participating in an event or gathering. The background is dimly lit, showing other people and wooden architectural details consistent with a community meeting or public assembly.
A large crowd fills a hall, with people of various ages seated in pews and others standing in the back. The room has wooden paneling and tall hanging light fixtures. Most attendees are facing forward, suggesting they are listening to or waiting for a speaker. The atmosphere appears engaged and attentive, indicative of a public meeting or town hall gathering.
Biologist Beverly Paigen speaks from the pulpit at a Love Canal residents' meeting at the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York, May 21, 1980
Biologist Beverly Paigen stands behind the wooden church pulpit in the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York, with a microphone, while another person leans forward holding another microphone. The pulpit is adorned with a cloth featuring a gold cross. Behind the speaker, a wall of tall, multi-paneled stained glass windows is visible. A candelabrum with lit candles stands to the right, and several attendees are visible in the foreground, facing the pulpit.
Dr. Adeline Levine (at far right) and other activists gathered outside the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices at 9905 Colvin Boulevard on the day of the Environmental Protection Agency officials 'hostage-taking,' in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 19, 1980
Several adults, including Love Canal activist Adeline Levine, are gathered on a grassy area near a sidewalk in front of a white house with dark shutters. A tripod is set up nearby. In the window of the house, a handmade sign reads, "LOVE CANAL Don't Fence US IN." The individuals appear engaged in conversation or observing the surroundings. The house has a small porch, and the yard includes some sparse grass and shrubbery.
9906 Colvin Boulevard, an abandoned residence next to the Love Canal Homeowners Association office, Niagara Falls, New York, May 19, 1980
A green, single-story house with plywood covering all windows and the front door is visible behind a tree and overgrown lawn. The yard is dotted with dandelions and a cracked sidewalk leads up to the entrance. The house number "9406" is visible next to the front door. A person with light brown hair stands in the foreground, turned slightly away from the camera.
9906 Colvin Boulevard, an abandoned residence next to the Love Canal Homeowners Association office with a protest sign on the lawn listing four offenses for which the Hooker Chemical Company is responsible with a WKBW-TV cameraman standing in front, May 19, 1980
A man holding a large video camera and carrying a recording device stands smiling on a sidewalk. He wears a plaid shirt and jeans with a shoulder strap bearing a media logo. To his left, a handwritten protest sign on wood is propped on the ground. The sign reads: **“HOOKER You Ruined My Home // You Broke My CHROMOSOMES // My Babies May Die // While You Sit There and Lie // God Forgive You”** In the background is a green house with boarded-up windows and doors, surrounded by a yard full of dandelions.
Volunteer Grace McCoulf on the phone at the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices, November 1979
Grace McCoulf, a Love Canal Homeowners Association volunteer, with short curly hair, wearing a striped sweater in shades of red, brown, and black, holds a black corded telephone receiver to her ear while seated at a desk. She is looking slightly downward. The background includes a pale blue wall with handwritten notes and reminders taped up, and a calendar partially visible on a wooden door. The desk surface has papers, and part of another device or phone is seen in the foreground.
Patricia Conn, Lois Gibbs' mother, at the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices, November 1979
Patricia Conn, Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs' mother, with dark, styled hair featuring a prominent white streak is shown indoors against a light blue wall. She is wearing a dark jacket over a patterned blouse and appears to be mid-speech or in conversation, gesturing with one hand. Several papers and notices are taped to the wall behind them.
99th Street, ring 1 residences behind a chain-link fence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, Fall 1978
A wet, empty residential street is shown on a rainy day. A chain-link fence runs along the right side, enclosing several single-story houses with lawns and small trees. Overhead, utility poles and wires line the street, and a truck is visible in the distance. Bare tree branches overhang from both sides, and wet pavement reflects the surroundings.
Clay capping of Love Canal as viewed through a chain-link fence from Frontier Avenue in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, fall 1978
View through a chain-link fence of a large, muddy, cleared lot with uneven piles of dirt. A few construction vehicles are visible in the distance on the right. Sparse trees and residential structures line the edge of the area, and the sky is overcast, creating a dull, bluish tone across the scene.
