99th Street, ring 1 residence with toxic waste seepage in the basement in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
In 1978, after heavy rains, many Love Canal residents complained of dark, thick, and chemical smelling liquids appearing in their basements.
A concrete surface with a wall in the background shows a large pile of reddish-brown debris or leaves against the wall. Dark staining spreads outward from the pile, and a yellow object lies nearby.
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Archives
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Libraries
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99th Street, ring 1 Love Canal residence with toxic waste visible in the yard and its deteriorated driveway which demonstrates the amount of time the home has been abandoned, May 1982
A cracked and uneven stone driveway leads to a small white house with a dark roof. The yard surrounding the house is overgrown with grass, and a leafless tree stands behind the building.
603-611 99th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A row of small houses with light-colored siding lines a residential street. Several windows are boarded up, and the yards are overgrown with grass. A yellow fire hydrant is visible near the curb in the foreground.
503-515 99th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences with a bent Dead End sign 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 and yards overgrown with grass. In the foreground, a tilted yellow “Dead End” sign stands beside a cracked sidewalk. Trees with sparse leaves frame the scene.
99th Street Elementary School with its clay cap and the 97th Street abandoned residences in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, fall 1979
A wide, open grassy field stretches beside a cracked and uneven road. Patches of standing water are visible on the ground. A dark rectangular building sits on the left side of the field under a cloudy sky.
99th Street and Read Avenue, ring 1 abandoned residences and the 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, fall 1979
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagrara Falls, N.Y.)
A residential street is shown with utility poles and power lines running alongside a sidewalk bordered by overgrown grass. Trees without leaves and a few evergreen trees are visible, with houses in the distance.
Playground sign, knocked down and overgrown in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A yellow circular marker with the word "PLAYGROUND" is partially buried in grass and weeds. Dry leaves and tall grass surround the marker.
99th Street, ring 1 abandoned residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A small white house with a red roof has its windows and front door boarded up. The yard in front is overgrown with grass, and a small shed or structure is partially visible to the left.
99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A large rectangular brick building is visible across the street, partially obscured by leafless trees and utility poles with overhead wires. The foreground shows a cracked paved road and grassy areas along the sidewalk.
99th Street Elementary School viewed from Read Avenue in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A brick building with a tall chimney stands in the background behind an open grassy area. A sidewalk runs across the foreground, and leafless trees are scattered throughout the scene.
99th Street Elementary School viewed from the corner of 99th Street and Read Avenue in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A cracked and uneven paved road runs alongside a grassy area with utility poles and overhead wires. In the background, a brick building with a tall chimney is visible behind leafless trees.
673 99th Street and Read Avenue, ring 1 abandoned residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
A small red house with boarded-up windows sits beside a cracked driveway. In the background, a detached garage with its door open is visible. Grass and weeds grow along the edges of the driveway and sidewalk.
680-684 99th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences at 99th Street and Read Avenue in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A row of small houses with boarded-up windows lines one side of a grassy area. A cracked sidewalk runs through the center, and utility poles with overhead wires follow the road on the right.
View of the surface of Love Canal looking north with a row of 99th Street abandoned residences in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A grassy open area extends across the foreground, with a row of small houses and trees in the background. Some houses have darkened windows, and a large tree with green foliage stands to the right.
99th Street Elementary School as viewed from Read Avenue with 99th Street abandoned residences in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
An open grassy field stretches across the foreground with several houses and a rectangular brick building in the background. Leafless trees and utility poles are also visible behind the buildings.
842-856 97th Street and 903 97th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences at 97th Street and Read Avenue with Griffon Manor apartments in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A gravel road extends through an open grassy area toward a residential neighborhood. Several small houses and trees are visible in the distance, with utility poles lining the street.
Sign for the Real Estate Group, Relocation Office inside the 99th Street Elementary School, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, fall 1978
Love Canal Homeowners Association Offices were located in the 99th Street School before demolition.
A blue sign with yellow lettering is displayed behind glass. It reads “REAL ESTATE GROUP RELOCATION OFFICE. OFFICE HOURS” and has a circular emblem in the top left corner.
