View of a 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. View of a 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; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Archives
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Libraries
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View of a 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 in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York . The yard surrounding the house is overgrown with grass, and a leafless tree stands behind the building; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 603-611 99th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
View of a row of small houses with light-colored siding that 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; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 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
View of a row of small houses lines a residential street, with several windows boarded up and yards overgrown with grass in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. In the foreground, a tilted yellow “Dead End” sign stands beside a cracked sidewalk. Trees with sparse leaves frame the scene; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the 99th Street Elementary School with its clay cap and the neighboring 97th Street abandoned residences in the background in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, fall 1979
View of a wide, open grassy field stretches beside a cracked and uneven road in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Patches of standing water are visible on the ground. The 99th Street Elementary School, a dark rectangular brick building, sits on the left side of the field under a cloudy sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street and Read Avenue with 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, specifically 99th Street and Read Avenue, is shown with utility poles and power lines running alongside a sidewalk bordered by overgrown grass within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Trees without leaves and a few evergreen trees are visible, with ring 1 abandoned, boarded-up houses in the distance; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
A 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 within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Dry leaves and tall grass surround the marker; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street with a ring 1 abandoned and boarded-up residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A small white ring 1 abandoned, boarded-up house on 99th Street in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. It has a red roof and ts windows and front door are boarded-up. The yard in front is overgrown with grass, and a small shed or structure is partially visible to the left; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
View of the Love Canal neighborhood elementary school which was a large rectangular brick building visible across 99th Street that was partially obscured by leafless trees and utility poles with overhead wires. The foreground shows a cracked paved road and grassy areas along the sidewalk; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the 99th Street Elementary School seen from Read Avenue in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
The Love Canal neighborhood elementary school was a brick building with a tall chimney that stood behind an open grassy area. A sidewalk ran across the foreground, and leafless trees were scattered throughout the scene; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the 99th Street Elementary School as seen from the corner of 99th Street and Read Avenue in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
The 99th Street Elementary School as seen from the corner of 99th Street and Read Avenue in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. A cracked and uneven paved road runs alongside a grassy area with utility poles and overhead wires within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. In the background, the 99th Street Elementary School, a brick building with a tall chimney, is visible behind leafless trees; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 673 99th Street and Read Avenue, a ring 1 abandoned residence in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
A small red abandoned house with boarded-up windows sits beside a cracked driveway in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. In the background, a detached garage with its door open is visible with grass and weeds growing along the edges of the driveway and sidewalk; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 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 abandoned houses with boarded-up windows lines one side of a grassy area in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York A cracked sidewalk runs through the center, and utility poles with overhead wires follow the road on the right; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the surface of Love Canal looking north with a row of 99th Street abandoned residences in the background within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
A grassy open area extends across the foreground, with a row of small abandoned and boarded-up houses and trees in the background within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Some houses have darkened, boarded-up windows, and a large tree with green foliage stands to the right; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the 99th Street Elementary School as seen from Read Avenue with 99th Street abandoned residences in the background within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, May 1982
An open grassy field stretches across the foreground with several houses and the 99th Street Elementary School, a large rectangular brick building, in the background within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Leafless trees and utility poles are also visible behind the buildings; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 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 area within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Several trees and small abandoned and boarded-up houses are visible in the distance, with utility poles lining the street; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Blue sign for the Real Estate Group Relocation Office inside the 99th Street Elementary School, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, fall 1978
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. The Love Canal Homeowners Association Offices were located in the 99th Street Elementary School prior to its demolition; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Two male Love Canal residents standing 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 Homeowners Association prior to its demolition, fall 1978
Two male Love Canal residents stand indoors in front of the wooden Love Canal News Bulletin Board with several papers posted on it at the 99th Street Elementary School, Niagara Falls, New York. The 99th Street Elementary School served as headquarters for the Love Canal Homeowners Association prior to its demolition,. One man 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; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
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
