by Geoff Cobb 
Perhaps there is no person in the long history of Greenpoint who had a bigger effect on our area than Charles Pratt. Pratt’s legacy, though is a mixed one: a philanthropist, Pratt felt a duty to use his wealth to give back to the community, but he is also heavily responsible for the massive local pollution that is a result of his business in oil refining. One thing though is sure, more than…
2
Free to read, funded by readers. Join as a member and get a free gift.
Greenpointers has covered Greenpoint & Williamsburg since 2007 — community boards, rezoning fights, local businesses, and the people whose lives and work give the neighborhood its character. Local news is collapsing across the country, but we're still here: independently owned, no corporate backing, no paywall. 18+ years, 280k+ monthly readers and followers, funded by the community we serve.
Why your support matters
True about what you wrote Geoff but you have to remember everybody did the same thing back then, ie pollute the air and water even the common citizen, except he did it more due to his business.
Abraham Lincoln is considered by many to be the greatest leader in the modern era not only in the USA but throughout the world. Despite the fact he freed the slaves he was a technical racist.
I think Pratt was 80% great and 20% “bad”.
Nice article Geoff. I worked in the Pratt Library in the reference room while attending Pratt. A beautiful building. Loved going into the “stacks” which had glass floors and wrought iron stairs and elevator. So unique. Charles Pratt would be pleased with today’s campus – beautiful and peaceful.