Love Canal residents in front of the Love Canal Bulletin Board at the 99th Street Elementary School, Niagara Falls, New York which served as headquarters for the Love Canal Homeowner's Association until its demolition, fall 1978
Two people stand indoors in front of a wooden wall with several papers posted on it. One is wearing a cardigan over a shirt and tie, while the other is in a plaid shirt and dark pants. The background includes a hallway with dim lighting.
Two children walking in winter on a clay capped Love Canal in the containment area toward Wheatfield Avenue with abandoned residences and earthmoving equipment in the background, February 1979
Photograph taken with telephoto lens from inside 99th St. Elementary School
Two people walk along a cleared dirt path surrounded by snow-covered ground. In the distance, houses, trees, and an industrial building are visible, with construction equipment on the right side.
Love Canal Homeowners Association Office volunteers Marie Posniak (left) and Grace McCoulf (right) in the LCHA office at the 99th Street Elementary School, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
Two people sit at a table in a dimly lit room with a window covered by blinds. Papers, folders, and office supplies are spread across the table, and one person is using a typewriter.
Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs on the telephone at the Love Canal Homeowners Association Office inside the 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
Love Canal Homeowners Association Offices were located in the 99th Street School before demolition of the school
A person sits at a cluttered desk holding a telephone receiver. Papers, folders, a tissue box, and other office supplies cover the desk. Behind them, a bulletin board with pinned notes and a sign reading “Give Me A Hand When My Checkbook Don’t Add” is visible.
Love Canal Homeowners Association Office inside the 99th Street Elementary School with a sign that reads, "In our city you don't live you die from chemical abuse," Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, fall 1978
Love Canal Homeowners Association Offices were located in the 99th Street School before demolition of the school.
A hallway with blue-tiled walls shows an open doorway with two handwritten signs attached. One sign above the door reads “Love Canal Homeowners Association.” The larger sign on the door reads, “In our city you don’t live you die from Chemical Slums.”
Rubber boots contaminated with toxic mud left on cardboard inside the 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, fall 1978
A pair of black rubber boots rest on a piece of cardboard placed on a tiled floor. The boots appear worn, and a glass door with a wire-mesh pattern is visible in the background.
Clay capping and remediation work with ring 1 residences in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, February 1979
Photograph taken with telephoto lens from inside the 99th St. Elementary School
A construction vehicle sits on a large area of churned-up dirt with patches of snow. In the background, a row of small, colorful houses in shades of green, yellow, blue, and gray lines the street, with bare trees behind them.
Clay capping and remediation work at Love Canal in winter showing the abandoned South 97th Street residences in background, February 1979
A large dirt field with patches of snow is being worked on by construction vehicles, including a bulldozer in the center. In the background, small houses and leafless trees are visible under an overcast sky.
Environmental Protection Agency tanker truck and hazardous waste treatment facility at Wheatfield Avenue and 99th Street in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York with the 97th Street abandoned residences in the background and playground equipment in the foreground, February 1979
United States. Environmental Protection Agency
A snow-covered playground with empty swing frames and a slide stands in the foreground. Behind it, construction equipment and a long train of tank cars are visible, with houses and trees in the background under an overcast sky.
Clay capping and remediation work at Wheatfield Avenue and 99th Street in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York with the 97th Street abandoned residences in the background and playground equipment in the foreground, February 1979
A snow-covered playground with empty swing frames is in the foreground. A small white trailer sits nearby, and in the background, a raised dirt embankment with construction equipment and a row of houses can be seen.
EPA tank truck on Wheatfield Avenue in winter with a derelict playground in foreground and the 97th Street abandoned residences in the background within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, February 1979
A snow-covered area with a playground slide in the foreground. Behind it, a line of large industrial tank cars and several houses are visible, along with utility poles and leafless trees under an overcast sky.
Remediation equipment and a crane on Love Canal installing leachate collection piping behind the 97th Street ring 1 residences in winter, December 12, 1978
A construction crane and excavator are visible between houses in a snowy residential area. The crane extends high into the sky, silhouetted against a colorful sunset with clouds.
Christmas tree in the Love Canal Homeowners' Association offices in the 99th Street School, December 1978
A decorated artificial tree is set up indoors, covered with circular ornaments and red garland. The base is wrapped in white material with a sign reading "Battery Christmas Tree 1980." A bulletin board and small television are visible in the background.