99th Street ring 1 residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, Fall 1978
Several single-story houses with boarded-up windows are visible behind a long chain-link fence that runs alongside a wet sidewalk. The scene is overcast, and the ground appears damp from recent rain. A few trees with sparse branches line the fence, and utility poles with power lines follow the street into the distance. Grass and scattered leaves border the curb.
Lois Gibbs (at left) and WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn (center) at the Love Canal Press Party, October 27, 1979
Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs (left) and WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn (center) stand closely side by side, smiling and appearing to laugh. They are positioned indoors in front of two wooden doors and a wall with patterned wallpaper. WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn (center) wears a name tag labeled “Dunn.” A fourth person is partially visible in the background between the center and right individuals. The overall setting suggests a social or community event.
WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn (left) and Lois Gibbs (right) on stage at the Love Canal Press Party, October 27, 1979
WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn (at left) and Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs (at right) are standing together in front of a microphone, smiling and holding up a large card filled with handwritten messages. The card’s lower section contains printed text, including the words “Love Canal” and “We will always miss you.” Lois Gibbs, in front at right, wearing red with a flower in her hair, appears to be receiving the card. A microphone and speaker equipment are visible in the foreground, and heavy curtains hang in the background. The scene suggests a farewell or appreciation event.
Love Canal activists Lois Gibbs (far left), Debbie Cerrillo, WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn, and Grace McCoulf at the Love Canal Press Party, October 27, 1979
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N,Y,)
A group of five Love Canal activists including (left to right): Lois Gibbs, Debbie Cerrillo, WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn (at center), an unidentified woman and Grace MCCoulf stand closely together, smiling for the camera in a warmly lit indoor setting. WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn (center) wears a name tag labeled “Dunn". The background includes patterned wallpaper and wooden doors. The atmosphere suggests a social gathering or event.
WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn and Lois Gibbs (at right) on stage at the Love Canal Press Party, October 27, 1979
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (NIagara Falls, N.Y.)
A group of individuals stands together in a dimly lit room with wood-paneled walls and closed curtains. WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn, wearing a name tag labeled "Dunn", is speaking into a microphone, while Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs, wearing a red shirt with a flower in her hair looks on. Two others are at the left, one holding food, and there is audio-visual equipment and a small television mounted on the wall in the background.
Marie Posniak, Lois Gibbs, Debbie Cerrillo, WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn, and Grace McCoulf having fun at the Love Canal Press Party, October 27, 1979
Seven Love Canal activists (left to right): unidentified woman, Marie Posniak, Lois Gibbs, Debbie Cerrillo, Miranda Dunn, unidentified woman, and Grace McCoulf are standing together in a wood-paneled interior room, smiling and laughing. One person near the center is lifting a leg into the air while others around them gesture or hold drinks. Behind the group are closed wooden doors, a patterned curtain or wallpaper, a wall clock, and a “TELEPHONE” booth sign. The mood is festive and informal.
Musical performance on an outdoor stage at a Love Canal rally, June 1979
A musical group performs on a raised outdoor stage surrounded by speakers and equipment. Behind them, a yellow protest banner attached to a truck reads "DON'T DUMP ON US – MAKE THE POLLUTER PAY" with the word "REVENGE" written vertically in red. Audience members are seated on the grass in the foreground, watching the performance. A shirtless person in green shorts walks near the stage, and U-Haul and Coronet truck trailers are visible in the background, along with trees and balloons.
Love Canal homeowner and activist Joann Hale speaks from the outdoor stage at a Love Canal rally, June 1979
Love Canal homeowner and activist Joann Hale stands at a wooden podium on an outdoor stage, speaking into a microphone and reading from a notepad. She is wearing a bandana, a white t-shirt with partial text visible, and dark pants. Multiple microphones and audio equipment are positioned around the stage. Behind the speaker is a large U-Haul trailer with a red stripe and a large speaker tower, and leafy trees are visible in the background.
