Amsterdam Houses Veterans Remember Integrated Project
by Avi - August 4, 2009 at 1:50 pm -
Stanley Becker, principal of PS 191 from 1960 to 1980, reuniting with some of his former students.
Current and former residents of Amsterdam Houses gathered together this weekend for the annual Amsterdam Family Day, which included a reunion for residents who had lived there in the 1950’s and 60’s.
Amsterdam Houses, located between 61st and 64th Street between Amsterdam and West End Avenue, was built in 1947 and filled mostly with the families of veterans. That resulted in a very mixed housing project, the kind that is rarely found today. Among the attendees this year was Ivory Williams, who traveled up from Mississippi, and Stanley Becker, the principal at nearby PS 191 from 1960 to 1980.
The state has determined that Amsterdam Houses is eligible to be placed on the state and national historic registries. A John Jay College class created a fascinating report on the site and its racial history, and this website includes photos from the 50’s and 60’s and of the 60th reunion in 2007. Check out these videos and some pictures from this year’s event below:
Here’s a video of the projects in the 1950’s:
Pictures from the event:
-
- Tables were set up with food and drinks
-
- People listened to music and relaxed
-
- From left to right: Michael Nelson, Rev. Diane Lacey Winley, Rachel France, Shirley Jones, Charlotte Petty
-
- Pat Rice McCray and Harold Thomas
-
- The grill was going full force
-
- Stanley Becker, principal of PS 191 from 1960 to 1980, reuniting with some of his former students
I am inquiring about 2010’s annual Amstedam houses party. When will it be? My mother has lived in Amstrdam houses since it was built. She still lives there! I want to take her to the Amsterdam houses reunion, I just need the date!
Thank You,
Rodney E.H.
July 31, 2010. Are you related to Leslie Holmes?
I missed the old timer’s day last month, but i was at Family Day yesterday. Everyone was having a good time and the grounds were spotless like when I born there back in the 1950’s. I hope Amsterdam Houses get historical preservation. I’m lucky to grow up in the best area in NYC.
Please excuse the typing errors. My typing was never good. I’m a nurse.