Women of Staten Island

Christina Aguilera (singer) was born just before Christmas (1980) in Staten Island University Hospital and lived in Grasmere before moving to Texas. At the age of eight, Christina appeared on “Star Search”, and at the age of ten, she sang the National Anthem for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins. When she was 12, Christina landed a spot on the “New Mickey Mouse Club” and continued on the show for two years appearing with such future stars as Britney Spears, Keri Russell (“Felicity”), J.C. and Justin of ‘N Sync. In 1998, she recorded “Reflection,” for the Disney animated film “Mulan.” Christina went onto stardom with such hits as, “Genie In A Bottle,” and “What a Girl Wants.” In 2000, Christina won a Grammy Award for best new artist.

Alice Austen (photographer) was one of the country’s most prominent woman photographers. She began taking photographs in 1884 and did so until about 1934 - amassing a collection of nearly 8,000 photographs. Her work went largely unnoticed by the public until they were examined by some experts, including one from the Library of Congress. Her photographs were hailed as one of the finest works chronicling turn-of-the-century life in America. Her work and life story became the subject of a Life magazine article in the September 24^th, 1951 issue. This sudden fame came as Austen was living at Sea View’s Farm Colony, the city’s “poor house.” The newfound income allowed her to move to a private nursing home and die with dignity. Since her death in 1952 at age 87, her life story has been the subject of books, magazine articles and film documentaries. The most notable film of her life titled “Alice’s World,” was aired over the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) and shown throughout the country. Miss Austen was one of the original founders and first president of the Staten Island Garden Club and a charter member of the Staten Island Historical Society. Clear Comfort, her home, at 2 Hylan Boulevard, offers magnificent views of the Narrows. Originally built in the 1600's, Clear Comfort is a city landmark and is open to the public.

Joan Baez (singer) was born in Staten Island Hospital in 1941. She lived in Westerleigh with her family while her father taught math and physics at Wagner College. His teaching took them eventually to California. Joan went on to become very involved in the civil rights and anti-war movement and was an accomplished folksinger. One of her most famous songs is “We Shall Overcome.” Her father, along with Paul Kirpatrick, invented the X-ray microscope and later made significant contributions to the development of the X-ray telescope.

Betty Barbour (athlete) was born in Scotland in 1915 and moved to Staten Island with her family in 1927 and lived in Port Richmond. Barbour excelled as an athlete in several sports. She played professional baseball with the Bloomer Girls touring team in 1930 as an outfielder, she won a golf championship at Latourette and played pro basketball with the Union City Reds, an all-girls team from New Jersey. Barbour also excelled in bowling. In 1943 she rolled a 279 game to win the Staten Island Individual Women’s Tournament and with team mate Millie Hanisch, won the New York State Doubles title in 1946. Age did not slow her down. In 1965 she won the Staten Island Women’s Bowling Association championship and in 1966 she and a partner, won the Florida State Doubles championship. Barbour passed away in 1996 at her home in Naples, Florida.

Elizabeth Bayley Seton lived on Staten Island in St. George. Her grandfather, Reverend Richard Charlton, was the pastor of St. Andrew’s and her father, Dr. Richard Bayley was the first health officer of the Port of New York. Some believe she was born on Staten Island in 1774. She married William Seton, a wealthy New York shipping merchant in 1794 and had five children. Seton converted to Catholicism in 1805, two years after the death of her husband, and went on to form the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (later known as the Sisters of Charity). Formed in 1809, it was the first religious community for women in this country. In 1814, seven years before her death, she established the Orphan Asylum of Philadelphia, the first Catholic child care institution in this country. Sister Elizabeth Ann Seton became the first native-born American to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1975.

Gloria Cordes-Elliott (athlete) was one of eleven children and lived in Stapleton. At the age of 18, the former McKee High School star joined the Kalamazoo Lassies of the professional women’s baseball league (1950) and later played for the Rockford Peaches. In 1952, she was 16-8 for a fifth place team with an ERA of 1.44 and 24 complete games. During her five year career, she was an all-star three times and was the winning pitcher in the league’s first all-star game.The league folded in 1954, but Cordes’ exploits were the inspiration for the popular movie, “A League of Their Own.”

Carolyn Cudone (athlete) graduated from Curtis High School and New York University and went on to became one of the top woman amateurs in the world. During her career, she won 20 amateur state championships (New York - 6, New Jersey - 10 and South Carolina - 4) and five straight U.S. Senior Amateur titles (1968 – 1972). Carolyn was the only person, man or woman in any division to ever to win five consecutive U.S. amateur titles. In 1961 at the age of 42, Mary finished ninth in the U.S. Open. Cudone also played on the 1956 U.S. Curtis Cup team. In 1970, she was appointed the team’s captain and was named Golf Magazine’s Amateur of the Year.