Five musicians stand on an outdoor stage with microphones and acoustic guitars, performing together. Two people play guitar, while the others sing or stand beside microphones. A yellow protest banner reading “DON’T DUMP ON US – MAKE THE POLLUTER PAY” is visible behind them, attached to a box truck. The word “CANCER” is written vertically in red on the banner’s right edge. Trees and other event infrastructure are visible in the background, indicating the performance is part of a public gathering or demonstration.
Love Canal children carrying protest signs including 'Will I live to see 6?' at the Niagara Falls Convention Center for New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers, April 27, 1979
Niagara Falls Convention Center (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
Two children stand side by side holding hand-drawn protest signs made from cardboard. The child on the left holds a sign reading, “THE EASTER BUNNY Didn’t come To My House – He Couldn’t Take THE SMELL of the LOVE CANAL,” referencing environmental contamination. The child on the right holds a sign that reads, “Will I live to see 6?” with a drawing of a leaking waste drum. Both children are surrounded by other demonstrators, some partially visible in the background, suggesting the event takes place at night or in low light.
Love Canal protesters with signs including 'You buy, you die' inside the Niagara Falls Convention Center for New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers, April 27, 1979
A group of people stand inside a building during a protest. One person in the center holds a white sign with large, bold letters that read “You Buy You Die.” The lighting is dim, making it difficult to clearly see facial details or background elements. Other protest signs are partially visible, including one on the right that appears to say “We Want Permanent Protection for Everyone.” The protest appears to be taking place near a hallway or entrance area, with bright overhead lighting in the background.
Love Canal protesters with signs inside the Niagara Falls Convention Center for New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers, April 27, 1979
A group of people are gathered indoors holding protest signs. One sign reads “Gov Carey’s Promises are as Worthless as our homes,” and another says “Hooker Your Profit is our loss.” A third partially visible sign includes the word “Hooker” in large letters. The setting appears to be inside a public or transit building with fluorescent ceiling lights and glass doors in the background. The lighting is dim, with most details faintly visible.
Love Canal protesters Debbie Cerrillo, Harry Gibbs and Michael Gibbs with a sign reading 'You buy, you die' at the Niagara Falls Convention Center for New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers, April 27, 1979
Four adults and one child (left to right: Debbie Cerrillo, unidentified woman, Harry Gibbs, and Michael Gibbs) are gathered closely together in a nighttime setting. Debbie Cerrillo (at left) is holding a handwritten sign that reads “You Buy You Die.” The group is dressed in casual clothing; one adult wears a leather jacket, and another has a backpack. The child Michael Gibbs stands in the foreground looking slightly away from the camera. The background is dark, with a few distant lights barely visible.
Love Canal protesters, wearing signs, marching at the Niagara Falls Convention Center for New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers, April 27, 1979
Two people are walking on a dimly lit street at night. The person in front is pushing a dark plaid baby carriage and holding a sign that reads, “Too Dangerous for my Baby, Too Dangerous for Everyone, Relocate Everyone Now.” The individual is wearing glasses and a dark coat with white trim. Another person walking beside them is wearing a blue and yellow jacket. The background is mostly dark with a few distant lights visible.
Lois Gibbs and Penny Twist with other protesters at the Niagara Falls, New York courthouse, after arraignment, October 16, 1978
A group of four protesters wearing winter coats stands in a hallway with beige walls and two closed doors. Lois Gibbs is in front, partially out of focus, and wearing a fur-lined hooded jacket and a red and white striped shirt. Behind her, two people are visible: one with shoulder-length blond hair and glasses, wearing a striped turtleneck, and another with curly hair partially obscured by a dark coat. A fourth person in a red coat stands farther back, holding what appears to be a knit scarf or garment. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly an institutional building like a courthouse.
Lois Gibbs, carrying her daughter Missy, with other protesters at the Niagara Falls, New York courthouse, after arraignment, October 16, 1978
Love Canal Chemical Wast Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
The scene is viewed from above, showing Lois Gibbs holding her daughter Missy dressed in a blue coat with a white fur-lined hood. They are standing near a tiled wall made up of small, square tiles in beige and pink tones. Another person, mostly out of frame on the right, holds a piece of yellow paper and is wearing a dark coat. Strong shadows are cast on the wall behind them, adding visual contrast. The image appears to be taken indoors, possibly in a public or institutional building.
