Broad Channel (Images of America: New York)

Broad Channel is considered a small town in the big city. From its houses perched on stilts over the waters of Jamaica Bay to pairs of mute swans swimming across the waters of a popular beach of yesteryear, it is hard to believe Broad Channel lies within the boundaries of New York City. The only inhabited island in Jamaica Bay, it arose from the area known as Big Egg Marsh on navigational charts. It began as a fishermen's haven and grew into a summer vacation playground with fine hotels. During Prohibition, with bootleg liquor easily smuggled by boat, the isolated island became known as a rumrunner's paradise and became home to several speakeasies. Through vintage images, Broad Channel explores the area's boardwalks and unpaved roads to celebrate the community's rich history.