Picture

Available

Elizabeth Burrell Curtis (activist), daughter of George William Curtis, started the Political Equality Club of Staten Island in 1894 which later became the Woman Suffrage Party in 1912. In 1917, suffrage was granted to women of New York by popular vote. Two years later the 19^th Amendment was passed.

Dorothy Day (activist), a professed agnostic in her early life, was born in Bath Beach, Brooklyn, on November 8^th, 1897. In her early life, she worked for a socialist daily newspaper, and, in the 1920s, she sold her novel “The Eleventh Virgin” about bohemian life in Greenwich Village to Hollywood. She bought a cottage in Huguenot of Staten Island where she lived with her common law husband, Forster Batterham. In 1927, at the age of 31, she gave birth to her daughter and her life changed forever. After a life as a radical atheist, she was baptized a Catholic at Our Lady Help of Christians in Tottenville and became a missionary for the poor. In 1933, she co-founded the Catholic Workers on the lower east side of Manhattan where she began her efforts to aid the hungry and homeless. Day opened soup kitchens and communal farms in the city including the first Catholic Workers Farm in Huguenot in 1934 and one in Pleasant Plains, the Peter Maurin Farm at 469 Bloomingdale Road. Her pacifism led to controversy when she led opposition to the draft, World War II and later the Viet Nam War. In 1962, she visited Cuba and publicly supported Castro’s education and health care reforms. Some Catholics believed she was a communist and even the Jesuits considered her “dangerous.” Toward the end of her life, she lived in Spanish Camp, where the organization she helped to found owned two cottages on Zephyr Avenue in Annadale. Day, who died in 1980 at the age of 83 and is buried in Resurrection Cemetery in Pleasant Plains, has been proposed for sainthood by Cardinal John O’Connor.

Jen Derevjanik (athlete), a St. Peter’s High School and George Mason University standout, played for the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA in the 2005 championship finals. Prior to the 2006 season the Eltingville native was waived by the Suns and signed by the Phoenix Mercury. In 2007, she helped the Mercury to its first WNBA Championship. She was drafted in the 2008 expansion draft by Atlanta.

Anne Duquesnay (actress/composer) who won a Tony Award for her role in Broadway’s “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ’Da Funk” began her stage career in 1977, appearing in Jelly’s Last Jam, “Caroline or Charge” and the revival of “The Wiz” (1984). In 2006, Duquesnay appeared in “Hot Feet” and in 2007, she appeared in “Our Leading Lady.” Born in Brooklyn, today Duquesnay makes her home in Silver Lake.

Jennifer Esposito (actress), a Moore Catholic High School graduate, appeared in Spike Lee’s Son of Sam and also in the television series, Spin City. Esposito also appeared as one of Chris O'Donnell's ex-girlfriends in The Bachelor (1999). The millennial turnover found the beautiful rising starlet establishing herself as a versatile actress in such efforts as Dracula 2000 (2000) and Don't Say a Word (2001), and after appearing alongside Dana Carvey in the family comedy The Master of Disguise (2002), Esposito joined an impressive cast including Luis Guzman, William H. acy and George Clooney for the caper comedy Welcome to Collinwood (also 2002).

Eileen Farrell (singer) lived on Staten Island (Grymes’ Hill and Emerson Hill) when she debuted with the Metropolitan Opera Company in 1960. Among her many performances was the title role of Verdi’s “Aida” which brought her critical acclaim. Along with Beverly Sills, Marilyn Horne, Leontyne Price, and Brigit Nilsson, Farrell was considered one of the top sopranos of her generation. Ms. Farrell died at a nursing home in 2002 at the age of 82.

Sara Giberson (athlete) won two gold medals in the 2006 Public School Athletic League (PSAL) city championships setting meet records in both the 100 and 200 yard freestyle events. In 2007, Giberson won gold medals in the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) city championships setting City records in both the 50 and 100 yard freestyle events. Giberson swam for Tottenville High School.

Randy Graff (actor) of New Springville, graduated from Port Richmond High School and Wagner College (1976) she won a Tony Award in 1990 for City of Angels. Graff appeared in Falsettos, Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23^rd Floor, High Society, as well as on TV’s Law and Order, Bless This House, Mad About You as Paul Reyser’s sister and the Tonight Show.

Patti Hansen (model) was born in Tottenville (1956) became a supermodel with her picture adorning the covers of Vogue, Glamour and Harper’s Bazaar. In 1983, she married the Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and gave birth to two girls, Alexandra and Theodora. Putting her career aside to raise her daughters, Hansen returned to her career at the age of 42 when they had grown up.

