Happier time via Plank Road

After yesterday's accident, I figured I should share a happier excursion over the Plank Road.

THE DEMOCRATIC BANNER ALOFT.--The Granite Club of Brooklyn, accompanied by deputations from other parts of the city, proceeded to Sheep's Head Bay yesterday afternoon to erect a hickory pole as a symbol of the elevation of democratic principles in November. The great stage of Husted and Kendall's line, with ten omnibuses of the same line, all started in procession from the City Hall at 2 o'clock P. M., with a heavy freight of democracy--each being crowded. Granger's band had been engaged for the occasion, and struck up some of the most popular music as the cortege proceed over the Coney Island plank road to Sheep's Head Bay. On arriving at the Bay, the 8th ward had taken possession of the ground and planted their banner with the following inscription : "8th ward Pierce and King Association of Brooklyn--when united, always victorious." A hickory pole measuring ninety-six feet in length was elevated, and the democratic flag attached to the summit.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Tuesday, September 14, 1852

Accident on Coney Island Plank Road

Ow!

ACCIDENT.--Mr. John Murphy, residing on Van Brunt, near Commerce street, was out carriage riding with a friend on the Coney Island Plank Road, on Wednesday last, when the wagon came in contact with an ice cart, and Mr. Murphy was thrown out and the wheel of one of the vehicles passed over his foot crushing it dreadfully.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Friday, September 10, 1852

From Coney Island to San Francisco

SCOTT IN NEW YORK.--The Herald in speaking of the election campaign, says:--

Beginning with the ratification meeting at the Broadway House, every attempt to get up a successful gathering for Gen. Scott has been a most signal failure…And the same heavy incubus of indifference to the military glory of General Scott, appears to extend over the whole country, from the St. Lawrence to the Rio Grande, and from Coney Island to San Francisco.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Thursday, September 9, 1852

It appears the Scott to whom they refer is Winfield Scott, presidential candidate in 1852.

There was another article that day that mentioned Coney Island, perhaps a reader letter to the editor, but I couldn't really follow it.

Coney Island for Charity

More sarcasm from the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. They don't seem to be pleased that government officials would visit Coney Island on the public dime.

INVITATIONS NOT ACCEPTED.--We received a few days ago the following invitation, dated at Kings Co. Almshouse, Flatbush, Sept. 1852 :

"You are invited to visit the Kings Co. Almshouse, Hospital and nursery buildings at Flatbush, on Wednesday, Sept. 8th, 1 o'clock, P.M.
By order of the Superintendent.

We have received repeated invitations to visit these buildings on similar occasions, but as the invitations always omitted one particular item--to wit, by what conveyance we were to arrive at our destination--we always declined taking any notice of them. We have no desire to walk out to Flatbush such weather, and were we to go carriage riding at our own expense we should hardly think of visiting Flatbush while Coney Island, Sheep's Head Bay, and similar scenes are spread around (illegible) on every side. The Supervisors go out to day to view the charitable institutions above named, and eat a good dinner, with all the et ceteras, at the public expense, which will, no doubt, fill their minds with wisdom, and their hearts with christian charity and benevolence, while it will also supply the vacancies of the stomach with good and nutricious matter. Spinola is to say grace, and that big clownish looking chap from Willismaburgh give the "Amen." The proceedings, we have no doubt, will be highly interesting, and the poor inmates of the Almhouse as well as the county generally will be largely benefitted thereby.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Wednesday, September 8, 1852

Storm Damages Coney Island Plank Road - 1852

DAMAGE BY THE STORM.--Some property in Brooklyn sustained considerable injury in consequence of the excessive rain of Saturday, but in all cases the damage was less than had been expected. A block of three story wooden buildings at Gowanus, in course of erection, and owned by Mr. Parker of Washington Market, N. Y., were blown down. A block of unfinished brick houses, belonging to Mr. Warren Beaman, were partially blown down and greatly damaged in other respects. Another building belonging to Mr. B., at Gowanus, was completely levelled. His loss altogether will amount to some thousands of dollars….The Coney Island plank road was slightly damaged. The injury sustained was very trifling and will be repaired today.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Monday, August 30, 1852

