Rockaway LI NY 1861 Samuel / Benj Abrams Combs Promissory Note w/ Payment Notes

Description

Rockaway LI NY 1861 Samuel / Benj Abrams Combs Promissory Note w/ Payment Notes. In the 1830s, Rockaway was a remote and lightly inhabited area, characterized by sand dunes, salt marshes, and scattered fishing and farming families. No major issues to note. Overall, in good condition. No major issues to note. Attractively and boldly written payment notes on the reverse. Overall, in good condition. You will receive the exact sheet shown in the photos - please have a good look at the photos to access condition. It measures approx. 4 3/4" x 7" A best-effort 📜 Transcription: Front (Note): Rockaway May 18th 1861 On Demand I promise to pay Samuel Combs or order the sum of one Hundred Dollars with Interest at six per cent for value received Benj Abrams Reverse (Endorsements / Interest Record): Interest paid on this note 1863 Interest paid on this note 1864 Interest paid on this note 1865 Interest paid on this note 1866 Interest paid on this note 1867 Interest paid on this note 1868 Interest paid on this note 1869 Interest paid on this note 1870 Interest paid on this note 1871 Interest paid on this note 1872 Interest paid on this note 1873 Interest paid on this note 1874 Interest paid on this note 1875 Interest paid on this note 1876 Interest paid on this note 1877 Interest paid on this note 1878 Interest paid on this note 1879 🧾 Notes & Interpretation Date: May 18, 1861 Location: Rockaway Maker (Borrower): Benjamin Abrams Payee (Lender): Samuel Combs Amount: $100 Terms: Payable on demand, with 6% annual interest The reverse is particularly strong: Shows continuous annual interest payments from 1863 through 1879 That’s 16+ years of servicing the debt Indicates the principal likely remained unpaid for a long period, with only interest being kept current 📌 Summary This is a classic Civil War-era promissory note for $100, bearing steady long-term interest payments over nearly two decades. The extended run of annual endorsements makes this a particularly nice example of how small private debts were maintained over time—essentially functioning as a long-term personal loan with interest-only servicing. ================================================================ In the 1830s, Rockaway was a remote and lightly inhabited area, characterized by sand dunes, salt marshes, and scattered fishing and farming families. Small communities such as Far Rockaway existed, but access from New York City and Brooklyn was difficult, typically requiring a combination of boat travel and rough wagon roads. The local economy centered on fishing, shellfishing, and limited agriculture. 1850s: Early resort development begins By the 1850s, Rockaway’s long ocean beach began attracting attention as a summer retreat. Entrepreneurs recognized its potential as a seaside resort and began establishing modest boarding houses and hotels. Wealthier New Yorkers started visiting during the summer months, drawn by ocean bathing and the relative coolness of the Atlantic coast. However, growth remained constrained by poor transportation, and the area was still considered somewhat isolated. 1860s–1870s: Railroads transform Rockaway The real turning point came with the expansion of rail service: The Long Island Rail Road and associated lines began extending service toward the peninsula in the 1860s By the 1870s, improved rail connections made Rockaway far more accessible from Brooklyn and New York City This new access triggered rapid development: Large seaside hotels were constructed along the beachfront Bathhouses, pavilions, and entertainment venues appeared Seasonal crowds increased significantly Rockaway became one of the region’s most popular beach destinations, often compared to other emerging seaside resorts of the era. 1870s–1880s: Peak of the early resort era By the late 19th century, Rockaway had fully emerged as a thriving resort district: Grand hotels lined portions of the beach, catering to middle- and upper-class visitors Excursion trains brought day-trippers in large numbers Supporting businesses—restaurants, shops, and amusements—developed alongside the hotels At the same time, permanent residential communities continued to grow inland from the beachfront, creating a mix of seasonal and year-round populations. **Shipped securely in a new poly bag, sandwiched in chipboard, inside a new rigid mailer via USPS Ground Advantage service w/ tracking** Click HERE to see matchbooks I have available. Click HERE to see transit and trade tokens I have available. Click HERE to see billheads I have available. Click HERE to see letterheads I have available. For U.S. based orders, the shipping cost for the first purchase is $4.00 and no extra cost for additional similar items such as billheads, letterheads, tickets, patches, post cards, trade cards, stock certificates that can safely be shipped in the same package. I have over 63,000 unique items here on eBay - Click HERE to visit my store & save with combined shipping for multiple buys. For U.S. orders on a PC, use the "add to cart" feature to select multiple items before paying. If the cart does not combine shipping costs, I will refund excess fees as I pack your order the following morning. I have enjoyed buying and selling vintage collectibles for over 40 years. Unless noted otherwise, all items I offer are original and not reproductions. 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