Love Canal Homeowners Association members Grace McCoulf (left) and Debbie Cerrillo and their daughters in front of the office Christmas tree, December 1978
Grace McCoulf (left), Debbie Cerillo and their daughters pose indoors in front of a decorated artificial Christmas tree adorned with circular ornaments and red garland. The base of the tree is wrapped in white material, and a bulletin board is visible on the wall behind them.
Christmas tree in Love Canal Homeowners' Association offices in the 99th Street School with a note on the tree topper reading: 'Hooker is No Angel', December 1978
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.,Y.)
The top portion of a decorated artificial Christmas tree shows a figure with wings, red antennae, and a smiling face holding a sign that reads "Hooker is no angel." Below it hang circular ornaments with handwritten labels, including “Decane” and “Benzaldehyde.”
Marie Posniak, Lois Gibbs, and Adeline Levine (left to right) answering telephone inquiries in the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices in the 99th Street Elementary School, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
Three people are seated at a table inside an office, each using telephones. The table is cluttered with papers, folders, and office supplies. Several handmade signs with handwritten messages are posted on the wall and window blinds behind them.
Grace McCoulf with fellow protesters blocking truck access to the Love Canal remediation site at 99th Street and Colvin Boulevard, after dioxin was discovered on the site in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
Four people stand and talk in the middle of a snow-dusted residential street. Several small houses with boarded-up windows line the background, along with a few trees and utility lines.
Protesters blocking truck access to the Love Canal remediation site at 97th Street and Frontier Avenue in winter after dioxin was discovered on the site in the Love Canal Neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
Several people wearing winter coats stand and walk on a snow-covered street near a chain-link fence. A car with headlights on is parked nearby, and houses and trees are visible in the background.
A person wearing a coat and head covering stands on a snowy street in front of a large dark-colored truck. A striped road marker and a section of chain-link fence are visible on the left side of the image.
Police arrive on the scene where protesters are blocking truck access to the remediation site at 99th Street and Colvin Boulevard in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York after dioxin was discovered on the site, December 12, 1978
A group of people stand on a snowy street near a chain-link fence and a large vehicle. One person is wearing a uniform, while others are dressed in winter coats. A house and street signs are visible in the background.
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Archuives
Protesters blocking truck access to the Love Canal remediation site at 99th Street and Colvin Boulevard in winter after dioxin was discovered on the site, in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
Several people stand on a snowy street near a chain-link fence and street signs. A large truck is parked to the right, partly in view. Bare trees and houses are visible in the background.
View of 502-510 99th Street backyards of the ring 1 abandoned residences with heavy equipment and playground equipment in the foreground behind fences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
A row of small houses with boarded-up windows and doors is shown behind a wooden fence. The houses are closely spaced, with utility poles and bare trees visible in the background.
View of 99th Street and Colvin Boulevard with a handmade sign reading "DANGER CONTAINS DIOXIN" at the entrance gate, in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
A chain-link fence with a diamond-shaped yellow road sign has a poster hanging from it. The poster shows a skull and crossbones with the words “DANGER” and “CONTAINS DIOXIN.” Snow is visible on the ground behind the fence.
Clay capping and laying of leachate collection piping in winter showing a crane and abandoned 97th Street residences viewed through a chain-link fence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
A fenced-off area with snow on the ground shows a crane and construction equipment in the background. Several low buildings and bare trees are visible behind the site.
Clay capping and laying of leachate collection piping with a 97th Street residences at left, a crane at center, and the 99th Street Elementary School in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
A snow-covered construction site viewed through a chain-link fence. In the distance, a large crane is positioned near scattered equipment and materials. Houses line the left side of the image, and the ground is marked with tracks and uneven terrain.
746 97th Street, a "NO TRESPASSING" sign on a ring 1 abandoned residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
A boarded-up entrance of a house with a “No Trespassing” sign posted on the plywood. The house number, “Seven Four Six,” is displayed on the wall next to a mailbox. A small metal awning covers the doorway.
Clay capping and laying of leachate collection piping showing a crane and abandoned 97th residences in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
A construction site with a large crane positioned on dirt ground. The crane is lifting or lowering a long vertical object. In the background are several houses and leafless trees under a cloudy sky.