Pic Nic Stage at Coney Island

Johnson and Hudson s splendid Pic Nic stage, drawn by ten elegant horses, took a party of young people to Coney Island yesterday afternoon, and attracted much attention. This elegant stage is called the "Seventy-six," and will hold some 40 or 50 persons. It was built expressly for large parties, and is fitted up with every elegance and every convenience needful for this object. The party which went with it yesterday appeared to enjoy themselves as well in the stage as they did on the beach. These great omnibuses are great promoters of social life.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Friday, July 30, 1852

40 to 50 people…and they enjoyed it. Can you imagine?

(Unless the Brooklyn Daily Eagle staff took a kickback from Johnson and Hudson…)

Thief at Coney Island Point

At least, that's certainly implied…

BOLD ROBBERY OF A HORSE AND WAGON.--Yesterday, a gentleman named James Robinson, residing in New York, who owns a large amount of real estate at Flatbush, had proceeded to the latter place for the purpose of pointing out some trees to a carpenter to have felled. He left his horse and wagon, tied with the reins to a tree ; but on returning neither horse nor wagon were to be seen. He immediately set off in pursuit, accompanied by a Flatbush constable named Williamson, and found the lost property in the possession of an unknown individual at Coney Island Point. The thief was arrested and brought to this city, where he was examined before Justice King, John Brown, a resident of Plymouth street, Brooklyn, deposed that he had met the prisoner on the way to Coney Island Point, and asked him who owned the horse ? He answered at first that it was his own, and afterwards said he had hired it in New York. The defendant was committed in full for trial.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Thursday, July 29, 1852

Coney Island in July 1852

CONEY ISLAND.--We understand that this favorite watering place is overcrowded, and that several new public houses are in great demand. The Plank Road is now the favorite ride for the denizens of these two great cities, and the Coney Island beach being a favorite bathing place, attracts also a large number of summer boarders. Two public houses have been erected on the Plank Road just beyond Flatbush, and the old Ocean House, which was burned down a year or two ago, is rising, Phoenix like, from its ashes, younger and fresher than before. The post of Governor for Coney Island is not likely to diminish in dignity ; so that the successor of the famous Gil. Davis is sure to be some.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Monday, July 26, 1852

I assume they meant the Oceanic House, which burned in 1851.

Steamer to Coney Island - 1852

This ad repeats several times in July.

CONEY ISLAND AND FORT HAMILTON--Fare, 12 1/2 cents.

The new and splendid steamer MAY QUEEN, Captain C McNeill, will commence her regular trips for the season on FRIDAY, June 16th, leaving pier foot of Spring st, NR, at 9 1/2 A M. 12 1/2 and 3 1/2 P M. Leaves pier No. 3 NR, 10 A M, 1 and 4 P M. Returning, leaving the Island at 11 A M, 2 and 6 1/2 P M. Landing at Fort Hamilton each way, N.E.--No half-price for children.
je21 3m M

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Thursday, July 1, 1852

A real conspiracy with a visit to Coney Island

Coney Island references bolded.

COURTS

[Reported for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.]

