Governors Island’s military brats
Jan 12, 2010 2:44 pm
It is not unusual to be walking around Governors Island when it is open to the public and run into men and women who grew up on the Island who have stories to share about the time they spent here. Their days as military “brats” extending from the times when the Island home to the US Army and later the Coast Guard. During the Coast Guard era, more than 3,500 people lived on Governors Island, and another 1,500 came to work here each day. For the children who grew up here, Governors Island provided many opportunities for learning and play. During the Coast Guard era, the youngest children could attend the Childhood Development Center, located in today’s historic district, or daycare in Castle Williams. Fees at the time for childcare were at times a remarkable $12-$19 per month. Elementary school children went to school at the new PS 26, located just south of Division Road. (Last year, the school was demolished to create additional open green space on the non-historic southern end of the Island). Due to the central location of the school, lunch was not provided and instead, children went home each day for lunch. Teachers at the school had particular experience helping military children who had to adjust to frequent relocations to new schools. Once children reached the seventh grade, many attended a public middle school in Manhattan while many older kids attended Curtis High School on Staten Island. This unusual commute to school required a ride on the Governors Island ferry followed by another on the Staten Island ferry. After school, numerous sports fields and programs were available including t‑ball, volleyball and classes such as tap dancing and music. Movies, YMCA dance parties, skeet shooting and bowling were some of the structured entertainment that was provided. The Island itself acted as a playground for kids of all ages to explore. Parents often recall feeling comfortable that their children were in a safe environment. [caption id=“attachment_2466” align=“alignleft” width=“195” caption=“Many children who grew up on Governors Island went to school at PS 26, the public school here”]
[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2474” align=“alignright” width=“192” caption=“The fields on the southern end of the Island were used by children for games and play. Several groups still use the fields today.”]
[/caption] We have heard from many military brats who recall that it was these feelings of freedom sometimes led to hijinks among them. One of the Coast Guard children’s favorite pranks involved secretly loading items in the shaft of the Howitzer gun used to mark the daily 5:00 PM “retreat.” Projectiles such as golf balls were then shot off to Manhattan when the unwitting MPs fired their guns. Childhood on Governors Island was full of this kind of mischief, adventure and fun. Many children who grew up on Governors Island have reconnected with eachother through a group on facebook that allows them to share photos and many stories of their time growing up here.
[/caption] We have heard from many military brats who recall that it was these feelings of freedom sometimes led to hijinks among them. One of the Coast Guard children’s favorite pranks involved secretly loading items in the shaft of the Howitzer gun used to mark the daily 5:00 PM “retreat.” Projectiles such as golf balls were then shot off to Manhattan when the unwitting MPs fired their guns. Childhood on Governors Island was full of this kind of mischief, adventure and fun. Many children who grew up on Governors Island have reconnected with eachother through a group on facebook that allows them to share photos and many stories of their time growing up here.