Hidden beneath layers of modern pavement, a rare piece of Paris history has resurfaced: a wooden cobblestone road, possibly laid before the city’s 1916 fire, discovered on 1st Street SE.
“Surprises like this are fun to find and worth preservation,” said Cheri Bedford, City of Paris Historic Preservation Officer. “It adds to the story of historic downtown and contributes to the authentic charm. I hadn’t given any thought to wooden street before this project, but seeing this piece of Paris history is exciting.”
The project, to rebuild 1st Street SE and the sidewalks between Lamar Avenue and Clarksville Street, is part of a $500,000 grant awarded from the Texas Community Development Block Grant Downtown Revitalization/Main Street Program.
“This project will enhance accessibility and improve the area’s usability as both a street and event location,” said Bedford.
As construction began on upgrading the infrastructure and replacing sewer lines, ahead of the major street renovation, the historic wooden cobblestone roadway was discovered.
“An internet search shows wooden cobblestone roads date back to the 1400s popular in the 1800s, but for valid reason such as rot and swelling, they were replaced with more substantial material. But I think it is cool to imagine what it was like when people walked on, drove a buggy or biked on them over 100 plus years ago.”
While the date of when the wooden cobblestone road was laid in downtown paris, Bedford said it is possible that it was laid in the late 1800s and pre-fire of 1916.
“It was covered up by 4-6 inches of concrete and asphalt. There is some sand in-between the cobbles and surface is also black, which could be from the fire. Historic photos of the plaza do not reveal there were wooden cobbles, but brick and what looks like a concrete substance. However, this being a side street, it could be that this was wood due to the cost of bricks at the time.”
While it was thought that wood would be under the street, it wasn’t known exactly how much would be present or how far it was installed.
However, as crews continue working down the street, it appears that the whole street is wooden cobblestones.
“We are doing photo documentation and recording information as construction continues, measuring how deep they are, what was the surface on top and underneath, etc. Plans are coming together to preserve wooden cobblestones and write an interpretive story.”