97th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
A partially cleared lot with patches of dirt and concrete in the foreground. In the background, there are houses, a wooden fence, and a tall utility pole. A larger building structure is visible on the right side of the image.
State University Of New York at Buffalo. University Archives
Love Canal remediation workers and a dump truck bringing in clay for capping, with abandoned 97th St. houses in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
Hazardous waste management industry--Employees
A group of four individuals wearing hard hats stand near a large red truck on a paved road. Two of them appear to be conversing while the others stand close to the vehicle. In the background, small houses with boarded windows are visible.
Love Canal protesters Marie Posniak (far left) and Lois Gibbs confront Niagara Falls, New York Mayor Michael C. O'Laughlin (second from right)
Marie Posniak (far left) , Lois Gibbs and Mayor Michael C. O'Laughlin (second from right) are gathered outdoors in front of a multi-story building with many windows. Two men in suits are facing the group, with one appearing to address or interact with the crowd.
Love Canal residents protest on the steps of Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
A group of people are standing on the steps of a large building with tall columns, holding protest signs. A statue is visible in the foreground to the left of the steps.
Debbie Cerrillo and her children carrying signs at the Love Canal protest at the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
Debbie Cerrillo and her children stand among a group of demonstrators holding protest signs. One sign reads “City Fathers – Help Them Out,” another reads “Love Canal Refugee,” and another reads “WNYG 3-4-5 Wants Out Too!” Other demonstrators with signs are visible in the background.
Lois Gibbs and her children carrying signs at the Love Canal protest at Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
Lois Gibbs and her children stand outside holding protest signs. One child’s sign reads “WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE A NORMAL BABY,” and another’s reads “WILL I SEE AGE 7.” An adult in a plaid coat holds a large sign above their head, while more demonstrators with signs are visible in the background.
Love Canal protest march to the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall including community activist Adeline Levine and her University at Buffalo research group, October 16, 1978
State University of New York at Buffalo--Political activity
group of demonstrators walk along a sidewalk in a residential area, holding protest signs. The person in front carries a sign that reads “WE LOOK TO OUR CITY FATHERS FOR HELP.” Several other signs with different messages are held by people further back in the line.
View of 783-795 97th Street and Wheatfield Avenue showing clay capping and heavy machinery with a barrel in the foreground and 97th Street abandoned residences in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
The scene shows a construction or excavation site with piles of dirt and heavy machinery, including a yellow excavator. In the background, several houses with light-colored siding and pitched roofs are visible. A large cylindrical pipe lies on the ground in the foreground near the road.
9711 Colvin Boulevard, a ring 1 abandoned and fenced-in residence at 97th Street and Colvin Boulevard in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
A small single-story house with green siding sits on a grassy lot, bordered by trees and utility poles. The house has a low roof with an antenna visible on top and is partially obscured by shrubs. A wet road runs along the foreground.
Emergency evacuation bus in front of fenced-in Love Canal Ring 1 abandoned homes in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
A bus is stopped behind a chain-link fence blocking the road. Several diamond-shaped signs are attached to the fence, and trees line the background.
Abandoned and fenced-in Love Canal Ring 1 homes with 'School' sign in front in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
A chain-link fence with two road signs attached. One is a large yellow sign with a black double arrow pointing left and right, and the other is a smaller yellow pedestrian crossing sign in the background. A sidewalk, grass, and houses are visible behind the fence.
99th Street Elementary School with its playground in the foreground, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
Sign leaning against a snow fence at the 99th Street School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York reading: 'State of New York Interdepartmental Task Force Relocation Advisory Program'. The snow fence was installed in April 1978 at the direction of the New York State Department of Health to keep people off the contaminated Love Canal area
New York (State). Interdepartmental Task Force Relocation Advisory Program
Two large signs leaning against a fence near a sidewalk. The larger sign reads “State of New York Interdepartmental Task Force Relocation Advisory Program.” Another smaller, partially visible sign is propped next to it. A grassy field and fence posts are in the background.
99th Street Elementary School, Love Canak neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
A brick building wall with the words "99TH STREET SCHOOL" displayed in white capital letters. A chimney rises above the roofline, and part of a tree branch is visible on the right side.