Two childrenwalk along a cleared dirt path surrounded by snow-covered ground on a clay-capped Love Canal in the containment area toward Wheatfield Avenue with abandoned residences and earthmoving equipment in the background. In the distance, houses, trees, and an industrial building are visible, with construction equipment on the right side. The photograph was taken with a telephoto lens from inside the 99th Street Elementary School by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal Homeowners Association Office volunteers Marie Posniak and Grace McCoulf working in the LCHA office at the 99th Street Elementary School, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, October 1978
Love Canal Homeowners Association Office volunteers Marie Posniak (left) and Grace McCoulf (right) working at a table in a dimly lit room with a window covered by blinds in the the Love Canal Homeowners Association (LCHA) office at the 99th Street Elementary School, Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Papers, folders, and office supplies are spread across the table, and Grace McCoulf is using a typewriter. The Love Canal Homeowners Association Offices were located in the 99th Street Elementary School prior to its demolition; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
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 community activist Lois Gibbs sits at a cluttered desk speaking into a telephone receiver in the Love Canal Homeowners Association Offices. 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. The Love Canal Homeowners Association Offices were located in the 99th Street Elementary School before its demolition; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the 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
View of a hallway with blue-tiled walls showing 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.” The Love Canal Homeowners Association Offices were located in the 99th Street Elementary School prior to the school's demolition; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Rubber boots contaminated with toxic mud left on cardboard inside the Love Canal Homeowners Association Office located in the 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, fall 1978
A pair of black rubber boots caked with toxic mud rest on a piece of cardboard placed on a tiled floor inside the Love Canal Homeowners Association Offices which were located in the 99th Street Elementary School prior to the school's demolition. The boots appear worn, and a glass door with a wire-mesh pattern is visible in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the clay capping and remediation work at ring 1 with abandoned residences in the background within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, February 1979
A construction vehicle sits on a large area of churned-up dirt with patches of snow within the remediation area of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York. In the background, a row of small, colorful abandoned houses in shades of green, yellow, blue, and gray lines the street, with bare trees behind them. This photograph was taken with a telephoto lens from inside the 99th Street Elementary School by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the clay capping and remediation work at Love Canal in winter showing the abandoned South 97th Street residences in the background, February 1979
View of a large dirt remediation field with patches of snow that is being worked on by construction vehicles, including a bulldozer in the center, at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York. In the background, small abandoned houses and leafless trees are visible under an overcast sky. This photograph was taken with a telephoto lens from inside the 99th Street Elementary School by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of an Environmental Protection Agency tanker truck and a hazardous waste treatment facility at Wheatfield Avenue and 99th Street in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, February 1979
United States. Environmental Protection Agency
View of an Environmental Protection Agency hazardous waste remediation site and treatment facility at Wheatfield Avenue and 99th Street in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Snow-covered playground equipment is visible in the foreground while 97th Street abandoned residences, construction equipment and a long train of tank cars are visible in the background under an overcast sky. This photograph was taken with a telephoto lens from inside the 99th Street Elementary School by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the clay capping and remediation work at Wheatfield Avenue and 99th Street in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York with 97th Street abandoned residences in the background and playground equipment in the foreground, February 1979
A snow-covered playground with empty swing frames is seen in the foreground. Clay capping and remediation work at Wheatfield Avenue and 99th Street in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York is carried out with a small white trailer nearby. In the background, a raised dirt embankment with construction equipment and a row of houses can be seen. This photograph was taken with a telephoto lens from inside the 99th Street Elementary School by Penelope Ploughman. .
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 within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. 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. Photograph taken with telephoto lens from inside the 99th St. Elementary School by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Remediation equipment and a crane on the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill remediation site installing leachate collection piping behind the 97th Street ring 1 residences in winter, December 12, 1978
A hazardous waste remediation site crane and excavator are visible between houses in the snowy former residential area of Love Canal, Niagara Falls, New York installing leachate collection piping behind the 97th Street ring 1 residences. The crane extends high into the sky, silhouetted against a colorful sunset with clouds in a wintry sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
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 at the Love Canal Homeowners' Association offices in the 99th Street Elementary School. 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. The Love Canal Homeowners Association Office was housed in the neighborhood 99th Street Elementary School prior to its demolition. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
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 at the Love Canal Homeowners' Association offices in the 99th Street Elementary School. The base of the tree is wrapped in white material, and a bulletin board is visible on the wall behind them. The Love Canal Homeowners Association Office was housed in the neighborhood 99th Street Elementary School prior to its demolition. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Christmas tree in Love Canal Homeowners' Association offices in the 99th Street Elementary 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 at the Love Canal Homeowners' Association offices in the 99th Street Elementary School 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.” The Love Canal Homeowners Association Office was housed in the neighborhood 99th Street Elementary School prior to its demolition. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
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
Marie Posniak, Lois Gibbs, and Adeline Levine (left to right) seated at a table answering telephone inquiries in the Love Canal Homeowners Association offices. 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. The Love Canal Homeowners Association Office was housed in the neighborhood 99th Street Elementary School prior to its demolition. Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
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.
