Ralph H. Hoist Triangle

Ralph H. Hoist Triangle honors a diligent community steward. Ralph H. Hoist (1922-1990) was born in Philadelphia and attended schools in Pennsylvania and New York. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School in New York City and served three years in the military during World War II. Following his discharge, Hoist worked as a bus driver for the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

A pioneer in the struggle to prevent drug abuse in the early 1950s, Hoist helped create the Harlem Neighbors’ Association, now known as the Ralph Rangel Houses Association, a grassroots organization focused on drug issues. He founded Boy Scout Troop 185, and coached two baseball teams: the Pioneers, a Little League team, and a Pony League team called Boys of Yesteryear. In 1960, Hoist took an all-star team of Pony League players to Puerto Rico and returned with the championship trophy.

When he moved to the northeast Bronx in January 1970, Hoist organized the 214th Street Block Association, now known as the United Homeowners and Tenants Association, serving as president of the group from 1970 to 1973, and he remained involved throughout his life. Following his retirement, Hoist was once again elected president, and held office until September 1990. That year, the association presented him with a special award for outstanding service to the community.

He was a member of the choir at Trinity Episcopal Church of Morrisania, and held the office of PTA president at P.S. 78 from September 1989 until his death, on October 17, 1990. Among Hoist’s many accomplishments, perhaps his most lasting is the example of a life lived earnestly in the attempt to develop a sense of togetherness within his community.

The triangle is bounded by Hicks Street, Wilson Avenue, East 215th Street, and Boston Road. As part of the Greenstreets initiative, Ralph H. Hoist Triangle received $20,000 in funds for development. Greenstreets is a joint effort of the Department of Transportation and Parks, whose goal is the conversion of unused paved areas into green spaces. Hoist Triangle contains a variety of plantings, including Burkwood viburnum, Oriental arborvitae, Betty Prior roses, boxwood, kwanzan cherry, cotoneaster, yellow twig dogwood, inkberry, honey locust, sargent cherry, viburnum, bayberry, witch hazel, and winterberry.