Elevator Alley

A photo documentation and critical analysis of the Childs Street grain elevators in Buffalo's First Ward, Elevator Alley tackles the history, present and future of the giant structures that played a central role in Buffalo's industrial development and subsequent decline. Author Michael Cook begins with first-hand observations of the elevators and builds from there, drawing from historical research, press accounts, engineering documents and interviews with elevator employees and nearby residents. Although brief, Elevator Alley is vast in scope, addressing topics as varied as the development of the Erie Canal, the fight between elevator preservationists and those advocating demolition, the blizzard of 1977, and the fate of Buffalo in the 21st Century. The photographic contributions of Andrew Emond beautifully illustrate the collection of elevators from inside and out, taking in the context of the First Ward in the process.