Love Canal protesters, including Grace McCoulf, gather at the Love Canal Homeowners Association room in the 99th Street School, Niagara Falls, New York after picketing, December 12, 1978
Love Canal activist Grace McCoulf, in the foreground, dressed in dark clothing, eats a donut at the gathering in the Love Canal Homeowners Association room in the 99th Street School, Niagara Falls, New York after picketing, The 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York served as the headquarters and provided offices for the Love Canal Homeowners Association prior to its demolition. Accompanying people are gathered in the background. dressed in winter jackets and hats. The walls are light-colored with cabinets and a large paper or map posted. Papers are scattered or pinned on a board on the right side of the image, and folding chairs are visible in the lower corner. The lighting is subdued, likely from overhead fluorescent lights.
Protesters at the Love Canal remediation zone watch as a dump truck carrying clay passes by, December 12, 1978
A large, dark green military-style dump truck with a raised bed drives down a snowy, slushy residential street. A light-colored sedan follows behind. Two people wearing winter clothing stand on the left side of the road, facing the approaching vehicles. Snow is visible on the grass and rooftops, and the sky is overcast. Utility poles and wires line the street, and modest homes and evergreen trees are in the background. The truck bears a yellow and red license plate.
753 97th Street, a ring 1 abandoned residence with a large crane in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
A metal lattice boom crane is positioned behind a one-story house in the snowy residential area of Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York. The house in the foreground has its front window and door boarded up and a sign reading "Danger Keep Out" is visible next to the door. A smaller house is partially visible on the left. Overhead utility wires run across the scene, and snow blankets the roofs, ground, and street. The sky is overcast with a faint purple and pink hue.
View through a chain-link fence of the backyard of a ring 1 abandoned residence at 753 99 Street with a For Sale sign leaning against its side, in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
A fenced backyard is viewed through a chain-link fence in winter. The ground is covered in snow, and a two-story house at the back of the yard has several windows and the lower front door boarded up with plywood. A "For Sale by Owner" sign is posted on the house, and various objects, including a covered grill and a small table, are scattered in the yard. Leafless trees and adjacent houses are visible in the background.
Wheatfield Ave and 97th Street with containment tanks from the Environmental Protection Agency in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
A large blue trailer marked "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Emergency Response Unit, Edison, N.J." is positioned behind a chain-link fence along a residential street. Stacks of lumber lie next to a yellow fire hydrant in the foreground. A stop sign and leafless trees line the sidewalk. Power lines cross overhead, and a white cylindrical tank is visible near the trailer. The sky is overcast.
Remediation work at Love Canal showing a crane and other heavy equipment behind a fence and surrounding abandoned houses in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
Two large cranes are positioned on a construction site enclosed by a chain-link fence in the foreground. A red structure, possibly part of the construction equipment or a building under development, is visible near the cranes. In the background, residential homes with pitched roofs line the edge of the site. Leafless trees frame the right side of the scene under an overcast sky.
97th Street looking south with heavy earthmoving equipment to do remediation work on ring 1 residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
A Love Canal remediation site is enclosed by a light-colored wooden barrier in the foreground. Within the site, a large excavator is positioned beside piles of dirt, and two cranes rise into the sky. A set of portable floodlights stands near the right side of the image, adjacent to a building with a pitched roof. The sky is overcast, and the lighting suggests early evening or late afternoon. Residential structures are partially visible along the right edge.
Love Canal demonstratorss, including Lois Gibbs and her children, march along the street carrying protest signs to the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
A group of Love Canal protesters, including children and adults, are walking in a line along a sidewalk on a residential street. Many are carrying protest signs. They pass by a beige house with a dark brown roof and front porch. Several other houses and trees are visible in the background, and the scene is lit by late afternoon sunlight.
