Island Memory

In January, 1954, I was transferred to the Coast Guard’s port security unit at Ellis Island. There were about 35 men stationed on the opposite side of the Immigration Service Building near the ferry slip.

Our job was to patrol the largely empty buildings (hospital facilities mainly) on the south side of the island and to monitor all boats docking at the island, In April after the INS people left the island we had several days to decommission the island. That included burning tons of debris, documents, papers, old furniture, and bedding, and anything deemed worthless. A lot of history went up in smoke, unfortunately.

On the final day, only 12 of us were left and four Coast Guard boats picked us up to take us to our next duty stations.

I feel especially honored in being able to look back at serving even a few months at this historic site. Both my parents and my grandparents entered the United States through Ellis Island as did many of their relatives.

I took photos as our boats pulled away and wondered what will become of this significant site. Now, in 1986, I am pleased that we are officially recognizing Ellis Island along with its sister island and the Statue of Liberty for many generations to come.

SOL TAYLOR

North Hollywood