What if a soap factory could give a place its name? Here in northwestern Staten Island, we find Port Ivory. This wasn’t always its name. The area was originally known as Milliken. But the arrival of Procter & Gamble in 1907 changed everything. Their iconic Ivory Soap, shipped nationwide, became so synonymous with the area that Milliken transformed into Port Ivory. The factory churned out over a million cases of Ivory and Lenox soap each year. This continued for an incredible 84 years. Port Ivory became more than a location; it became a brand, a scent, a testament to industrial power. Imagine the hustle and bustle of the factory in its heyday. The rhythmic churning of machinery, the warm, soapy air, the constant flow of workers and products. This wasn’t just a factory; it was the heart of Port Ivory. Then, in 1991, production shifted to Mexico, leaving a void in the community. Today, Port Ivory stands as a reminder of its industrial past. The name, a ghostly echo of the factory’s legacy. The Howland Hook Marine Terminal and a revived freight rail line now dominate the area, yet the name “Port Ivory” remains. It’s a whisper of soap in the salty air, a reminder of a time when a simple bar of soap put this corner of Staten Island on the map.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to