Katrina Hansen (athlete), of Tottenville High School, won the 2001 Public School Athletic League (PSAL) shot put title for the second consecutive year with a throw of 41 feet, 2 ½ inches. As a result of her performance, Katrina was recognized as the Outstanding Field Athlete at the 2001 PSAL Outdoor Track and Field Championships. That same year, Katrina also won the New York State shot put title with a throw of 41 feet, 3 inches.

Eleanor T. Harkins (athlete) of Westerleigh played professional baseball for the New York Bloomer Girls where she played both second base and the outfield during the late 1920s and early 1930s. A graduate of St. Peter’s Girls’ High School, Eleanor also played for the Barleykorn Lassies, a professional women’s basketball league in the 1930s. Mrs. Harkins died in 2000 at the age of 89.

Sue Harnett (athlete) helped Moore Catholic High School win two straight New York State championships (1985 and 1986). During her stellar career at Moore, she won the New York State Player of the Year and was named a Parade Magazine All American twice. After graduation, Harnett attended Duke University were she was named a third-team All American.

Marilyn King (athlete) of Bay Terrace was a two-time Olympian (Munich, 1972 & Montreal, 1976) in the grueling five event Pentathlon. Her 20-year athletic career includes five national titles and a World Record. In 1979, an automobile accident rendered her unable to train physically for her third Olympic team. Using only mental training techniques, she placed second at the Olympic trials for the 1980 Moscow Games. Today King, through keynotes, training, and consulting, provides business leaders and educators with mental tools that will serve them for a lifetime.

Anna Harriet Leonowens (teacher/author) was hired by King Mongkut of Siam to teach his sixty-seven children at the royal court in Bangkok during the 1860's. After leaving the court in 1867, Leonowens came to Staten Island and lived on Tompkins Place for about three years. During this time, she opened a private school for girls in West Brighton. She then moved to Canada where she died in 1914. Leonowens’ memoirs were the inspiration for Rogers and Hammerstein’s hit play and movie “The King and I.” Among the books she wrote were The English Governess at the Siamese Court (1870), The Romance of the Harem (1872) and Life and Travel in India (1884).

Marina Liander (athlete), attended Notre Dame High School where she won the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) shot put title in 1999 with her fifth throw of 35 feet, 3½ inches. Liander also won the shot put title at the 2000 Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Intersectional Championships.

Jenny Lind (singer) was born in Stockholm, Sweden on October 6^th, 1821. At the age of nine, she was admitted to the Conservatory at Stockholm and soon became known for her sweet and flexible coloratura voice which earned her the title of Swedish Nightingale. In 1850, she came to America with P.T. Barnum for a two year concert tour. Lind received her first bouquet in America from George William Curtis after a performance at Castle Garden Opera. For the two years she lived in America, she made her home in West Brighton and performed many concerts at the Pavilion Hotel when she was not touring with Barnum.

Samantha Loggins (athlete) won the 1999 New York State Public High School Athletic Association long-horse vaulting championship. Loggins, a freshman at Port Richmond, was the first New York City gymnast to win a gold medal at the State Championships. Loggins went on to win two consecutive PSAL all-around championships (2000 and 2001). On her way to winning her second all-around championship, Loggins also won individual titles in the floor exercise and the vault.

Mrs. Jacques Marchais (moved to Lighthouse Hill, where she began work on a small Tibetan mountain temple. In 1947, she opened the museum to the public under a state museum charter. After falling prey to difficult economic times, the museum now receives funding from the state, the city, the National Historic Trust and corporation support from Brooklyn Union Gas Company.

Deanna Morelli (athlete) of McKee/Staten Island Tech, won three field titles at the 2004 Public School Athletic League (PSAL) championships – shot put (37 feet, 3 ¾ inches), discus(113 feet, 5 inches) and high jump (5 feet, 3 inches).

Christina Milone (athlete) won the 2004 Public School Athletic League (PSAL) championships pole vault title with a leap of 8 feet, 3 inches. Christina won the title again in 2005 (setting a meet record of 9 feet, 9 inches) and in 2006 with a PSAL record vault of 9 feet, 9 inches.

Alyssa Milano (actress) was born in Brooklyn (1972) and grew up in Great Kills. She won her first part at the age of eight as Annie in the National Tour of the play of the same name. Her first TV role came at age eleven when she played opposite Tony Danza in Who’s the Boss?. Milano’s other fim and TV credits include Commando (opposite Arnold Schwarenegger), Spin City and Charmed.

Dolores Morris (producer) of St. George, received Emmy Awards for two HBO children’s’ shows she produced. Her first Emmy was for “Through the Eyes of a Child, 9/11” and the second was awarded for “Happy to be Nappy.” Ms. Morris started her career as a school teacher at Port Richmond High School, where she attended before going on to Hunter College.