Lois Gibbs' son, Michael, with a Love Canal protest sign asking: 'Will I see age 7?' outside the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
A child wearing a coat and hat stands outdoors holding a sign hung around the neck. The sign has large red letters reading "WILL I SEE AGE 7." Other people are partially visible in the background.
Map of the City of Niagara Falls, New York
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)--Maps
Hazardous waste sites--New York (State)--Niagara Falls--Maps
A black-and-white map of Niagara Falls, New York, showing streets, railroads, and major landmarks. The Niagara River is depicted along the southern edge, and the map includes labels for neighborhoods, parks, and industrial areas.
Poster promoting passage of the New York State Environmental Quality Bond Act issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Environmental Quality Bond Act Office
New York (State). Environmental Quality Bond Act Office--Posters
New York (State). Department of Environmental Conservation--Posters
Hazardous wastes--Environmental aspects--Posters
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)--Posters
A poster with large text at the top reading "WAS ONLY A WARNING." Below the text is a black-and-white photograph of a grassy field with a red wagon in the foreground. Additional smaller text appears at the bottom of the poster discussing hazardous waste and environmental concerns.
Poster for a series of Love Canal public forums
A poster advertising a lecture series on Love Canal, sponsored by the Environmental Studies Center. The title "LOVE CANAL" is displayed prominently at the top in red letters against a blue background. Below, event details are listed for March 21–22 and March 28–29, including lecture topics such as "The Developing Tragedy," "Dimensions of the Problem," "Is This Just the Beginning?" and "Issues for Society."
Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier
Caption: This poster is part of the New York State Department of Conservation parks and recreation series. This particular scene depicts the Love Canal Recreation and Residential Park as it now appears in 2001. The centerpiece is the mounded area in the middle, a temporary storage area for dewatered by-products of industrial production. The mound contains 1,350,000 cubic yards of byproducts excavated from the LaSalle area to downtown Niagara Falls (as was most of the city). It is now used as an egg rolling hill at Easter, a ski hill in the winter, and as just a great place to slide down anytime of the year. The foreground is along the shore of the beautiful Niagara River, another-flower enshrouded park. The former LaSalle parkway was removed to enhance the park-like setting and the excavated materials used to bury the LaSalle area and most of the city itself all the way to the Hooker office building which still stands to this day (on the horizon, center-right).
A colorful collage depicts a landscape blending natural and man-made elements. The foreground shows people, flowers, animals, and whimsical imagery such as a cartoon bear and a cupid. The middle ground includes kites, a hot air balloon, and figures engaged in leisure activities. In the background are buildings, a large cooling tower, and a geodesic dome. The sky is partly cloudy with areas of both dark storm clouds and clear blue sky.
Volunteer takes a phone call at the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier office which, at that time, was located in the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York
A person is seated at a desk, speaking on a corded telephone. Papers and a typewriter are visible on the desk in front of them. The individual is wearing a collared shirt and a vest.
Members of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier seated in a semi-circular arrangement of school desks and chairs to listen to a presentation at a meeting of their organization in March 1981
A classroom or meeting room setting with multiple people seated at desks arranged in a square formation. One person is standing and speaking, while others are seated and appear to be listening or taking notes. A chalkboard with writing fills the background.
Members of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier listening to a speaker expounding upon the rudimentary map drawn on a chalk board behind them during a meeting in March 1981
A person in a suit stands at the front of a classroom or meeting room, gesturing toward a chalkboard covered with diagrams and notes. Several seated individuals face the chalkboard, with papers, books, and mugs on the desks. Additional papers and diagrams are pinned to the wall beside the board.
View of the empty streets of the abandoned Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
A cracked and deteriorated road stretches into the distance, bordered by leafless trees and patches of grass. A utility pole with overhead wires stands to the right, and low buildings and storage tanks are visible in the background.
View of several abandoned and fenced-in Love Canal homes, Niagara Falls, New York
A chain-link fence with three yellow diamond-shaped signs blocks the road. Behind the fence, there are residential houses with peaked roofs and evergreen trees.
Puddles of toxic waste on the ground in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
A patch of uneven ground with cracked soil and muddy textures, showing streaks of reddish and orange discoloration. In the foreground, tall dry grasses are visible.
