The New York herald., 1872-12-28
SLEIGHING IN BROOKLYN.
Life ON the Snov-Clad Streets and Roads
Past and Present.


Past and Present.
tsNOw for itu' was the expression which arose
to many youthful lips, as bright faces gazed out
from snug apartments in the houses Of the well-tO
do people OF Brooklyn upon the snowy hillocks
which spread out far as the vision could range yes
terday morning; "Now for Jolly good, old-fash-
ioned sleigh ride and perhaps hall dozen jaunts
ever the neecy carpet, before o change in the
humor of the Clerk OF the Weather disspates
the pleasing prospect" Such expressions were
uttered by many, and such fond hopes were
entertained upon taking observations yesterday
from the breakfast room window. Even then Old
Mother Goose was picking her "New YEARS. poul-
tryu as the white flakes were falling rapidly in
tiny particles, which certainly appeared to give
color to the anticipation OF pr0tracted sOourn OF
the Winter covering upon our streets, roads and
byways. The grocer, butcher and baker were first
to make their appearance upon the streets son
runners" and the merry jnglng of their bells
only tended oil the more to excite desire on the
part Of the customers of the tradespeople to emu
late that system Of rapid transit. But difficulties
were apparent even to the enthusiastic lover of
sleighing. 1t was observed that
THE WORKING sLEIGHS
Of the storekeepers were compelled to remain in
the middle Of the street whenever they halted to
leave their supplies, and that great snow banks
which bordered the sidewalks would not admit OF
the sleighs being brought near the curb. This was
certainly
DRAWBACK.
It was serious obstacle to the llttle tender feet
OF the fair ones who did $50 long for sleigh ride"
How were they to reach the sleigh With those
who could make the requisite arrangements Tor q
drive the runners this trivial difficulty was soon
obviated. Have passage cut through
THE ARCTIC BANK.
This could be done. The labor was not so great.
There were poor laborng men standing upon
every corner with shovels ready, waiting ior just
such work. Muscular arms were soon brought
into requisti0n, and the brightly polished shovel
deepest snow bank and clearing broad way
through which the fair ones could pass to the
sleigh. Money thus expended was laid out in
CHARITABLE MANNER;
it helped to alleviate the wants OF fellow creatures
wno too could enjoy the delights OF the snow clad
road had they the means, but to whom the stipend
afforded In this way was far more acceptable as 1t
relieved an absolute necessity. BE that as 1t may,
one thing is certain, by ten O'Clock there were
MANY PRETTY sLEIGHs IN MOTION
upon all sides. There were many bright eyes glls-
tening all the brighter tor theexhilaration OF the
motion. Roses glowed to deeper vermillion upon
the lar cheeks OF the warmly muffled, buffalo
wrapped occupants OF the handsome wheeless
conveyances. The music Of happy, CHEEKY voices
resounded upon every side and It's
CHARM WAS CONTAGIOUS.
Even the p0dding pedestrian could not fall to
ence. There were difficulties, Notwithstanding,
attendant upon locomotion yesterday. The roads
were not vet broken and
THE PIONEER PLEAsURIsTs
suffered the inconveniences consequent thereon.
The movement was lar from rapid, except when
the drive was along the Car tracks on the beaten
course Of the plough then more rapid and agree
able rate OF progress was attanable II happened
naturally, therefore, that seighlng parties turned
their horses heads along the Car routes. There
were many sieighs along Court street, tulton av-
enue, Fatbush, Myrtle, Greene. Gates, Third, Fifth
Fulton to Third place, hundreds OF parties found
their way-this course having long been =
favorite route with Brookynites. Some there were
who pushed out along Thlrd street with the hope
OF reaching Prospect Park. but these enterprising
adventurers did hot long continue to pursue the
yEGygs ans5i 5hSSs sg aEH snow q
circumferenced Ito borrow phrase from Dan
Bryant. They turned back the routes whence they
had gone haye epGa aSs he e ae
settles and becomes more compact there wilI Be
sp,a Ss uoSS SS'S ihs "y ssna ss ea s a
direction most popular WIN 81 Fulton avenue,
Flatbush svenne, Union street., Third street tQ
avenue, thence to the Coney Island road. About
the terminus OF this route with the general public
is mort Tunisons-tnat Is the halfway house
to the island. Here all sportsmen halt for lew
moments. John Buckley's, a short distance from
the Park turning s also general stopping m place:
Park Association Ia their own
COOL AND AIRY
club house. Here 1t Is customary to repair In
seighing times during fine evening, and enjoy
warm meal and q dance. This programme will be
repeated this season unless the signs OF the times
augur wrong.
OF THE PAST.
Years ago 1t was customary for sleighing parties
to drive out TO John i. Snedikcrs, to the Eight
Mile House, near the Union race course, over the
old Jamaica plankroad. There they would alight,
Partake Of Sano jolly good supper ,II and
fun band OF music, procured by the host Of the inn
But the construction OF the Coney Island road In
iater years diverted patronage from the Jamaica
route, The .pocunlary Winter harvests OF John
l." fell of He sold out, and the scene OF jolity OF
former days, like the harp of Tara. has fed the
han OF the Inn. The apartment Is now used as
.dormitory for small boys"-the truants OF
Kings county, VINO promise to be 1T Tor
nothing but congressman when they snail have at
talned the years which qualify them for holding
Office. The Eight-Mile House Is now the County
1ruant Home SO much for the past and present.
The future Is promising. The roads OF Brooklyn
are level and numerous, and with the present
heavy covering OF snow there can be no doubt but
that the lovers OF seighing will have ample oppor-
tuhity TO indnjge their taste for that right roy vi
bDt IA