Papers and Proceedings of the Drake Memorial Celebration, May 29, 1915; Together with a Bibliography of the Writings of Dr. Joseph Rodman Drake

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1919. Excerpt: ... Bridge, about where the present Third Avenue Bridge stands, but one road lay before him, --Coles Road, now Third Avenue. If by this route the poet Drake was proceeding to Hunt's Point, he must have proceeded by this same road to where now, as in the old days, Westchester Avenue branches off to the right, then proceeded along that avenue to the old road which ran from West Farms to Hunt's Point, and then turning sharply back, taken that road to the Leggett home. Partly over this same route, either by stage-coach or upon steeds, the traveler to Boston went, when he did not avail himself of the somewhat more leisurely but perhaps more comfortable method, of water craft, which favoring breezes sent on and unfavorable winds retarded as they moved along the waters of Long Island Sound. The Motts had not yet come to Mott Haven; the Lorillards had not come to West Farms; the names of other families destined to become the foremost of the region, its leading citizens, and its benefactors, were as yet unknown. To him who in the love of Nature would hold communion with her various forms, old West Farms and Westchester. and indeed Morrisania and Kingsbridge must have presented alluring charms. The place was full of natural beauty undisturbed by the hand of man. From the time that saffron-hued morn appeared in the east until the azure robe of night spread over everything, every hour, indeed every minute, to the observant presented some new combination of beauty, --new lights, new shades never seen before and never to be seen again. And now how different the scene! Where then were quiet country roads, hoof deep with dust in summer, hub deep with mud in winter, few and far between, are the broad and regular streets of a great city. Where then in The middle watch of a summe...