Mabel Normand (actress) was born in New Brighton in 1885 and became a famous silent film star appearing with Charlie Chaplin in 11 short films. Norman began her film career with W.D. Griffith and Max Sennett, with who she starred in both drama and comedy. She was the original “Lucille Ball” and is credited with inventing the classic cream-pie-in-the-face routine. Norman lived on Tysen Street and bought a home for her parents on St. Mark’s Place.

Mary Ontek (athlete) was a three sport standout winning two consecutive championships with the New York Roverettes (softball), the Bloomer Girls in 1934 (baseball) and a state championship in New Jersey with the Dover Marauders in 1954 (softball). Her athletic prowess also extended to bowling when she won the National Women’s Bowling Congress Championship in 1955. Still active in 1971, Mary won the Staten Island Women’s Bowling Association title. Born in Jessup, Pa, Mary lived most of her life in Bulls Head.

Mary Ewing Outerbridge (athlete) brought lawn tennis to the U.S. after a visit to Bermuda. She established the first tennis court in the United States on the grounds of the Staten Island Cricket and Baseball Club in St. George. The first National Championship matches were held in 1880 and subsequent championships in 1885 and 1887 on Staten Island. Although a good friend of Alice Austen, Mary was rather camera shy and a photograph of her has not been found.

Helen Hellwig Pouch (athlete) was born in Brooklyn in 1874. She married William H. Pouch of Staten Island fame in 1897. Mrs. Pouch became a tennis enthusiast. She went on to win the United States Lawn Tennis Association Singles Championship in 1894 and the Doubles Championship in 1896. Mrs. Pouch died in 1960.

Robin Quivers (radio personality) was born in Baltimore (1952) and graduated from the Baltimore Institute of Broadcasting in 1980. She joined the Howard Stern’s program in 1981 and has been his side-kick on both his radio and television shows ever since. While she maintains an apartment in Manhattan, she also owns a home on Todt Hill and uses it as a country retreat.

Brianne Sullivan (athlete) won two gold medals (200 individual medley and 100 backstroke) at the Catholic National Swimming Championships in 1995. Sullivan swam for Notre Dame Academy.

Sheila Tighe (athlete) of New Brighton, graduated from St. Peter’s High School before going on to Manhattan College where she was a three time All-American during the 1980's. She was the nation’s fourth leading scorer and during her career with Manhattan College scored over 2,200 points. Presently, Ms. Tighe is a producer with Flying Tiger Films in Hollywood, CA.

Caitlin Tormey (athlete), of Notre Dame, won the 1,000 meter event at the 2000 Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Intersectional Championships. In 2007, she finished 13^th among all women at the NYC Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 43 minutes, 30 seconds.

Joy Trapani (producer) a former Westerleigh resident received an Emmy Award for her work as a producer on the “Rosie O’Donnell Show” in 1998. Joy went on to win three more Emmy Awards (1999 – 2001). After graduating from Notre Dame Academy, this native Staten Islander majored in music at Montclair State College. Today, Trapani lives in Montclair, N.J.

Julia Gardiner Tyler was the wife of President John Tyler. She came to Staten Island after her husband died (1862) to live with her mother in West Brighton (junction of Broadway and Clove Road) where she lived for 10 years. Her house, 27 Tyler Street, is a city landmark. After her death, the house was purchased by William M. Evarts, who was the Secretary of State for President Rutherford Hayes.

Amy Vanderbilt (author) lived at 164 Maine Avenue in Westerleigh and was the first cousin of Cornelius Vanderbilt. Ms. Vanderbilt attended PS 30 and Curtis High School before graduating from New York University’s School of Journalism. She began her writing career with the Staten Island Advance at the age of 16 and then as a social reporter. In 1952, she published the first edition of her “Complete Book of Etiquette.” Vanderbilt was a member of many Island organizations including membership on the board of trustees of the Richmondtown Restoration.

Katherine Walker In the winter of 1886, the Robbins Riff Light Keeper, John Walker developed pneumonia and died. His last reported words to his wife Katie were, "Mind the lights, Katie." She decided to stay on as keeper if the government permitted. However, objections were raised when she applied for the appointment, as she was only 4' 10" and 100 pounds. After several men turned the job down because the light was too isolated, Katie was hired. Time proved that she was as good at the job as any man, but her official appointment was not until June 6, 1895. Kate, assisted by her son Jacob, tended the light until her retirement in 1919 at the age of 73. She moved to Staten Island where she lived until 1931. The Coast Guard named a buoy tender in her memory, the USCGC Katherine Walker.