The repaving of Amsterdam Avenue from 67th to 73rd street has wreaked havoc on double-decker buses, but it’s also uncovered something more quaint — actual cobblestones on 73rd and Amsterdam. The photo above was taken by Robert Tuchman.
Yes, cobblestones can be a pain to maintain, and to bike on. But they do have charm, don’t they? It’s nice to know they’re still down there.
I saw some cobblestone on Broadway the other day as well (before it was repaved). I also spotted what looked like remains of rail for cable cars. Were there cable cars on Broadway?
Broadway had trolley cars until around 1950. The catenary connection was in a slot in the road bed, unlike trolley cars in Brooklyn which had overhead wires.
There were Trolly Cars on Broadway which turned around
at Columbus Circle. They could be run from either end of
the car. they ran on tracks which are next to the median of
Broadway both north and south, which were just paved over
when the city switched to busses. As a child I never had more fun than riding on the Trolly.
As a child, I remember being fascinated by the open trolleys in Montreal, and very particularly, the straw seats.
Those seats had not entirely disappeared from subway cars when I started my first job in NYC.
Answered my own question – yes. https://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2010/07/cable-cars-trolleys-and-monorails.html
Fascinating to watch the trolley move through the streets of Brooklyn.
Thank you for this link!
When they completely ripped up and replaced Columbus Ave in the late 1990’s there were trolley tracks and “cobblestones” there too, which were removed. These stones are actually called “Belgian block” – cobblestones are something different – but everybody still calls them cobblestones anyway!
Back in the early 90’s, when they were installing new water mains along Columbus Avenue, they had no choice but to tear up the Avenue and remove steel foundation supports, which were used to support the elevated subway line that ran along Columbus & 9th avenue. They were abandoned upon the demolition of the El (circa 1940).
Monk use to hang out in front of the health food store on 98 and Broadway he moved to the 79th street area several years ago. He is a pathetic, mentally ill gentleman who needs real care not ridicule or abuse. His condition has clearly grown worse recently. It is a terrible commentary on our system that we allow such a needy person to be left on his own.
Ever notice how slowly cars drive on the cobblestone (Belgian block, whatever) streets in SoHo? Have you also ever noticed how fast cars drive on smoothly paved streets and highways? Want cars to drive more slowly and safely on city streets? Bring back cobblestones.
While some might be believe your comment to be ridiculous. You bring up a valid and good point. Most central American countries use such means for speed control. Very inexpensive and very effective!
Oh this is so lovely. I wish we could preserve the cobblestones in full view hazardous though they may be.
Thanks for the photo
How about: Those cobblestones were in use for over 120+ years – no re-paving, no pot holes, no traffic jams due to digging for repaving.
The positive side: low speed travel because the danger of skidding on slippery, wet, or icy streets. And the trolley cars managed very nicely to carry passengers when the city contained 8 million people – not the measly 7.5 million folk we now have.
Have we really progressed? What do YOU think?
Great idea but from a practical standpoint, those streets probably wouldn’t be plowed after a snow storm. The the WSR commentariat would complain their streets weren’t plowed and blame the rich people.
They’re pretty rough on the ankles too.
Now if Cobblestone has that kind of longevity??? …you know what I’m thinking….
Didn’t they pave Amsterdam like 8 years ago?
Science hasn’t come up with a material that can last longer?
I still see the Easter Island statues, the pyramids and the colleseum is still standing….and they’ve been weathered for 2000 years…
Gee I wonder what those are made of???
They had to rip it up because they’ve thrown so many quickie layers of asphalt over Amsterdam Avenue in the last ten year that the street is almost up to the curb level in some areas. Keep going like that and soon it would be higher than the sidewalk.