There were no paved streets in Detroit and scarcely any sidewalks north of Jefferson avenue. There were no public conveyances, and I do not think there was a two-horse private carriage in the whole city except one owned by Ben Woodworth (circa 1827). The universal means of getting around was by that most handy vehicle the two-wheeled French cart; indeed none other would have been practicable, when mud prevailed, which it most always did, and to the fullest extent, particularly when wet weather set in.
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| Churches shown on the 1835 Map of Detroit (LOC) |
It was quite a sight, when the streets were in bad condition to see the long line of carts backed up in front of the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches on Woodward avenue, between Larned and Congress streets, waiting on their owners. I know all about these carts, having when a boy driven them, off an on for years, until the necessity for them ceased to exist. (Source)
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