At one time there were 24 busy train platforms at this magnificent building. From 7 am - 5 pm it was alive with ferries bringing in people and goods from Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Ellis Island.

The huge Iron Horses snorted clouds of billowing coal-black and snow-white steam from their flaming boilers, their shrill whistles and clanging brass bells competing against the sounds of train men, dockworkers, ferry boat horns and excited laughter and boisterous conversation in languages from all over the world.

It must have been a wondrous sight. All is quiet now, but if you listen beyond the silence you can still walk in the spirit of those glorious moments.