Staten Island

 New York City consists of five counties: New York, Kings, Bronx, Queens and Richmond. The latter is more commonly called Staten Island. The island was first sighted by Giovanni da Verrazano in 1524 when it was mostly populated by Native Americans, until about 1630 when the Dutch came to the island and named it Staaten Eylandt in honor of the Dutch parliament known as Staten-Generaal. When the English took over, the name was anglicized to Staten Island.

Until I retired I practiced law for over fifty years and handled cases in all of New York City counties including what I called Staten Island. I enjoyed it when I had a case in the Spring that required me to be in Staten Island by 9 A. M. I would take the Island ferry from the Battery tip of Manhattan. I seated my self looking at the Manhattan skyline and the sun shining on the rippling waters while I had a shoe shine person who worked the ferry, do my shoes. I recall one such time, I was seated facing a group of about ten young boys whom I asked what they were doing on the ferry so early? One boy replied they were all going to a museum to see Native American exhibits. I told them I hoped they had a good time and extended my hand to shake his. He responded by clutching my hand and when I let go, each of the other youngsters held out their hands, which as the ferry neared the Island dock. I clutched each one. The courthouse I needed was within walking distance from the ferry dock and walking there I felt I had experienced a great way to begin a day’s work.

Ben Haber

March 2021