Love Canal activist 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
Love Canal activist Grace McCoulf, wearing a coat and head covering stands on a snowy street with other protesters in front of a large dark-colored remediation truck. A striped road marker and a section of chain-link fence are visible on the left side of the image; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Police arrive on the scene where protesters are blocking truck access to the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill remediation site at 99th Street and Colvin Boulevard, Niagara Falls, New York after dioxin was discovered on the site, December 12, 1978
A group of Love Canal protesters, dressed in winter coats, stand on a snowy street near a chain-link fence and a large truck-like remediation vehicle. A uniformed policeman monitors the activity of the protesters. A house and street signs are visible in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
State University of New York at Buffalo. University Archuives
Protesters blocking truck access to the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill remediation site at 99th Street and Colvin Boulevard in winter after dioxin was discovered on the site, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
Several Love Canal protesters stand on a snowy street near a chain-link fence and street signs demarcating the restricted area of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill remediation site after dioxin was discovered there. A large truck is parked to the right, partly in view. Bare trees and houses are visible in the background; photographed by Penelope Ploughman.
View of 502-510 99th Street backyards of the Love Canal, ring 1 abandoned residences with heavy equipment and playground equipment in the foreground behind snow fences, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
View of the backyards of 502-510 99th Street within the ring 1 abandoned and boarded-up residences showing heavy equipment and playground equipment in the foreground behind snow fences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, The houses are closely spaced, with utility poles and bare trees visible in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 99th Street and Colvin Boulevard with a handmade sign reading "DANGER CONTAINS DIOXIN" at the fenced entrance gate to the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
A chain-link fence surrounding the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site has a poster hanging from it with a diamond-shaped yellow road sign displaying a skull and crossbones with the words “DANGER” and “CONTAINS DIOXIN.” Snow is visible on the ground behind the fence; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View through a chain-link fence of the Love Canal remediation site showing clay capping and laying of leachate collection piping processes in winter with a crane at centerand abandoned 97th Street residences in the background, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
View through a chain-link fence of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill remediation site with snow on the ground and construction equipment in the background. Clay capping and laying of leachate collection piping processes are in progress showing a crane, bare trees, and abandoned 97th Street residences in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View through a chain-link fence of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill remediation processes of clay capping and laying of leachate collection piping with a crane at center, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
View of a snow-covered Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill remediation site as viewed through a chain-link fence. In the distance, a large crane is positioned near scattered equipment and material necessary for the clay capping and laying of leachate collection piping processes. Several abandoned 97th Street residences are at left, a crane at center, and the 99th Street Elementary School in the background. Abandoned and boarded-up Love Canal houses line the left side of the image, and the ground is marked with tracks and uneven terrain; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the entrance of 746 97th Street, a ring 1 abandoned residence with a posted "NO TRESPASSING" sign in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, December 12, 1978
View of the boarded-up entrance of 746 97th Street, a ring 1 abandoned Love Canal residence with a “No Trespassing” sign posted on the plywood outside. The house number, “Seven Four Six,” is displayed on the wall next to a mailbox and a small metal awning covers the doorway; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of a Love Canal remediation site with the process of clay capping and laying of leachate collection piping depicted showing a large crane and abandoned 97th Love Canal residences in the background, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
A Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill remediation site is depicted with a large crane positioned on dirt ground demonstrating the process of clay capping and laying of leachate collection piping. The crane is lifting or lowering a long vertical object. In the background are several abandoned and boarded-up houses and leafless trees under a cloudy sky; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the 97th Street, ring 1 abandoned residences in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
Pictures a partially cleared lot with patches of dirt and concrete in the foreground within the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. In the background, there are abandoned, boarded-up houses, a wooden slatted snow fence, and a tall utility pole; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
State University Of New York at Buffalo. University Archives
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site remediation workers and a large dump truck bringing in clay for capping stand on a muddy paved road in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
Hazardous waste management industry--Employees
A group of four Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site remediation workers, wearing hard hats, stand near a large, red dump truck on a paved road within the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Two of them appear to be conversing while the others stand close to the vehicle. Several small abandoned houses with boarded-up windows are visible in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal homeowners and activists Marie Posniak and Lois Gibbs confront Niagara Falls, New York Mayor Michael C. O'Laughlin over the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site crisis.