Love Canal protesters, including children, wearing signs, marching at the Niagara Falls Convention Center for New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey's speech to New York State teachers, April 27, 1979
A group of adults and children are participating in a protest on a sidewalk beside a street. Several individuals are holding signs with handwritten messages, many related to health concerns, environmental safety, and housing. Phrases on the signs include “RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS ARE NOT ENOUGH,” “ANYONE ON DEATH ROW WANT TO TRADE HOMES,” and “WILL I SEE 7?”. The group appears to be walking past a modern-style building with large windows. Trees and a parked car are visible in the background.
Love Canal protesters, including children, march along the street carrying signs to the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
A line of protestors, including adults and children, walk along a sidewalk in a residential neighborhood. They carry various handwritten signs with slogans such as “Save our children,” “Chemical WARfare used on us,” and “TAX US ON VALUE.” Some signs address chemical exposure and environmental concerns. A white house and a few cars are visible in the background, with trees providing partial shade along the street.
Lois Gibbs, holding a protest sign, with her son Michael at a Love Canal demonstration on the steps of the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs, wearing a plaid coat with fur trim, stands on the steps of a neoclassical building, holding a stick with a notched end, possibly part of a protest sign. Her young son Michel Gibbs, in a hooded coat, is nearby, slightly behind. The background features tall columns, large wooden doors, and paned windows with decorative grilles. The setting appears formal, possibly a government or civic building.
Lois Gibbs and her daughter Missy, carrying protest signs, participate with other affected families in a Love Canal protest at the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
A group of people participates in a protest or demonstration on a sidewalk, some holding signs with handwritten messages. A child near the front holds a sign that reads, "WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE A NORMAL BABY." The child is holding hands with an adult wearing a plaid coat with fur trim. Another adult in the foreground is holding a bundled infant and carrying a large bag. Trees, buildings, and other protestors are visible in the background.
Love Canal protesters, including children, carrying signs and marching outside the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
A crowd of protestors, including adults and children, walks along a sidewalk outside a building with columns. Many hold handmade signs with messages that can't be completely seen. One sign says "ANYONE ON DEATH ROW WANT TO TRADE HOMES?" The group is bundled in fall clothing, and the scene is set in a tree-lined area near what appears to be a civic building or courthouse. A stone statue is visible in the right foreground.
Protest signs in the front yard of a Love Canal home reading: 'Welcome to Rainbow City. Come see our multi-color toxic chemicals,' in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
Two handmade signs are displayed in front of a house with white siding and a window. The top sign reads, "Politicians Solution to the Pollution, Give 'em Food Stamps!!" in brown paint. The bottom sign reads, "WELCOME TO RAINBOW CITY Come see our Multi-color TOXIC CHEMICALS," with "RAINBOW CITY" and "TOXIC CHEMICALS" painted in various colors. A drawing of a skull and crossbones with rainbow-colored bones and the text "I ♥ NY" is also present.
Protest sign on an abandoned Love Canal home, Niagara Falls, New York, reading: 'Disaster area City failed us,' September 1978
A house with white siding and a boarded-up window has a sign displayed in front. The sign consists of three sections: the top section is blue with the text "DISASTER AREA," the middle section is red with the text "CITY FAILED US," and the bottom section is obscured because the paper is peeling off.
Protest sign from the front yard of an abandoned Love Canal home, Niagara Falls, New York, reading: ' We don't want to live here anymore! Would you?' September 1978
A wooden sign with handwritten text in various colors is displayed outdoors. The sign contains a message about chemical disposal and its effects on populated areas, including schoolyards. The background includes part of a building and some greenery. The sign reads: "Overpopulated community? Combine 82 chemicals. Place in barrels and immediately place in the ground of a well-populated neighborhood, especially effective in a school yard. Sure to cut life spans. We don't want to live here anymore! Would you?"
Protest sign from the front yard of an abandoned residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
A handwritten sign is attached to a wooden stake planted in the ground in front of a house with white siding. A small window is partially visible behind some bushes, and the surrounding grass is green and well-maintained. The sign reads, "IF THE MAYOR WANTS THE DIGGING TO BEGIN, HE CAN MOVE IN HERE AND WE'LL MOVE OUT!"
