Does anyone remember the boat rides that
took off from the dock at the end of Brill Street? On certain Saturdays
during the summer, excursion steamers would pull up to that dock.
Mother would lead her brood along the dock, up the gangplank to
board the vessel. Few if any Fathers went on these rides, as in
those days we had no forty hour week, they were all working. When
the boarding began a band would start to play the well known songs
of the day. Music continued throughout the voyage.
We sailed down the river into Newark Bay, then thru the Kill Van
Kull to the upper bay. We then transited the narrows to the lower
Hudson Bay. Then a landing was made at either Coney Island or Rockaway
Beach. We spent all day on the beach or riding the many amusement
park attractions. At the end of the day we all returned to the boat.
Sailing on a reverse course to that dock at the foot of Brill Street.
All left the boat tired, but very grateful to the people that
sponsored the ride. I'm not really sure what political party was
responsible, Democrat or Republican, politics was not very important
at that stage in our lives. We all enjoyed the outings regardless
of political affiliation.
|
