Many, many years ago it was known as Blackwell's Island which was named after the family that had their estate there. Later on in years Goldwater hospital at the south end of the island was built and later Bird S. Coler hospital was built on the north end. The only access to the island was an elevator which ran from the middle of the Queensboro bridge down to the island. There was a traffic light on the lower level of the bridge to regulate traffic on and off the elevator. Delivery trucks, ambulances, visitors, etc. had to use the elevator. Some of the Manhattan engine companies that were regularly assigned to the "box" on the island had fold-up rear steps so the rig could fit on the elevator. There was one engine company (49) that was quartered on the island. If they had a job, it was a long wait for the troops to arrive. Truck companies had to leave their rigs on the Manhattan side of the bridge and ride up to the elevator and down to the island with an engine company. The Dept. of Hospitals had their central city-wide laundry on the island just across from the elevator and storehouse. Of course, by this time the island's name had been changed to Welfare Island due to the two hospitals which were there and it was said that admittance to either of these hospitals was the last stop for the patient as they were for the terminally ill. The bridge from Queens (36th Ave. & Vernon Blvd.) was built, engine 49 disbanded, and Queens companies were the responding units although it was still considered (and is today) Manhattan. At that time Manhattan box 920 covered the entire island and as I said receives it's response from Queens units. The elevator I don't remember but my dad put a pumper on it many times. I do recall being there on the island numerous times in the early 60's.
