Sidewalks go back one century

Friday, February 3, 2012

Submitted photo
This postcard of Main St. looking south was taken from in front of the Village Store, circa 1910-1920. "More to the point would be the quite inviting sidewalks, sheltered by the graceful Elm trees (replanting of which is yet another endeavor which Tad Putney has been instrumental," said Mark Fenske.

Enlarge

Submitted photo
This postcard of Main St. looking south was taken from in front of the Village Store, circa 1910-1920. "More to the point would be the quite inviting sidewalks, sheltered by the graceful Elm trees (replanting of which is yet another endeavor which Tad Putney has been instrumental," said Mark Fenske.

Enlarge

Submitted photo
This postcard of Main St. looking south was taken from in front of the Village Store, circa 1910-1920. "More to the point would be the quite inviting sidewalks, sheltered by the graceful Elm trees (replanting of which is yet another endeavor which Tad Putney has been instrumental," said Mark Fenske.

Enlarge

To the Editor:

As just a point of information, I agree with most of the editorial named “Sidewalks are a big deal” – and have been a big fan of Tad Putney’s community endeavors for some time.

While I get the dramatization point of “we have done without sidewalks for centuries” – unfortunately, this is not quite true.

Most of the “village” had sidewalks as far back as about one century ago.

“Main Street” touted sidewalks on both sides of the street – and many “shadows” of their former existence can still be seen up Milford Street, down to even South Main Street almost to Fessenden Mill.

The shadows, some random granite edging and old macadam, still lie in front of my and neighbors houses along the west side (southbound lane) of Main Street.

Details to their extent and layout are mentioned in Parker’s “History of Brookline.”

Guess the point is that even 100-plus years ago, taking a walk, commuting for errands and the like was indeed important.

Guess somewhere we forgot, but hopefully have remembered again, especially thanks to Mr. Putney.

MARK A. FENSKE

Brookline