Discovery was an American historical and cultural television series produced by ABC News from 1962 to 1971. The program, aimed at children, was first hosted by Frank Buxton and then Bill Owen starting in 1966. Owen traveled to different locations around the United States and world and introduced his viewers to the history and culture of the place. In this episode, which aired in 1967, Owen travels to Staten Island, New York and introduces his viewers to the history of the island and the issues it faces today. He addresses the increased rate of urbanization and its effects on the environment and he also discusses the advantages Staten Island provides to its residents, specifically children, such as the nature and relaxed pace of life. Much of the footage is from the Staten Island Ferry and viewers can see the Statue of Liberty, the newly-opened Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the abandoned Ellis Island, as well as the bustling Whitehall Terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan.
(00:18) The Statue of Liberty seen from the Staten Island Ferry
(00:43) Title: Discovery Visits New York City
(00:49) Opening sequence for the iconic series “Discovery ’67” with Bill Owen
(01:47) He introduces the Krampanas Farm, one of the few remaining farms on the island
(02:05) It is a “truck farm,” customers can come purchase on site or buy the produce at Washington Market in Manhattan
(02:50) The abandoned farmers market near Tottenville, victim of demand for housing in nearby New York City.
(03:03) Newly-built apartments crowd out the farms. This is the start of suburbia. Sign reads, “Shore Haven Terrace”, possibly in the Bronx
(03:32) Public School 23, opened in 1965
(03:42) The former schoolhouse in Richmond
(04:02) Huguenot, Staten Island which was founded by Huguenot fleeing persecution. Huguenot Hardware Store is shown.
(04:46) Fresh Kill Bridge, in Dutch “kill” means stream
(05:05) Boys ride their bikes to the beach
(06:27) Boys shown feeding pet rabbits.
(07:05) A forest in Great Kills
(08:19) The woods and stream are becoming polluted as the area urbanizes
(08:58) A children’s zoo on Sprague Avenue
(11:54) Passengers go through turnstiles to board the Staten Island Ferry in Stapleton
(12:41) A ferry leaves the harbor. It takes 20 minutes to cross and costs 5 cents.
(13:48) The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge seen from the ferry. When it opened in 1964, it was the world’s longest suspension span.
(14:06) The ferry passes by the Statue of Liberty
(14:15) A view of Fort Jay
(14:56) Manhattan skyline
(15:42) The captain of the Joseph F. Merrell steers the ferry into Whitehall Terminal
(16:48) Passengers disembark at the southern tip of Manhattan
(17:39) A close-up shot of Lady Liberty’s crown
(17:58) Views of Ellis Island, which was in disrepair until the main building reopened as a museum in 1990.
(19:29) Bill Owen closes the program’s visit to Staten Island and suggests children ask their librarian for books about New York City.
(20:17) Sponsored in part by United Airlines and produced in cooperation with the National Education Association. A Jules Power Production in association with ABC News and Public Affairs. Executive Producer: Jules Power, Written by Joseph Hurley, Produced by Daniel Wilson, Directed by Jack Ofield, Program Host Bill Owen.
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