It
is the victim of one of the greatest misnomers of street paving.
It is cobblestone, true cobblestone that is. Today, much of what
is referred to as "cobblestone" is in fact Belgian Block. So just
what is cobblestone, and where can it be found, if anywhere?
Dating to the early days of the city, Cobblestone
in it's proper sense consists of roughly hewn stones varying from 3 to
8 inches long placed in an irregular arrangement in a soft base, usually
sand. The reason for the coarse surface was to maximize traction
for both the horses hooves and the smooth wooden wheels that plied them
in early days. Later, the introduction of rubber tires (as well the
the new lack of horse droppings cluttering the roads) put the tractive
effort into the wheels themselves, thus leading to the desire for smoother
surfaces, spelling the end for construction of new streets using the rough
surface.
Cobblestones did persist for many years
however. As late as 1948, over 8 miles of Cobblestone streets remained,
the majority in South Baltimore. By 1962, this had been reduced to
2 miles, confined mostly to small alleys on the South side. Today,
close inspection of the Federal Hill area seems to indicate that ALMOST every
one of these passages has since been repaved, mostly in bland, monotonous
concrete. Only one known example remains.
In a couple of other local
areas, wear has exposed a couple of nice patches of cobblestone, while
a generally forgotten street East of Downtown retains a segment of
cobblestone paving. Here then is a look at what persists...
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This is Seldner Place, panning
East from Race Street just about West Street in the remnants of Sharp-Leadenhall.
This old street is one of the very few surviving examples of true cobblestone
in the city, and is likely the best remaining example.
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Not only does Seldner Place
carry a brick endpaving at its mouth, but also a broadstone gutter in its
center. One must certainly wonder what this paving job dates to,
as it's likely over 100 years old!
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If only you look hard
enough, you may just find!!! It was on a routine deadheading operation
on the MTA bus that I encountered this relic, Buren Street, near the City
Jail below Madison reveals 100% USDA approved COBBLESTONES!!! Worn
and clanky, but still a sight for ghost-hunting-sore eyes!
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A
look at the Buren Street surface shows at least some attempt to cover
it using asphalt, at least in the vicinity of the utility cover.
The street as it exists today is little more than parking for employees
of the Correctional facilities.
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At first quick glance Westward from Pulaski Street as it runs aside a
fence to the property of the Northest Corridor Tracks, this lonely dead
end remnant of West Lanvale Street just looks to be a stone fill.
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But Low and behold, on second look, it turns out this lonely spur is paved in none other than original cobblestone.
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Goldsmith Alley, a tiny alley between Lombard Street and Frederick
Avenue near Payson Street had been given a layer of asphalt, but has
worn down in recent times to reveal the cobblestone paving.
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Another look at the patch of cobblestones exposed on this small alley.
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The steep grade of Lafayette Avenue from Maryland Avenue to Falls Road
shows its original covering through this pothole, which clearly shows
cobblestone beneath.
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The cobblestone gutters of Lafayette Avenue still exist, offering a sharp clue as to the street's original appearance.
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An unusual find located is this patch surviving at an alley entrance
from Summit Avenue between St. Johns Road and Colorado Avenue in Tuxedo
Park.
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