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Andrys Basten | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Angel Island Immigration Station - restored barracks | tree view | thumbnails | slideshow |
![]() These are pictures from a day trip April 4 to Angel Island's newly restored Immigration Station and detention buildings for "aliens" (1910-1940) -- full public tours began April 1, 2009 -- along with context provided by the Angel Island group that has documented the history and restored the full detention center area at a cost of $16 million so far. Budget cuts in 2011 may have an impact on access to this historic site. ![]() Here's an excellent VIDEO of "...The Story Behind the Poems" aired on PBS. The authorities were about to demolish the quarters in 1970 when a park ranger, Alexander Weiss (he's in this video), was inspecting it one night and saw poems written and carved on the walls by its detainees - expressions of individual feeling from people crowded in rooms with 3 levels of bunk beds close together and communal assembly-line commodes with no privacy areas. There are "tens of thousands" of wall notes. Some of these poems and writings are now part of the book: "Island: Poetry and History of Chinese Immigrants on Angel Island, 1910-1940" (1980, revised 1999). I think of these as part of an early message board. Don't miss this beautiful photo gallery of arrivees and interview rooms etc. I should have the full set of photos soon. Other EXCellent website articles (be sure to use also prime links above): 1) A historical perspective via a beautiful PDF with photos; 2) The Journey to America; 3) Life on Angel Island; 4) Restoration; 5) The Story of Chiu Yook Lon: A Paper Daughter on Angel Island ( plus an illustrated version; 6) Dong Kingman's ordeal as a citizen born here, when trying to return at age 18; 7) The Chinese in California: Topical Overview; 8) The Chinese Exclusion Act; 9) Exclusion case files; 10) Alleged Wife file; 11) Island Angels of America Excellent newspaper stories Feb '09: San Jose Mercury News; Walls that talk - LA Times; Guardian of the Western Gate; Ghosts linger; The power of poetry; Current photos of former detainees. OLD photos there: Larger, for details; Interiors; Restored areas explained; Stages of work |
*** ( For FULL SCREEN: PC's, press/toggle F11. Mac's, maximize screen. ) *** |
![]() Leaving Tiburon on the Tiburon Ferry |
![]() Golden Gate Bridge in the background |
![]() Used the little Canon A710's zoom here |
![]() Making waves |
![]() Looking over the stern, past the lower deck |
![]() Enjoying the ride |
![]() Enjoying the view from the bow |
![]() Looking down at the action |
![]() Angel Island already.. It's just a 10-minute ride, tops |
![]() Ferry' s wheel man. Island's Admin bldg in view |
![]() Just seeing what it was like in there. I liked the reflections |
![]() An unbelievably gorgeous day |
![]() The Immigration Station's old fog-warning bell, from shuttle |
![]() Richard, on his first day as guide. Very clear speaker. |
![]() The bell, "lost but found in a junkyard" in San Diego (myth?) |
![]() The Liberty Bell - from back of bell, facing detention barracks. |
![]() The newly restored main detention barracks |
![]() Informational display |
![]() Ugly public words by an Asst. Surgeon |
![]() About the detainees and the writings on the wall |
![]() About crowding, poor ventilation, and 'filthy' conditions. |
![]() Accordian-like, protected stairway to the barracks |
![]() Taking the first step on that interesting stairway |
![]() The covered walkway connected to the former admin bldg. |
![]() The first view from inside, of the "Freedom Bell" appropriately out of focus |
![]() First object I saw. Globelike. I've no idea what it was. |
![]() Note by POW from Japan, upon his release |
![]() 3-level bunk beds. Am trying Photoshop's newer b&w feature. |
![]() Same photo in normal color. No mattresses were given detainees. |
![]() Another barracks room, with a view outside through wire. |
![]() Game table with usual items of the day |
![]() With single cots as their only space, they air-dried their laundry. |
![]() Sad to realize what detainees went through, unlike Ellis Island visitors |
![]() 2nd room in another area |
![]() Odd ceiling hole, I thought. |
![]() Doors to washroom and office area |
![]() The carvings were filled in with putty and painted over 6 or 7 times.. |
![]() I didn't expect to see baseball items there. |
![]() The office |
![]() Typewriter and phone from early 1900s |
![]() A restroom with privacy, for staff. (see detainees' option later). |
![]() Room No. 3 |
![]() A "U.S. Army Cannon Heater" in Sitting/Recreation Room |
![]() Closer up, to see the lettering and little teapot better. |
![]() Stereoscope viewer! |
![]() Crowded and cluttered, but this was what they lived |
![]() Those on top bunks used the floor space for items also, of course. |
![]() Photography group |
![]() Path to communal commodes |
![]() Wash basins with no mirrors. Women's restroom. |
![]() No wasted space and no long waits |
![]() First sighting of Wall Poem No. 69 |
![]() In front of Wall Poem No. 69 |
![]() Seen on the ferry boat's lower deck |
![]() Closer up for the texture |
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ALEXUS SYPHIL | 27-May-2011 20:05 | |
William Warrior | 01-Mar-2011 05:46 | |
tammy | 05-Nov-2009 13:51 | |
Guest | 12-Sep-2009 22:21 | |