Ellis Island holds history that is important to immigrants and Americans alike. People come from all parts of the world to visit. Back in the 1900’s a proposal was mad to build a bridge connecting Ellis Island and Liberty State Park located in New Jersey. The views of those deemed important and influential were the first to be consulted about the project. In Chapter four, “The Ellis Island Bridge Proposal,” the views of the people that were considered truly important was recorded.
The people that were determined to be truly important were people that the bridge would affect for example vendors, the poor, and so forth. There were a wide range of opinions and trends. Pushcart vendors for example had a positive outlook on the creation of the bride. “The Bridge is good-more people will go to it-this means more customers and more business. It’s a good thing.” [pg.79] This is the main reason vendors in Battery Park were pro bridge. On the other hand, street performers didn’t like the idea of the bridge because they were afraid that it would reduce the amount of tourist thus hurting their career. Others were afraid that the free access would result in vandalism of all sorts. Not only were the people in the parks interviewed but the people living close to Liberty State Park. The opinions of those within the neighborhoods varied. For example in Paulus Hook, one person stated, “I like the ferry because I can see the island better.”[pg. 93] They didn’t particularly care for the bridge. In Van Worst and Lafayette most of the people were for the bridge and had positive outlooks on the creation. “It would help poor people take their children.” [pg. 95] The fact that the poor would have access is the biggest positive of the project.
When creating something there are always negatives and positives. Some people will hate it and some won’t. It is a proven fact that not everyone can be pleased. It would have been nice if the bridge was built and it remained free. The poor should have opportunities to visit Ellis Island too.
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