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Plank Roads
Plank roads made of lumber were being built in increasing numbers after the 1850's. These were a significant improvement over dirt roads that were muddy or impassable during certain times of the year. Plank roads were funded and built by organized companies that operated under charter. A company that had the charter for the plank road was allowed to charge tolls to users to cover maintenance costs and to provide a profitable return. Taxes were levied on the plank roads whenever the annual income exceeded 5% of the original cost of the road.
Solomon Weaver was an industrious resident of Branchport in the 1870's. He dealt in real estate, timber, and owned two mills in partnership with another businessman on the outlet. Mr. Weaver took control of, and markedly improved the plank road between Penn Yan and Branchport in May of 1873. The tollhouse was at the Penn Yan end and those arriving at Penn Yan would pay a toll. There were a number of people who lived on the plank road quite near Penn Yan. These people were not required to pay the full toll but were allowed to make a voluntary contribution. The region along the road that was eligible for a voluntary contribution extended to a watering trough along the way. Those that traveled farther were expected to pay the regular toll.
There were problems in managing the plank road that went beyond keeping the road repaired and in good shape. Honest patrons of the road complained that some people drove to Kinneys Corners or even to Branchport, and then went back to Penn Yan by a different route to avoid paying any toll whatsoever. Another complaint was that some people were driving too fast in a reckless manner and said that ladies driving alone met fast teams coming the other way and were in danger.
This state of affairs prompted Mr. Weaver to publicly publish new rules of the road:
"I hereby give notice that hereafter all persons wishing to avail themselves of this privilege (riding to the watering trough on a contribution basis) must call on the President of the road for tickets. All persons driving on Sunday must pay regular toll, excepting those who have the right by law to go through. The toll gatherer has been taken advantage of, and I have proof that several persons have gone beyond the limits. If such persons do not call and settle their dues I will send the yellow horse after them." S.D. Weaver
by Don Quant
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