Esso-teric Westerly

A short holiday detour from the tour of Staten Island garages, living and defunct, to Westerly, Rhode Island...

Not designed as a garage per se, but rather part of the Smith Quarry operation, this handsome building from 1884 has not been used for many years.

Most recently, part of the former Ray Hoxsie Buick dealership on Granite Street, earlier markings suggest it was once an Esso station. According the Westerly Sun, the building may get a new life as a restaurant.

Please don't call it Le Garage.

Kirk's

Festive streamers beckon you to Kirk's, whose full name is Kirk's Staten Island Tire & Auto Servicenter.

Kirk's is located on Forest Avenue near Broadway, squeezed in between McDonalds and the McDonald playground. The playground, closed for renovations, is named for Austin J. McDonald, a Staten Islander killed in the war, rather than Ronald McDonald, veteran of the Burger Wars.

Nick's

The first in a (very) occasional series on garages on Staten Island. Nick's on Richmond Terrace and Elizabeth Street, on the stretch of faded but still active marine glory between Port Richmond and Snug Harbor.

Check out the red, white, and blue color scheme. Even the fuel tank!

Putinocracy

I took this back in late November. A brave soul on Staten Island (North Shore). Recent revelations from the CIA just make him or her appear more prescient.

Wishing You an EZ Christmas

Santa takes the EZPass lane.

Goethals Bridge, S.I. (Photos: F. Someki)

Blue Boat

Under Silver Lake Cemetery, Victory Blvd., S.I.

BQE in Autumn

The onramp to the BQE from the Grand Central Parkway West provides an autumnal prelude to the ride.