CITY COURT--FRIDAY--Before - Judge Greenwood, and Ald. Green and Evans.
FRIDAY, June 25
THE CONSPIRACY CASE CONTINUED.
Catharine Combs, the alleged wife of the plaintiff, George A. Scherff, sworn.--Must be between 28 and 32 years of age ; can't tell exactly ; became acquainted with George A. Scherff 15 or 16 years ago in New York ; he asked me and my sister to his home ; we did not go at that time, but promised we would another time ; he visited me in Madison street, he said his object was to get a wife if she pleased him ; I visited him at his room with my sister ; he told me I must come sometime alone and I did ; when he got me at his room he threw me on a bed and tried to do violence to me, but he did not succeed at that time ; he told me he would never marry a woman unless he knew her before he married her ; he persuaded me to leave home and promised to marry me ; there was intercourse between us before I left home about two years after he first became acquainted with me ; he came to my home one Sunday afternoon and we went to Brooklyn ; he took me to his store where he had a bed----he told me he would marry me if anything occurred; my family tho't we were going to Coney Island ; another time he took me to a house in East Broadway ; I knew where we were going. He told me he wanted me to take a black powder before I went home again ; he thought I was enciente. I remained there three or four weeks. I took the powder he gave me. I met my father one day, he had found out where I was and persuaded me to return. I did not go. Scherpf then took me to Coney Island, where he kept me two weeks. One night my sister came there and I went home. Scherpf told me to tell my family I was married ; we passed there as man and wife ; we next lived for ten weeks in the house of a Mrs. Payne, New York. For several years we lived as man and wife, and several times I made a proposition to be marred (sic), but he said it did not matter…

They outline a bit more of Scherff/Scherpf's exploits and conclude by explaining:

She denied any criminal connexion with Erler or Scadezkey, and some other witnesses being examined to show that they had merely lived at her house as a boarder, the Court adjourned.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Monday, June 28, 1852

Couldn't find any more information on these folks on the Internet at large, but looking at other pages in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, it appears that Miss Combs, or Mrs. Scherff, was accused of adultery. Not sure what the conspiracy was, per se, but I don't know that things went very well for her.

City News & Gossip

Mrs. Scherpf, who attempted to commit suicide on Friday last by taking laudanum, continues in a precarious condition.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Tuesday, June 29, 1852

Vandalism on Coney Island - 1852

Must be one of the first acts of vandalism on Coney Island.

DEMOLITION.--Several persons have been arrested on a charge made against them by Stephen J. Voorhees of Gravesend, accusing them of pulling down a house belonging to said Stephen, situated on Coney Island. The motive of such a wicked act on the part of the accused has not been stated. The names of the accused parties are Aaron Brooks, Nicholas Brooks, Wm. Van Paten and Thomas Downs. The examination will take place before Justice King.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Saturday, June 26, 1852

Coney Island Editorial

I recently had a question on Facebook asking what Coney Island looked like in the 1850s. I don't think there were many pictures or even paintings of the place, but this editorial hints at just how rustic Coney Island must have been. Also, how much the Brooklyn Daily Eagle hates Whigs.

POSTSCRIPT.
SATURDAY, 2 o'clock, P.M.

MORE RATIFICATION.
FRESH SOUP FOR GENERAL SCOTT.

&c. &c. &c.

We have been put in possession of the proceedings of a mass ratification meeting, held last evening on the beach at Coney Island. The meeting had been called in pursuance of the following circular:--

"GRAND RALLY--All the inhabitants of the nasty deep are requested to meet this evening on Coney Island Beach, to ratify Gen. Scott and the whig ticket. Several distinguished oysters will address the meeting."

At the appointed hour one clam made its appearance.

Seeing no other present the clam proceeded to organize the meeting and addressed itself as follows, amid clam-orous applause. The speech is one of such true whig eloquence that we give it entire. The speaker said, Mr. Clam :

Flam vhpuiadn GLORY caestasid aecd SCOTT bhee othiaisi7 wnSne rsBlrbbusos rsisChu 7otg1, dmsiTukaCm, tmos-xoe oycoyl. Idbropoet wdsne LUNDY'S LANE eebhel wed ueSa ae Soa jaltie….

(And it goes on from that!)