Emergency evacuation plan pickup point sign posted in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
A green rectangular sign with white text reading "EMERGENCY EVACUATION PICK-UP" is mounted on a metal pole. Trees and power lines are visible in the background.
Emergency evacuation plan pickup location at the ring 1 and ring 2 chain link fence on 100th Street in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
A row of three garages is positioned along a street, enclosed by a chain-link fence. The garage on the left is dark-colored, the middle one is white with boards covering the windows, and the garage on the right is light yellow. A signpost behind the fence in front of the middle garage reads "Emergency Evacuation Pick Up." Dense trees are visible in the background.
Buses lined up at the emergency evacuation plan pickup point outside ring 1 and ring 2 in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
Several yellow school buses are parked in a line along a street. An "Emergency Evacuation Pick Up" sign is visible next to the buses. Trees and utility poles are present in the background, and a sidewalk runs parallel to the street on the left side.
Demolished ring 1 abandoned residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, 1982
A large pile of broken wood and construction debris sits on a grassy, uneven area near the center and right side of the image. The debris includes planks, beams, and other structural remnants, stacked irregularly and reaching several feet high. In the foreground, a light-colored slatted fence runs diagonally along the left side of the frame, partially obscuring the view. Trees with autumn foliage are visible in the background under a mostly cloudy sky. The lighting suggests a late afternoon or early evening setting.
EPA equipment, used for leachate collection and testing, in the Love Canal containment area with abandoned residences in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
Utility workers operate near a set of power lines supported by wooden poles. A bucket truck extends its arm with a worker inside the raised bucket. Nearby, blue industrial containers or structures are visible, and the area is enclosed by a wire fence. A tree and additional buildings can be seen in the background.
EPA testing units on the Love Canal containment area with 97th Street abandoned residences and Griffon Manor Apartments in the background, October 1978
A cluster of small buildings and trailers is set behind a wire fence. A sign with text stands near the entrance, though the details are not clearly legible. A white van is parked alongside the structures, and utility poles with overhead wires are visible above. In the foreground, there is a field bordered by fencing.
Remediation equipment at the south end of Love Canal with 97th Street abandoned residences in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
An excavator with its arm extended is positioned in front of a green house with boarded-up windows. A white house is partially visible beside it. The foreground shows dirt and overgrown grass, with trees and utility poles in the background.
Aerial photographic map illustrating the swale theory of chemical waste migration
Hazardous waste sites--Leaching--Aerial photographs--Maps
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)--Aerial photographs--Maps
An aerial map shows a developed urban area with roads, residential neighborhoods, and a central open space. Colored lines and markers are overlaid on the map, including red, yellow, and orange paths. A legend in the upper right corner labels symbols such as “1980” and “Interview.”
Map illustrating the swale theory of chemical waste migration, 1978
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)--Maps
A black-and-white street map shows a grid of roads with labels for blocks and landmarks. Several curved marks are drawn across the map, and “Public School” is labeled at the center. At the bottom, a section is marked “Suspected sites of old waste deposits.” Railroad tracks and a park are also indicated.
Toxic waste that has risen to the surface of the ground at the south end of the Love Canal, on the 97th Street side, Niagara Falls, New York, July 1978
Dry grass and weeds cover an area of ground with patches of dark, cracked soil. The surface shows both lighter sandy soil and darker compacted earth beneath the vegetation.
View of 99th Street and Colvin Boulevard with ring 1 abandoned residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
A small residential house with light-colored siding and a steep roof stands near a wet street. Some of the windows are covered with boards. A utility pole with overhead wires is in the foreground, and another house is visible in the background.
Speaker stands in a darkened room before a projection screen presenting a lecture before a public meeting of Love Canal residents, August 1982
A person stands in front of an audience in a dimly lit room, holding up a piece of paper while appearing to speak or present. Several people are seated or standing nearby, some with cameras and recording equipment. The room features large windows with blinds, tall columns, and an empty projection screen on the right side.
