The View, Roosevelt Island’s Secret Front Yard in Autumn

The View, Roosevelt Island’s Secret Front Yard in Autumn

Roosevelt Island’s secret front yard wasn’t built for hiding, but history made it that way. As a result, it’s easy to miss as it slopes toward the East River.

By David Stone

The Roosevelt Island Daily News

The View: Roosevelt Island’s Secret Front Yard

Near the end of the 18th Century, the Blackwell family built their farmhouse on an isolated island. In front was a downhill slope and, across the then pristine East River, Ravenswood, which became a burgeoning city’s early suburb.

Two-hundred years later, developing Roosevelt Island, planners plotted Main Street straight down the middle, passing the Blackwell House’s rear door. In some ways, it was fortunate because it made room for this beautiful autumn scene – from the community’s secret front yard.

©David Stone/The Roosevelt Island Daily News

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