NEW PLANK ROAD.--The Long Islanders are getting their eyes open in reference to the value of plank roads. Not long since the one from Brooklyn to Coney Island was completed, and we now hear of another company formed for the construction of a plank road from 4th avenue, at the new entrance of the Greenwood Cemetery, in a direct line to Bath. This will greatly shorten the route to that beautiful watering place, and incalculably increase the value of the land through which it runs. This road will probably in a few months be extended from Bath to Coney Island and will become the favorite route of those frequenting these watering places.
--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Wednesday, March 17, 1852
A New York Times editorial (?) from June 19, 1852 explains the wonders of plank roads in allowing people to travel without their carriage wheels sinking into the mud, etc. Amazing that less than 100 years later paved roads would traverse the whole country.
The New York Times also reported that "Monday" (April 5, 1852) the tide rose level with the road on the Coney Island Plank Road near 3rd avenue and 9th street.
--The New York Times, April 8, 1852
No comments:
Post a Comment