Hall of Gowanus

explore artifacts from the hall of gowanus archive

Anthracite Coal

The primary energy source for the Gowanus industries was tidal power until the 1830s. With the construction of the Erie Canal in 1835, it became possible to cheaply move vast amounts of coal by barge and rail to fuel Brooklyn industries. These barges were one of the primary drivers for the conversation of Gowanus Creek into the industrial canal we know today. Pollution from these coal industries led to acid rain and eventually some of the first international agreements to limit air pollution.

Oyster Shell

In the 1600s, pickled Gowanus Oysters were considered a delicacy. They were exported to Britain and the Caribbean Islands. Nicholas Vechte seated America’s first Oyster farm in Denton’s Mill Pond. This pond was filled in and a Whole Foods is currently being built on top of the pond’s previous location. Oysters no longer exist in the canal due to pollution, despite multiple reseeding attempts. Mussels do however survive in the canal and filter up to 70 gallons o polluted water a day.

Fire Resistant Floor Tiles

From the KenTile floor company. The plant was erected on 2nd Avenue along the Gowanus Canal in 1949. It was later closed in the late 1980s. But the 8-story-high sign is still visible from both the Gowanus Expressway and the F train, although the sign’s neon purple letters are no longer illuminated.