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Updated 03/22/2008
Canarsie Landing (Pier) was rich with some of the finest oyster beds on the entire Eastern seaboard and became the center of the industry. Fishing, clamming and boating were among the major occupations. Canarsie thrived on its rich fishing of blue fish, fluke, weak fish, flounder and scallops. The best crabs, clams, oysters and mussels came from Jamaica Bay and its surrounding creeks, Sands Bay Creek, Indian Creek, Steamboat Creek, Fresh Creek and Bedford’s Creek (now known as Paerdegat Basin). In 1850, approximately 75 fishermen lived in the town of Flatlands. They were out numbered by the farmers 2 1/2 to 1. Decades after the Civil War, baymen, clammers, oystermen and fishermen increased and a large majority resided in Canarsie. The fishing and shellfish industry earned about 2 million dollars a year. Because of the activity in Jamaica Bay, boat builders started to develop at the shore. In 1868 there was only one boat builder to reside in Canarsie but by 1889 there were eight craftsmen around. A few summer bungalows had been erected towards the end of the 19th century. Some houses erected east of the Landing were built on stilts and were accessible by boat or wooden walkways. In the early 20th century, Canarsie Landing became a lively summer place. There were at least eighteen hotels, a dance hall, an oriental bar, a casino and other establishments. In May of 1907, Golden City Park opened its doors near Seaview Avenue to rival Coney Island. In 1920, clamming, fishing and swimming were banned by the N.Y.C Board of Health because of the waters getting heavily polluted caused by the City's improper dumping of sewage and the rapid increasing population. Though hurt financially by the banning of fishing, clamming and swimming, many residents of Canarsie still enjoyed the comforts of the Pier. They often gathered on days to watch sailboat racing or go on boating rides. Prior to the completion of the new dock being erected, The Department of Docks had leased city property to boat clubs, boathouses, fishing clubs, boardwalks, boat builders and other uses. As Sands Bay was filled, it was being cut off from Jamaica Bay and the number of tenants started to decline. Between 1921 and 1923, the City began to close up most of the creeks coming in from Jamaica Bay by pumping up sand from the bay. A pier was constructed into the bay. In 1923, the City built a new 600 foot Pier into the bay. In 1933, the first cargo ship left Canarsie Pier. The ship carried 500 tons of scrap iron and was transported to a freighter bound for Japan and thus became the Pier's first industrial cargo to be shipped. The City was to build a Seaport out of Jamaica Bay, which never happened. With the increase of industrial activity around the pier, entertainment facilities declined. Golden City Park was one of a few of the entertainment facilities left near the Pier, but a second fire in 1934 ( the first happened in 1909) destroyed much of the park. Unlike in 1909, the park was not rebuilt and in 1939 totally destroyed to make way for the Belt Parkway. The building of the Belt Parkway moved the Canarsie Pier bay front further into Jamaica Bay. Canarsie Pier remains a recreation place today with many of its residents.
Some Photos Of Canarsie Pier (Click on Thumbnails for larger image)
Please send any photos you would like to share to mnuch@oldcanarsie.com All Photos either taken from my personal collection or contributed by visitors Special Thanks to BrooklynPix.com Thank You for your Support!!
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