Participant at a public meeting for Love Canal residents, August 1982
A person with short brown hair is standing in a dimly lit room, wearing glasses, a white shirt and a dark vest. Multiple microphones and cameras are directed toward the person, suggesting an event or interview setting. The background includes tall, light-colored walls with vertical lines.
A person wearing glasses and a vest over a white shirt is shown in profile, speaking in a dimly lit setting. The background includes part of a wall, while shadows and blurred figures surround the subject.
View of the Love Canal neighborhood between 97th and 99th Streets with a chain link fence in the foreground, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1982
A chain-link fence with a closed gate runs along the edge of a grassy field. Trees are scattered in the background under a partly cloudy sky. A paved road is in the foreground.
745-753 97th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences, including Deborah Cerrillo's home (center) in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A light green two-story house with boarded-up windows sits beside a cracked driveway and overgrown grass. A tree without leaves is visible on the right, and open land extends into the background under a clear sky.
Demolition of ring 1 abandoned residences behind the 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1982
A dirt-covered ground with scattered debris is seen in the foreground, bordered by several tall trees. Through the trees, a building with a sloped roof is partially visible in the background, along with some open grassy areas.
A person stands at the front of a dimly lit room speaking to an audience. A large projection screen is set up behind them, and several cameras and people are visible in the foreground. Windows with blinds are on the back wall.
View of the intersection of Wheatfield Avenue and 99th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences with a bent 'Stop' sign and a 'Dead End' sign in front showing the deterioration of the mostly abandoned Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A stop sign and street sign stand at the corner of a residential intersection with overgrown grass along the sidewalk. A small house with boarded-up windows is visible in the background, along with additional houses and trees.
WKBW-TV reporter Miranda Dunn, Debbie Cerrillo and Lois Gibbs at the Love Canal Press Party, October 27, 1979
Pictured (left to right): Miranda Dunn, WKBW-TV reporter; Debbie Cerrillo; Lois Gibbs; and an unidentified woman
Miranda Dunn, Debbie Cerrillo and Lois Gibbs stand on stage behind a microphone, clapping and smiling. They are wearing casual clothing, with some draped in yellow sashes or scarves. A curtain and part of a wooden wall are visible in the background.
View of 493-503 99th Street abandoned ring 1 residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A row of small single-story houses with light-colored siding lines a residential street. The front yards have overgrown grass, and several trees without leaves are visible in the background.
View of a South 99th Street, ring 1 abandoned residence with toxic waste visible in the yard in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A house with a covered front porch is seen in dim lighting, with another house partially visible to the side. The yard in the foreground is muddy with patches of standing water and grass.
View of 515 99th Street, a ring 1 residence with a 'Dead End' sign in front showing the deterioration of the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A yellow house with boarded-up windows is set behind a sidewalk with overgrown grass. In the foreground, a tilted yellow street sign reads “DEAD END.” Another house is partially visible to the right.
View of 506-514 99th Street and Wheatfield Avenue, ring 1 abandoned residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A small dark-colored house with boarded-up windows sits at the corner of a residential street. Trees without leaves and a large evergreen tree are in the yard, with overhead utility lines crossing the scene. The pavement in the foreground appears damp.
View of the demolition of homes along 99th Street with the 99th Street Elementary School in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York June 1982
A cleared dirt area stretches across the foreground, with trees framing the view. In the background, a brown building, construction equipment, and a few people are visible near a grassy area. Additional trees and houses can be seen further back.
View of the 99th Street Elementary School looking south with the Love Canal 99th Street residences in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A narrow paved road with utility poles runs alongside a large grassy field. A sidewalk borders the field, and a rectangular building stands to the right with a few bare trees nearby.
View of the 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A concrete walkway leads toward a complex of rectangular buildings. Grass grows along both sides of the walkway, and two leafless trees stand near the left building. The structures are connected by an elevated enclosed passageway.