During the delivery of this pathetic and highly eloquent speech, several lobsters and oysters had arrived. At the conclusion of the speech it was found that the clam had dissolved with the strength of his emotions, and it was resolved to serve him up as fresh soup for Gen. Scott, and present the shell to Col. Jack, to be hung around his neck as a clam medal, for his eloquent speech at the City Hotel on the same evening.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Saturday, June 26, 1852

To Coney Island - or not - 1852

TO CONEY ISLAND.--Montgomery Queen, Esq., Alderman of the 9th ward, and proprietor of the Fulton avenue and Bedford stage route, has extended an invitation to the Press of this city, to accept a ride in one of his new stages to Coney Island, this afternoon. An afternoon ride to the classic shores of Coney Island during the present weather, must be attended with very agreeable results. We shall have something to say about the jaunt to-morrow.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Wednesday, June 23, 1852

An Excursion.

Yesterday afternoon, a number of the Brooklyn Aldermen, ex-Aldermen and city officers, with some other-gentlement, proceeded to Jamaica in a new stage, got up for pic-nic purposes by its enterprising proprietor, Montgomvery Queen, Esq., in accordance with an invitation extended by that gentleman. The invitation specified Coney Island as the place of destination ; but owing to some delay in starting, the party changed the route to Jamaica….

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Thursday, June 24, 1852

Well, how boring! The stage was drawn by 16 horses and held at least 30 people (!).

Interestingly, another newspaper reported the group DID go to Coney Island. I think the Eagle was the correct source, particularly since the journey didn't start until 2 o'clock, which sounds like a delay to me! But this goes to show that not everything reported in the newspapers actually happened.

PLEASURE JAUNT.--A number of the members of the Common Council and others connected with the adminstration of city affairs, paid a visit to Coney Island yesterday, in compliance with an invitation from Alderman Queen. The party, consisting of several stage leads, started from the City Hall about 2 o'clock, and proceeding on their jaunt, enjoyed a very pleasant time. They returned to the city early in the evening, well pleased with the afternoon's proceedings.

--New-York Daily Tribune, Thursday, June 24, 1852

Clams v. Oysters! - 1852

Apparently people in 1852 were not above wanton reports of silliness.

POSTSCRIPT--Tremendous excitement--Later from Coney Island and WIlliamsburgh.--By arrival of the clam boat Mud-Gutter, from Coney Island, we have our usual files of exchanges from the Island. A tremendous insurrection had been discovered among the clams; the insurgents having resolved to rise in arms against the oysters while the oysters had fraternised with a colony of lobsters to put down the clams. Several of the insurgents had been arrested and executed, and "war to the knife," declared against the oysters…

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Tuesday, June 8, 1852

Body NOT identified at Coney Island - 1852

The New York Times mentioned another mystery male body found at Coney Island Point in their June 2 issue. Not only was his identity unknown, but so was his cause of death.

--The New York Times, June 2, 1852

The Brooklyn Eagle was a bit less timely, but had more details.

ANOTHER INQUEST AT CONEY ISLAND.--Coroner B. Donly was called on Thursday afternoon to hold an inquest on the body of an unknown man, that was found floating near Coney Island Point, by a colored man named Isberal Peterson. The body was very much mutilated, having been in the water it is supposed about five or six months. He was dressed in black pantaloons, checked shirt and coarse boots. The jury returned a verdict of "death from causes unknown," The body was taken to Flatbush for burial. Further information can be had by applying to Bernardus Donly, the coroner, at his store, in the village of Gravesend.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Friday, June 4, 1852

The New York Daily Tribune reported basically the same thing on June 5, 1852.

Body Identified at Coney Island Point - 1852

How sad. (The two stories directly below this were also about drowned people!)

IDENTIFIED.--The body found in the water at Coney Island Point, about a week since, and upon which an inquest was held, has been identified as that of John Flood by his wife. Deceased was formerly a workman in the lead pipe manufactory of Mr. Cornell, Water-st., New=York.