Love Canal homeowners and activists Marie Posniak (far left) and Lois Gibbs (slightly to the right and obscured by others in the crowd) confront Niagara Falls, New York Mayor Michael C. O'Laughlin (second from right) on the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site crisis outdoors in front of a multi-story building with many windows. Mayor O'Laughlin, accompanied by another man in a suit, appears to address the group and their concerns; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal residents protest on the steps of the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
Shows a group of Love Canal demonstrators holding protest signs and standing on the steps of the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, a large classical stone building with tall columns. The demonstrators include both adults and young children and their signs convey a variety of protest messages targeting the city administration of Niagara Falls, New York related to their inaction in addressing the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill crisis. A statue is visible in the foreground to the left of the steps; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal homeowner and activist Debbie Cerrillo and her young children carrying protest signs at the Love Canal demonstration at the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
Love Canal homeowner and activist Debbie Cerrillo and her young children stand among a group of protesters holding signs at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site demonstration at the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall on October 16, 1978. 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; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs and her young children carrying protest signs at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site demonstration at the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall, October 16, 1978
Love Canal homeowner and activist Lois Gibbs and her young children Michael and Melissa march outdoors carrying protest signs during the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site demonstration at the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall on October 16, 1978. Melissa's sign reads “WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE A NORMAL BABY,” and Michael's sign reads “WILL I SEE AGE 7.” Their mother Lois Gibbs, wearing a bold plaid coat with fur trim, holds a large sign above their heads, while more demonstrators with signs are visible in the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Love Canal protest march to the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall including community activist Adeline Levine and her State University of New York at Buffalo research group, October 16, 1978
State University of New York at Buffalo--Political activity
A group of demonstrators from activist Adeline Levine's State University of New York at Buffalo research group march along a sidewalk in a residential area toward the Niagara Falls, New York City Hall , holding Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill protest signs. The male protester at the front of the line, wearing glasses and a raincoat, 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 including one in the foreground right with the message: "City of Niagara Falls does not help their own people". Photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 783-795 97th Street and Wheatfield Avenue showing clay capping and heavy machinery in the foreground and 97th Street abandoned Love Canal residences in the background, Niagara Falls, New York, November 10, 1978
An excavation or remediation site with piles of dirt and heavy machinery, including yellow excavators, are seen in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. In the background, several abandoned, boarded-up houses with light-colored siding and pitched roofs are visible. A large metal drum or barrel and a heavy concrete oblong barrier lie on the ground in the foreground near the road; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of 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
View of a small single-story abandoned and boarded-up house with green siding sitting on a grassy lot, bordered by trees and utility poles in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. 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; photographed by Penelope Ploughman.
An emergency evacuation bus is parked in front of abandoned, fenced-in ring 1 homes in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
An emergency evacuation bus is stopped behind a chain-link fence blocking the road near abandoned, boarded-up homes in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. Several diamond-shaped signs are attached to the fence, and trees line the background; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
Abandoned ring 1 Love Canal homes surrounded by a chain link fence adorned with two road signs in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, September 1978
A chain-link fence with two road signs attached surrounding abandoned homes in ring 1 of the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. 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 boarded-up houses are visible behind the fence; photographed by Penelope D. Ploughman.
View of the 99th Street Elementary School with its playground in the foreground in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, August 1978
View of the 99th Street Elementary School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York with its playground in the foreground situated on an overgrown lawn area. A wooden slatted snow fence spans the area between the school and the playground equipment. A large trailer with a yellow sign bearing the partially obscured words: "ARC Fenc, Niagara Falls" is visible behind the snow fence in the background at right.
Two signs leaning against a snow fence at the 99th Street School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York, the larger one reading: 'State of New York Interdepartmental Task Force Relocation Advisory Program'.
New York (State). Interdepartmental Task Force Relocation Advisory Program
Two large signs leaning against a snow fence near a sidewalk at the 99th Street School in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. 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. 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.
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 to identify the Love Canal neighborhood elementary school. A chimney rises above the roofline, and part of a tree branch is visible on the right side.
Lois Gibbs' young 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
Love Canal activist Lois Gibbs' young son Michael, wearing a coat and hat stands outdoors holding up a protest sign hung around his 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. The purpose of this poster is to promote 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.
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
A colorful collage depicts a landscape blending natural and man-made elements to represent the Love Canal neighborhood in 2001. 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. 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 appeared 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).