View of abandoned and fenced-in Love Canal homes with a hazard sign posted on the chain-link fence in the Love Canal Neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
A chain-link gate blocks a dirt road leading into an industrial area with scattered vegetation. A sign on the gate reads, "HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL WASTE DUMPING PROHIBITED BY ORDER OF U.S. GOVERNMENT."
View of the locked chain-link fence with abandoned Love Canal homes in the background, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
A locked chain-link gate with a heavy chain and padlock blocks access to a grassy lot. In the background, several small houses are visible, some with boarded windows.
Close-up of the lock on the chain-link fence surrounding abandoned Love Canal homes, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Fall, N.Y.)
A close-up view of a chain-link gate secured with a thick, rusted chain and a padlock. The intertwined links tightly fasten the metal gate posts together.
Two members of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier discussing issues prior to its meeting , March 1981
Two people are indoors, engaged in conversation in front of a bulletin board covered with papers, notes, and images. One person has arms crossed, while the other is standing with hands at their side, facing them.
Members assemble to attend a meeting of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier, March 1981
Several people are gathered in a classroom or meeting room. Some are seated at desks with papers and folders, while others stand near a chalkboard that has diagrams drawn on it. A row of yellow folders or papers is pinned to the wall in the background.
Men in white hazmat suits engaging in remediation work at Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York
Two people in protective white suits and gloves are outdoors near trees and heavy machinery. One person is spraying water or another substance from a hose, while the other stands nearby observing.
View of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York which provided a gathering place and a forum for discussion and debate for Love Canal residents as well as the main offices of the ETF (Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier)
Wesley United Methodist Church (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
A large A-frame building, likely a church, stands at the corner of a quiet street. The structure has tall, steeply sloped rooflines, rows of rectangular windows along the side, and a small evergreen tree near the front. Power lines cross overhead in the foreground.
Several people in protective white suits and helmets are gathered outdoors under a large tree. Heavy machinery and hoses are visible in the background, suggesting cleanup or construction work in a wooded area.
Two men reviewing Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill documents
Two people are indoors, standing close together and looking down at documents. One is holding a large stack of papers while the other points at or reviews the materials on the table.
Map showing distribution of symptoms believed to be caused by Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill pollutants, Niagara Falls, New York
A map of a residential neighborhood with hand-drawn red outlines around certain streets and properties. Pins or markers are placed throughout the map, and a handwritten note card is attached, listing potential issues such as "Health problem," "Relocation," "Environmental problems," and "Housing shortage."
Abandoned Love Canal home with a remediation work crane in the background, Niagara Falls, New York
A boarded-up white house with plywood covering the windows and door is shown in the foreground. A paved driveway leads to the house, and a chain-link fence lines one side. In the background, a large crane and industrial equipment are visible.
Puddles of toxic waste at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York
A patch of wet, marshy ground with dark water and patches of dry grass. Pieces of debris and discarded materials are scattered in the muddy area.
Large puddle of water and toxic waste at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York
A large orange-brown water puddle sits in a gravel and dirt area, with dry grass and bushes around it. In the background, there are several small houses and trees.
'Danger, Hazardous Area' sign as seen through a chain link fence at the Love Canal containment zone, Niagara Falls, New York
A yellow warning sign behind a chain-link fence reads "Danger Hazardous Area Unauthorized Personnel Keep Out," with additional text indicating it is from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The sign is posted in an overgrown grassy area with trees in the background.
Love Canal Area Revitalization Agency (LCARA) Office
A single-story red house with white trim and striped awnings over the windows sits behind a neatly trimmed lawn. In the foreground, a white sign reads "Love Canal Area Revitalization Agency" with a phone number beneath it. Trees and bushes surround the property.
Barrels of toxic waste rising to the surface of the former Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York
Several rusted and broken barrels lie scattered on the ground near the edge of a body of water. The shoreline is littered with debris, and the background shows more water and rocky terrain.
Sister Margeen Hoffmann (standing, at right), who served as Executive Director of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier from 1979-1988, is shown in attendance at a public meeting of that group
Sister Margeen Hoffman and others are gathered indoors, engaged in conversation. Two are standing, one holding a yellow folder, while the other two are seated. A chalkboard and papers pinned to the wall are visible in the background.
