Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1882-01-06
FIFTY YEARS AGO No, .,
by SCRIBE.
coNcEnNING STREETS,

CONCERNING STREETS.
Let us image that we are approaching
modern home. No large stretch of imag-
ination will be needed, for we nre all ia
miliar with dwellings of modern times.
We will suppose, also that We are in city
OF considerable size. believe such places
had streets fifty years ago. The origin Of
streets was, probably a foot-path, whether
Travelled by beast or man. Even in Il state
Of nature such paths are used. This is
proved by not only Indian trails, but run
ways OF deer. i am reminded OF the fel-
lows road, which he traced back into
cow-path, that begun in a squirrel track,
which ran up n tree. l doubt not, also,
that streets, which are but improved roads
when narrow, they are hut alleys or
lanes--were graded and, IN some manner,
paved, half score years ago. Sewers were
also, very likely in use as long ago as then.
They save much grading, even on hilly
ground. Without them, low places must
be filed, to do which high places must be
cut down. In some cities the sewer system
is ignored, to great extent, and property,
consequently 80 heavily taxed to pay for
the needed heavy grading, tlnt owners, for
a time, at least, abandon their lots.
In the manner Of grading there has prob.
ably been no great change. The shovel,
plow, scraper, heelbarrow and wagon
were alike used fifty years ago. But steam
rollers, for rendering fil.ed-in earth more
nearly solid, are an invention OF modern
times. The hand and horse rollers doubt.
less inspired the thought. But, in paving
the changes have been not few. Perhaps
the turnpike was the first step, with its ter
terribly jolting and racking log way across
swamps. This was the first idea OF bridge
1t il precautionary termed corduroy, TIL,
Anglicised expression from the French, ,fo
bridge of the king" A monarch mus
be poverty-struck, to be honored in thi,
wise! II was doubtless very perplexinl
question how to secure firm road.bed il
all seasons Of the year. Ashes cinders coal
brick-bats, plank, wooden blocks, tan.barl
and pounded stone, have in turn, beel
used, and perhaps, other materials besides
With the exception of three of the aboy
mentioned things, viz: plank, woode
blocks and broken stone, they ignomini
ously failed though have seen patclie
OF roads and streets quite passubly pave,
| u a n ~ nIA al Aus.l -
with sand and gravel, is somewhat in ust
Perhaps it has not been sufficiently tried
but objections are already made; prom
inent one being, that il ia hard on horsei
feet. 1t has no elasticity; and a. surfac
devoid OF that Travelled on, causes stiffness
lameness and more or less permanent dis
ease OF the feet and joints.
Finally, a Mr.. McAdam invented Il,
broken stone dressing Of roads. They ar
objectionable because their uneven surfac
gives Insecure footing, particularly whe
covered with ice. Medina stones came b
be employed, ana that sort Of pavement
well laid and properly dressed with SAM
or fine gravel, il undoubtedly the most dun
able and The beat. Ii l,as one objectionu
BILE feature and that IL its Cost yet il
greater durability makes il cheaper in III
end. Because Of It's coslliness, wood
sometimes preferred. The frat woode
pavement wns probably Of plank /; and
w.;l-niade plank road IL, even now, nboli
,is good M the hest. blocks Of wood, pin
or cedar,are used. The former is the Mich
Olson, smooth and easy when first laid, bu
at the hest short lived. The sap in tn
green blocks, s0urs. ea,s the wood. soon de
slrOying the bind or arch. and the result |
the worSt sort Of collapse. Cedar IL ol
shorter trial but fear that IL will be see
TO go the same way. Dry blocks cannot b
used, as, when wei. they would swell an,
heave. II the zap coIlld In some way b
expelled, and the pores filled with car
bolic substance. aay with tar, the chief dill
fienlty would likely be overcome.
In the next articles, | will say more OF
this subject, and also take mp The snbjec
Dl Walks and Lawns.