--New-York Daily Tribune, Monday, May 3, 1852

Storm at Coney - 1852

CITY ITEMS.
---
THE STORM of Wind and Rain which began on Saturday night last is still raging (9 P.M., Wednesday) with scarcely noticeable abatement. There have been a few brief intervals of calm, but for at least seven-eighths of the time rain has fallen incessantly. We are not quite discouraged, however, for we have a vivid recollection of similar weather last spring, when the sun was invisible for an entire week. But the damage done by the present storm, in this vicinity, has not been remarkable. The Sound steamers have been somewhat retarded. Many of the fishermen on Coney Island have lost their boat, nets and tackle, and the boats brought to the dock at that place to be used in raising a sunken schooner driven out to sea, with chains, screws, and other articles on board….

--New-York Daily Tribune, Thursday, April 22, 1852

The New York Times reports the Coney Island road was damaged by the storms.

--The New York Times, April 27, 1852

And speaking of plank roads - 1852

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

Property Sale on the way to Coney Island - 1852

Included for two reasons. First, these listings are probably almost half of what comes up if you look up "Coney Island" at the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Second, there's reference to how popular the Plank Road has become....though in fairness, I'm not certain that's an accurate assessment, given they're surely trying to get the best price for the property being auctioned...

JAMES COLE, AUCTIONEER.--EXECUTOR'S SALE OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE, in the cities of New York and Brooklyn, and Lewis County N. Y., late of John Tredwell, deceased.

The following property will be sold at public auction on THURSDAY, 25th day of March, 1852, at 12 o'clock, noon, by James Cole, Auctioneer, at the Merchant's Exchange, in the city of New York, under the direction of the executors….

25th. That large edifice now being erected on the Plank road leading from Brooklyn to Coney Island, with the land adjoining the same, comprising about two acres and 3 77-100 perches, bounded easterly in front 255 feet by the Plank road, northerly 410 feet by Johnson avenue, westerly 240 feet by a street to be laid out by the United Freeman's Land Association, and southerly 324 feet by a street to be opened, which separates the premises from land of the Hon. John A. Lott.

The property is part of the farm formerly of David Johnson, Esq., dec'd, and opposite the residence of Alonzo G. Hammond, Esq., dec'd, and opposite the residence of Alonzo G. Hammond, Esq.; it is about half way between the Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn, and Coney Island, and the plank road is fast becoming the most extensively used route for pleasure drives in that part of the Island. The buildings included for a hotel and boarding house are nearly completed, but will be sold in their unfinished state. The above Association contemplate an early improvement at their tract.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Thursday, March 11, 1852

St. Patrick's Society - 1852

As always, this is a historical quote; either this is a crazy parody, or a reflection of pretty strong anti-Catholic bias...

ST. PATRICK'S SOCIETY.--This society, celebrates the Anniversary of their patron Saint, on the 18th instead of the 17th, on which the anniversary occurs. The reason is not that there is to be a Sunday in the middle of next week, but because there happens to be a fast day in its midst. Wednesday on which the celebration ought to take place is a fast day, and so the St. Patrick's Society have shoved over the celebration till the next day. We must confess we don't much like this move. St. Patrick himself was a "rale (?) old Irish gintleman (sic)," who lived a life of self-chastisement, and mortification in subduing the ferocious instincts of the flesh, and bringing it under the dominion of the spirit. He did not pamper his appetites, but chased all the reptiles, toads, bed bugs and other varmint out of the green Isle, by the downright dint of prayer an (sic) fasting : he fasted himself to the bare bones, and prayed the lives out of them entirely. We can therefore see no propriety whatever in declining to celebrate his memory, because it cannot be done with roast beef and venison--things that, ten to one, the good saint never tasted in his life.

The society can have plenty of stewed eels and fried oysters, and any number of Coney Island clams; and if that don't satisfy them they are no better than ordinary christians (sic), and not fit to celebrate the memory of Saint Patrick. Suppose the festival had occurred in the week preceding Easter, when no flesh is to be eaten during the week: would the society have staved off the celebration for an entire week ?…--PADDY.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Monday, March 8, 1852