Rockaway L.I. NY 1854 Langdon Shaw / John Abrams Promissory Note & Payment Notes

Description

Rockaway L.I. NY 1854 Langdon Shaw / John Abrams Promissory Note & 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. 3 1/2" x 7". Small tears, but no major issues to note. Offered as found - pinned together. Small tears, but no major issues to note. Overall, in fair to good condition. You will receive the exact sheet shown in the photos - please have a good look at the photos to access condition. The larger two sheets each measure approx. 3 1/2" x 7" A best-effort 📜 Transcription: Main Note (front): $100 — Rockaway July 25th 1854 On demand I promise to pay Langdon Shaw or order the sum of one hundred dollars with interest at seven per cent for value received John Abrams 📜 Reverse / Attached Memoranda (interest receipts & endorsements) Upper section: Rec’d the interest on the within note up to July 25th 1856 Middle sections (faint, partial but legible in sequence): Received interest on the within note … July 25th 1857 July 25th 1877 Rec’d full interest on the within note July 26th 1878 Rec’d the full interest on the within note of Abrams July 25, 1879 Rec’d interest on the within note 📜 Final Slip (accounting summary): Note — $100.00 Interest — 26.75 —————— $126.75 Paid — balance $22.75 🧾 Notes & Interpretation Primary instrument: Promissory note dated July 25, 1854 Maker: John Abrams Payee: Langdon Shaw Amount: $100 at 7% interest Term: “On demand” (no fixed maturity; payable when called) 📊 What makes this piece especially interesting This is a long-lived financial instrument: Interest payments recorded from 1856 through at least 1879 Indicates the note remained active for ~25 years The attached slips function as: Interest receipts Endorsement records Essentially a running ledger attached to the note The final accounting suggests: Accrued interest totaled $26.75 A remaining balance or settlement adjustment of $22.75 ⚓ Context Documents like this were common in mid-19th century coastal communities such as Rockaway: Used for private lending between individuals Often tied to: maritime ventures trade financing or personal credit between merchants The fact that interest was tracked so carefully over decades suggests: a trusted but ongoing obligation possibly tied to a broader business or maritime relationship ================================================================ 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. 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