Des Moines surfaced streets with cedar blocks from 1882 to 1891. I didn't think cedar was that tough. It's not even a hardwood, ranking only 900 on the world-famous Janka Hardness Scale which goes all the way up to 3680. (Brazilian Walnut, Ipe (?) and Lapacho, which appear to be the same tree, own the 3680 rating). I guess you didn't have to worry about moths eating up your street. Brick arived in 1889. Is there anything prettier than a brick street? Practical, no. Beautiful, yes. Then the modern era hit town. In 1901 asphalt was applied to 21st St., and concrete slathered on 19th in 1907. But I surely do wish I could have seen the cedar-paved streets. Wonder if they smelled good.Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Des Moines Streets Paved with ... What?
Des Moines surfaced streets with cedar blocks from 1882 to 1891. I didn't think cedar was that tough. It's not even a hardwood, ranking only 900 on the world-famous Janka Hardness Scale which goes all the way up to 3680. (Brazilian Walnut, Ipe (?) and Lapacho, which appear to be the same tree, own the 3680 rating). I guess you didn't have to worry about moths eating up your street. Brick arived in 1889. Is there anything prettier than a brick street? Practical, no. Beautiful, yes. Then the modern era hit town. In 1901 asphalt was applied to 21st St., and concrete slathered on 19th in 1907. But I surely do wish I could have seen the cedar-paved streets. Wonder if they smelled good.
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Cool!
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