Brooklyn Noir


History of Flatbush, continued


Home of W. H. Green, Flatbush.
Home of W. H. Green, Flatbush.


Modern Changes And Improvements.


During the period immediately succeeding the termination of the revolutionary war, no very material events took place in Flatbush, except the building of the Academy, the Church and the Court House, all of which we have already noticed. But presently the attention of the inhabitants was directed to their side walks and front fences. The first fences in front of the farms, were formed of stone, surmounted with earth, on which were planted shoots of primrose. These were kept properly trimmed, and when in full growth were very handsome. Lining the village, almost entirely on both sides, they presented a very picturesque appearance. This was the case about seventy or eighty years ago, and had been so, for probably a century before. But from some cause, either the severity of the winter weather, or the ravages of an insect, these prims all died in one season. Some then took down the stone foot and substituted ordinary posts and rails. This however, had but an unsightly aspect. Picket fences were then resorted to. In front of two farms these had been put up previously to the war, viz: by Colonel Axtell and Mr. David Clarkson. One after another of the inhabitants substituted these in the place of the old stone fence, or the posts and rails which had been used. And now there is one continued picket or panel fence on both sides of the village from one end to the other. The last link in this chain was completed some four or five years ago.

Locust trees were formerly planted on the side walks of the village. Some of these, perhaps seventy-five or one hundred years of age, were standing not many years since. The last of them stood in front of the premises occupied by Dr. Vanderveer, and Mr. John C. Bergen, and were removed when these gentlemen regulated and formed their side walks. Some few of the more modern of these locust trees are still standing before the property now in the possession of the widow Gertrude Stryker, on the walk of Matthew Clarkson, Esq. and in front of the house belonging to the heirs of Cornelius Antonides. As these trees decayed, which occurred between thirty and forty years ago, they were succeeded by the Lombardy poplar. Quite a spirit existed in the place in favor of this tree. They were planted in great numbers, on either side of the road, and when they had attained their full growth, they presented certainly a very beautiful appearance. It was at this time, about the year 1815, that the author first knew the village. These trees, on either side, gave it the aspect of a spacious avenue, or a beautiful vista, indicative of the comfort, peace and prosperity which generally reigned within the village. It was soon found, however, that these trees were infested with a loathsome worm, that they gave but little shade, and were not durable. The proprietors generally, removed them, and none are now left standing, except in front of the dwelling of L. L. Van Kleeck, Esq. Since planted locust trees again in the place of these poplars. But these were found to be attacked with worms, and not to grow with rapidity, or beauty. Since this a great variety of ornamental forest trees have been set out, which we need not enumerate. In this con-



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