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 woman is seated at a desk, speaking on a corded telephone in 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. Papers and a typewriter are visible on the desk in front of her and she 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, 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 for a meeting of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier. A male lecturer in a suit 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 male lecturer in a suit stands at the front of a classroom or meeting room, gesturing toward a chalkboard covered with diagrams and notes during a meeting of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier. 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, cracked 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 within the hazardous waste-contaminated Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York. 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 contaminated Love Canal homes, Niagara Falls, New York
View of a chain-link fence adorned with three yellow diamond-shaped signs that blocks the road. Behind the fence, there are residential houses with peaked roofs and evergreen trees that are abandoned and boarded-up.
Puddles of toxic waste on the ground in the Love Canal neighborhood, Niagara Falls, New York
View of a patch of uneven ground with cracked soil and muddy textures, showing streaks of reddish and orange discoloration denoting hazardous waste contamination at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. 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 surrounding the area encompassing the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York
A chain-link gate blocks a dirt road leading into a contaminated and hazardous waste area of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Fall;s, New York. A sign on the gate reads, "HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL WASTE DUMPING PROHIBITED BY ORDER OF U.S. GOVERNMENT."
View of the padlocked chain-link fence surrounding the abandoned contaminated homes at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York
A locked chain-link gate with a heavy, rusted chain and padlock blocks access to a grassy lot within the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. In the background, several contaminated and abandoned small houses are visible, some with boarded windows.
Close-up of the lock and rusted chain securing the chain-link fence surrounding abandoned homes near the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York
Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill (Niagara Fall, N.Y.)
Close-up view of the padlock and thick, rusted chain securing the chain-link fence surrounding abandoned homes near the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. The intertwined links tightly fasten the metal gate posts together to secure the entrance to the hazardous waste site.
Two members of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier discuss issues prior to the organization's meeting, March 1981
Two members of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier are indoors, engaged in conversation prior to the group's meeting, in front of a bulletin board covered with papers, notes, and images. The female task force member, seated at left, has her arms crossed, while her male companion is standing with his hands at his side, facing her.
Members assemble to attend a meeting of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier, March 1981
Several members of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier are gathered in a classroom prior to their meeting. Some are seated at desks with papers and folders, while others stand near a chalkboard that has diagrams drawn on it. A row of manila envelopes inscribed with individual task force members' names is pinned to the wall in the background.
Two men, wearing protective white hazmat suits, are engaged in toxic waste site remediation work at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York
Two men, wearing protective white hazmat suits, gloves and helmets, are outdoors near trees working with the heavy machinery necessary for remediation of hazardous wastes at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York. One man 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 serving as the main offices of the ETF (Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier)
Wesley United Methodist Church (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
The Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York, a large A-frame building 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. The Wesley United Methodist Church, Niagara Falls, New York provided a gathering place and a forum for discussion and debate for Love Canal residents as well as serving as the main offices of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier (ETF)
A group of men, wearing protective hazmat suits, engage in remediation work at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site at Niagara Falls, New York
A group of men, wearing protective white hazmat suits, helmets and gloves, are gathered outdoors under a large tree to effect clean up of toxic materials in a wooded area of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site at Niagara Falls, New York. Heavy machinery and hoses used in hazardous waste site remediation are visible in the background.
Two men reviewing Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill documents
Two men, wearing turtlenecks and suit jackets, are indoors, standing close together and engaged in reviewing Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill documents. One is holding a large stack of papers while the other points at or reviews the materials on the table.
Map showing the distribution of symptoms believed to be caused by Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill pollutants, Niagara Falls, New York
Map of a residential neighborhood with hand-drawn red outlines around certain streets and properties showing the distribution of symptoms believed to be caused by Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill pollutants, Niagara Falls, New York . 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."
View of an abandoned and boarded-up Love Canal home with a remediation work crane in the background, Niagara Falls, New York
An abandoned white house with plywood covering the windows and door is shown in the foreground at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. A paved driveway leads to the house, and a chain-link fence lines one side. In the background, a large crane and industrial toxic waste site remediation equipment are visible.
Puddles of toxic waste at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York
View of a patch of wet, marshy ground with puddles of dark water and toxic waste at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York. Patches of dry grass, debris and discarded materials are scattered in the muddy area.
Large puddle of water and toxic waste at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York
A large orange-brown puddle of water and toxic waste sits in a gravel and dirt area, with dry grass and bushes around it at the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site, Niagara Falls, New York. In the background, there are trees and several small abandoned and boarded-up houses.
'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 visible 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 at the Love Canal containment zone, Niagara Falls, New York, with trees in the background.