Meeting of members of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier
A person stands in front of a chalkboard, gesturing with one hand, while three others sit at desks listening. The chalkboard behind them is filled with diagrams and notes, and papers are pinned to the wall.
Lois Gibbs speaking at the rally against resettlement of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill area, Niagara Falls, New York, organized by the Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes which was founded by Lois Gibbs in 1981
Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes (Arlington, Va.)
Lois Gibbs stands outdoors holding a microphone in one hand and papers in the other. They are wearing a dark coat over a light shirt with small patterns, and their mouth is open as if speaking.
Emotional speaker, comforted by a colleague, at the rally against resettlement of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill area, Niagara Falls, New York, organized by the Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes, an organization founded by Lois Gibbs in 1981
The rally against resettlement of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill area, Niagara Falls, New York was organized by the Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste which originally was founded by Lois Gibbs
Two people stand in front of an American flag. One is reading from a paper or clipboard at a microphone, while the other stands close behind with a hand on their shoulder. Both wear name tags.
Protester being interviewed by the press at the rally against resettlement of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill area, Niagara Falls, New York which was organized by the Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes, an organization founded by Lois Gibbs in 1981
A person is speaking to the press while surrounded by microphones. Protest signs are visible in the background, including ones reading "NO" and "on our AQUIFER." Several people are present in the crowd.
Speaker at the rally against the resettlement of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill area at Niagara Falls, New York which was organized by the Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste, an organization founded by Lois Gibbs in 1981
A person is speaking into a microphone outdoors, facing a crowd of people. The audience is gathered closely together, with some looking toward the speaker and others appearing thoughtful. Houses and bare trees are visible in the background.
Student protest against Hooker Chemical and their handling of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site crisis held at the State University of New York at Buffalo South Campus
A group of people are gathered in a protest, many holding signs with messages criticizing Hooker Chemical. Some individuals are seated on the ground while others stand around them. The signs include slogans such as “Hooker is a Heartless Profitmaker,” “Hooker is a Butcher not a Benefactor,” and “Hooker is a Heartburn.” The setting appears to be outdoors in a public area, possibly near a street or plaza.
A group of students are gathered outdoors, seated on the grass in a residential area. Some individuals hold signs, while others are listening to a speaker standing near the front. Trees and houses are visible in the background, suggesting a neighborhood setting.
Speakers address the crowd inside a campus building at the student protest against Hooker Chemical and its handling of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site crisis held at the State University of New York at Buffalo South Campus
Three people are on a stage in front of large windows. Two are seated at a table, while one stands at a podium speaking into a microphone with an arm raised. A sign with the word "Hooker" is positioned on a chair next to the podium.
Students sign petitions inside a campus building on the State University of New York at Buffalo South Campus as part of a student protest against Hooker Chemical and its handling of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site crisis
A crowded indoor scene shows several students seated at tables writing or filling out forms, while more people stand behind them, waiting or observing. The background includes a wall and groups of individuals in casual clothing.
Several people are seated at a long table indoors, writing on papers, while others stand nearby. The setting is busy, with additional people visible in the background.
Student protest against Hooker Chemical and their handling of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site crisis held at the State University of New York at Buffalo South Campus with Campus Police in attendance
Two uniformed officers stand inside a glass entrance, facing outward toward a group of demonstrators holding protest signs. The signs are partially visible through the glass doors.
Aerial view of Love Canal and southern Niagara Falls, New York
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)--Aerial views
Hazardous waste sites--New York (State)--Niagara Falls--Aerial views
An aerial map in black and white shows a landscape with roads, fields, and developed areas along a water body at the bottom of the image. A rectangular scale bar is placed near the center for measurement reference.
A black-and-white aerial map shows a city layout with a grid of streets, residential areas, and farmland on the right side. A large water body spans across the bottom of the map, with a rectangular scale bar placed above it near the center.
Student protest at the State University of New York at Buffalo South Campus against Hooker Chemical and their handling of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site crisis
A group of people are seated on the ground in front of a glass doorway, appearing to participate in a sit-in or protest. Handwritten signs are taped to the doors and nearby surfaces, including one that partially reads "Hooker" and another that is taped to the doors with visible text.