Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1911-12-30
WOODSTOCK NEWS
Some of Woodstock's Streets.

y N-T~~N~%e ~ 49, N'C~Ss
There is perhaps some difference
Of opinion as to the route by which
the first travellers came into what is
now the village of Woodstock.
An old road, the signs of which
are still plainly visible, came over
Bailey's hill and down through what
is now the Country club property
and into the village near High street.
This was abandoned as a highway
many years ago. The first road
which developed into avillage street
came down Hartland Hill somewhat
to the north of the present highway
and came into the village by the line
of the railway. This road followed
the high bank of the river to ABOUT
the site of the middle bridge; then
went close to ,the river for short
distance before striking across the
fat and up ChuHch Hill to the south.
In about 1890 the road changed its
direction, leaving the bank of the
river at Tribou Park and crossed the
village to the Park or Common, as it
was then called, and so on until it
joined the original road which had
followed the river bank. This road
was laid out as Central street in
1900 by the Windsor and Woodstock
Turnpike company.
Elm street was laid out and opened
as private enterprise in 1897. The
continuation of Elm streettwas the
Royalton and Woodstock turnpike,
which was chartered in 1900 and
caused much trouble and dispute for
anumber Of years. 1t was established
as highway in l842. Church street.
the highway from the Park to the,
Factory bridge. was fret opened in
1912, but NO buildings were erected
on the street until 1923. ~
For a'nUmbert of years after the
settlement of the town there were no
bridnes over the Ottauquechee river,
but at or near the site of the Middle
bridge was fordway. From here
the highway, which is now the upper
part of River street, followed up the
bank iof tho river to the present mill,
and then over the hill, to the west
part ofithe town. 1t was not until
some time later that the river road
was laid out. ~
Among the early inhabitants of the
town was some one with strong
sporting; instincts, for before River
street, was occupied as a residence
sectionj the lower part was used as
race course. 1t was straight speed
way Of eighty rods in length with
tracks for two horses and between
the tracks q broad path for foot
travellers. This track was laid out
and built by some unknown person
and was in use for a number of years.
After the race track was given up
there wss little attempt to build up
River street until about 1896.
Mop Attain Avenue, next beyond
River street, was laid out in l85I-52.
Pr jvious to 1925. the year in
whic h it was laid out by the select
msDA High street was bride path
or',pSut road. Agate at the begin-
nbhg of the street gave entrance to
tbb b pasture. which occupied all OF
tie side hill. This gate was gradu-
ally moved back as houses were
built and finally was taken away
altogether.
Gross street, which Joins High
and South streetS was opened in
1861.
Linden street was laid out and
built in 1868.
1t will be remembered that the
original. road in to the village turned
at about the site of the brick church
and followed the present course OF
Central street. I In 1907 Pleasant
street, was opene,i. connecting Elm
street with the original road In ISl !
the street was Strengthened, from the
point where il ,met Central Rtrest 70
the foot of Harf hand Hill.
In 1871 it W ms voted at the March
meeting that there be . pent road
from John ESoisington's to John
Strong's mill. "s The road, as laid ouf,
started at the ODoss roads near the