View of the Love Canal Area Revitalization Agency (LCARA) Office building.
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 of toxic waste lie scattered on the ground near the edge of a body of water at the former Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill, Niagara Falls, New York. The shoreline is littered with debris, and the background shows more water and rocky terrain.
Sister Margeen Hoffmann (standing, at right) is shown in attendance at a public meeting of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier.
Sister Margeen Hoffman (wearing a suit)) and three others are gathered indoors, engaged in conversation at a public meeting of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier. Sister Margeen. who served as Executive Director of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier from 1979-1988, is seen standing at right next to a man holding a yellow folder while the other two individuals are seated. A chalkboard and papers pinned to the wall are visible in the background
Meeting of the members of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier
A man, dressed in a suit jacket and tie, stands in front of a chalkboard, gesturing with one hand, while three others sit at desks listening at a meeting of the Ecumenical Task Force of the Niagara Frontier. The chalkboard behind them is filled with diagrams and notes, and papers are pinned to the wall.
Community activist Lois Gibbs speaking at the rally against resettlement of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill area, Niagara Falls, New York.
Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes (Arlington, Va.)
Love Canal community activist Lois Gibbs stands outdoors holding a microphone in one hand and papers in the other. She is wearing a dark coat over a light shirt with small patterns, and her mouth is open as if speaking at the rally against resettlement of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill area, Niagara Falls, New York. It was organized by the Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes which was founded by Ms. Gibbs in 1981.
An emotional female speaker, comforted by a colleague, struggles to speak into a microphone at the rally against resettlement of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill area, Niagara Falls, New York.
Two women stand at a podium in front of an American flag. One, struggling with her emotions, is reading from a paper or clipboard at a microphone, while the other stands close behind with comforting hands on her shoulders. Both wear name tags but only the speaker's name is legible as: "Jeanette Tate." The occasion is the rally against resettlement of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill area, Niagara Falls, New York that was organized by the Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes which originally was founded by Lois Gibbs in 1981.
Female 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.
A female protester is speaking to the press while surrounded by microphones and attending crowd 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. Protest signs are visible in the background, including ones reading "NO" and "on our AQUIFER." The organizing body the Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes was founded by Lois Gibbs in 1981.
Middle-aged male 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 Wastes.
A middle-aged male is speaking into a microphone outdoors, facing a crowd of people at the rally against resettlement of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill area, Niagara Falls, New York. The rally was organized by the Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes which, originally, was founded by Lois Gibbs. 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 of the State University of New York at Buffalo South Campus.
Student protest against Hooker Chemical and their handling of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site crisis was held at the State University of New York at Buffalo, South Campus.
A group of student protesters are gathered outdoors, seated on the grass on the South campus of the State University of New York at Buffalo. They are protesting against Hooker Chemical and their handling of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site crisis. Some individuals hold signs, while others are listening to a speaker standing near the front. Trees and campus buildings are visible in the background.
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, with an arm raised, into a microphone to 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. A sign with the word "Hooker" is positioned on a chair next to the podium.
Student protesters sign petitions inside a campus building on the State University of New York at Buffalo South Campus as part of a protest against Hooker Chemical and its handling of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site crisis.
A crowded indoor scene shows several student protesters seated at long tables filling out paper petitions, while more people stand behind them, waiting or observing. The setting is 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. The background includes a wall and groups of individuals in casual clothing.
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
Several student protesters are seated at a long table indoors, signing paper petitions, while others stand nearby. The setting is 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. Additional people 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 with campus police in attendance.
Two uniformed campus police officers stand inside a glass entrance, facing outward toward a group of student demonstrators holding protest signs 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. 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
Black and white aerial map showing a landscape with roads, fields, and developed areas along a water body at the bottom of the image depicting the Love Canal neighborhood and southern Niagara Falls, New York. A rectangular scale bar is placed near the center for measurement reference. Label on back: 1 dup ARE-18-81
Black-and-white aerial map showing a city layout with a grid of streets, residential areas, and farmland on the right side of the Love Canal neighborhood and southern Niagara Falls, New York. A large water body spans across the bottom of the map, with a rectangular scale bar placed above it near the center. Label on back: 15 ARE-2V-33
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 mainly students are seated on the ground in front of a glass doorway to participate in a sit-in or protest at the State University of New York at Buffalo against Hooker Chemical and their handling of the Love Canal Chemical Waste Landfill site crisis. 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.