Art Tracy and Lois Gibbs at the Love Canal Press Party, October 27, 1979
Art Tracy and Lois Gibbs are shown close together in a dimly lit setting. Art Tracy has short hair and wears a suit jacket, while the Lois Gibbs has long dark hair, a red top, and a flower accessory in her hair.
Miranda Dunn, Debbie Cerrillo, Losi Gibbs and 1 other person stand together behind a microphone, appearing to sing or read from sheets of paper. A curtain and part of a wooden wall are in the background, and electronic equipment is visible in the foreground.
Murray Levine, Adeline Levine, Stephen Lester and Lois Gibbs at the Love Canal Press Party, October 27, 1979
Pictured (left to right): Murray Levine; Adeline Levine; Stephen Lester; Lois Gibbs and an unidentified man
Murray Levine, Adeline Levine, Stephen Lester and Lois Gibbs stand closely together indoors, smiling at the camera. Two of them are holding plastic cups. The background shows a curtain and wood-paneled wall.
99th Street with demolished Love Canal ring 1 residences and the 99th Street Elementary School hazardous waste remediation site in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1982
A dirt-covered ground extends into the foreground with scattered debris and patches of light. Several large trees stand in the middle of the scene, partially obscuring buildings and grassy areas in the background.
A large brick building with rectangular sections stands beside an open grassy field. Leafless trees are scattered in the yard, and the sky is overcast.
99th Street with demolished ring 1 residences and the 99th Street Elementary School remediation site in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1982
A dirt-covered ground with patches of debris extends across the foreground. Large trees stand in the background, and part of a building is faintly visible through the branches. A chain-link fence is visible in front of the scene.
97th Street and Wheatfield Avenue showing the Environmental Protection Agency treatment facility with the 99th Street Elementary School in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1982
A paved road curves beside a grassy area with a few young trees. On the left, a large brick building stands, while in the distance a long, low industrial structure is visible. A circular concrete structure sits in the grass near the road.
97th Street with visitors investigating a ring 1 residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A small white house with a red roof has its windows and door boarded up. The yard is overgrown with grass, and a narrow path leads to the front door. Two people are visible standing near the side of the house.
99th Street and Wheatfiled Avenue showing ring 1 residences with a bent 'Dead End' street sign in the foreground showing the deterioration of the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A row of small houses lines a residential street, with several windows boarded up. In the foreground, a tilted yellow “Dead End” sign stands next to a cracked sidewalk bordered by grass and trees.
99th Street showing ring 1 abandoned homes (seen through a chain link fence) immediately prior to demolition by a bulldozer (in the background) in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1982
A fenced yard contains a house with boarded windows on the right and a parked truck visible in the background. Trees line the area, and the ground is partly grass-covered with patches of dirt.
Remediation worker, wearing a hazmat suit, walking through the ring 1 demolition area in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York June 1982
Hazardous waste management industry--Employees
A dirt-covered area extends into the distance, bordered by trees on both sides. A person dressed in white is walking along the path, with dense foliage and scattered debris visible nearby.
Remediation worker, wearing a hazmat suit, walking through the ring 1 demolition area (seen through a chain link fence) in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1982
A person wearing white clothing and a yellow hard hat stands on a dirt-covered area near trees. The scene is viewed through a chain-link fence, which is blurred in the foreground.
99th Street showing the demolition of ring 1 abandoned residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, June 1982
A dirt-covered clearing stretches across the foreground with large trees on both sides. In the distance, houses and additional trees are visible under a cloudy sky.
A wide dirt clearing extends into the distance, bordered by large trees on both sides. In the background, houses, trees, and a piece of construction equipment are visible, along with a few figures in white clothing.
410 99th Street house with toxic waste seepage in the basement showing the sump pump and leachate in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
In 1978, after heavy rains, many Love Canal residents complained of dark, thick, and chemical smelling liquids appearing in their basements.
A basement or utility area shows a floor drain with a pipe inserted into it. Nearby, a vertical drainage pipe runs along the wall. A numbered evidence marker reading "99 410 1" is placed next to the drain, and the wall behind has dark staining near the floor.