Community Corner

PHOTOS: Celebrating 100 Years of the Gowanus Flushing Tunnel

Locals threw lilies into the canal, to symbolize purity.

On Tuesday, dozens of Gowanus residents gathered near the flushing tunnel on Butler Street to celebrate 100 years in operation.

"Back then the Gowanus smelled," said organizer Angela Kramer Murphy of Proteus Gowanus. "The Gowanus still smells!"

A parade held 100 years ago was the inspiration for Tuesday's event, said Kramer Murphy. Back then, they celebrated the opening of the flushing tunnel, which flushes fresh water from Buttermilk Channel into the canal. Yesterday's celebration symbolized hope for the future.

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"We have received a gift and that gift is the federal EPA," said Linda Mariano, a member of FROGG (Friends and Residents of Greater Gowanus) and one of the "Miss Gowanus" women that threw lilies into the canal, to symbolize purity.

"We have some hope here to celebrate the future!" she said.

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In 1911, a 9-year-old Miss Gowanus sailed down the canal throwing lilies. In 2011, modern day Miss Gowanus', of all ages, also threw lilies, but from the Union Street bridge.


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