Willowbrook on Staten Island in Richmond County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Building 19
Willowbrook Mile
In the mid-1990s, the College of Staten Island installed a plaque on its 3S Building to honor its identity as "Building 19" of Willowbrook State School. This massive institution on over 380 acres required a system of steam tunnels that connected the buildings to a central plant providing heat and electricity. The mere scope and size of the facility impaired its ability to provide normal, personalized comfort and care.
Willowbrook soon became overcrowded. Its buildings failed to provide residents with adequate space, resulting in a loss of personal dignity and privacy. The facilities became filthy, disease-ridden, inhumane warehouses. Nearly 200 men lived in this building originally designed to house fewer than 100.
This plaque honors each and every person who resided at Willowbrook. The painted Number "19" is preserved in respectful remembrance.
Erected 2022 by College of Staten Island, City University of New York. (Marker Number 2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the New York, Staten Island, Willowbrook Mile series list.
Location. 40° 35.83′
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Willowbrook Archives (about 600 feet away); Halloran Hospital (about 700 feet away); A Promise Fulfilled (approx. 0.2 miles away); Consent Judgment (approx. 0.2 miles away); Isolation to Inclusion (approx. 0.3 miles away); Building 29 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Exposing Conditions at Willowbrook (approx. 0.4 miles away); Institute for Basic Research (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staten Island.
Other markers no longer nearby. Gouvernor State School (was about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); Willowbrook Hepatitis Study (was about 800 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Building 19. The grounds of the notorious Willowbrook State School are now home to the College of Staten Island campus of CUNY.
Also see . . .
1. Willowbrook State School. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on February 9, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. College of Staten Island (CSI) CUNY. College
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 7, 2022
2. Building 19 Marker
The building stands immediately to its right.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 7, 2022
3. Dedication plaque and number 19
To honor those who struggled here on the grounds of the Willowbrook Institution we preserve this former building number in their respectful remembrance.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 565 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 9, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
