1851 Hellgate Neck NY George Wooley Estate / Elias Rapelje Receipt for Chickens
$ 10.56
Description
1851 Hellgate Neck NY George Wooley Estate / Elias Rapelje Receipt for Chickens. Engineers and officials began surveying the reefs and currents with the goal of making the channel safer. Nearby islands such as Ward's Island and Randalls Island were already in use for institutional purposes (including hospitals and charitable facilities), and river traffic passed constantly between these points and the mainland. Light writing, but easily legible under magnification. 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. It measures approx. 4 1/2" x 8" A best-effort 📜 Transcription: Hellgate Neck, January 1855 Estate of George —— Woolsey To Elias Rapelje 6 Bushels of Oats $3.75 1 Peck Chickens .50 $4.25 Rec’d payment of Elias Rapelje ================================================================ During the 1850s and 1860s, Hell Gate—the narrow, turbulent stretch of the East River between what is now Astoria (Queens) and the islands of the river—was one of the most feared navigation points in the region. Often associated with the shoreline area sometimes called “Hell Gate Neck,” this location sat along a critical shipping route linking New York Harbor with Long Island Sound. The name “Hell Gate” derives from the Dutch Hellegat, meaning “bright strait” or “dangerous passage,” and by the mid-19th century it lived up to its reputation. The channel was cluttered with submerged rocks and reefs—most notoriously formations like Pot Rock, Frying Pan, and Hen and Chickens—which, combined with powerful tidal currents, created violent whirlpools and unpredictable eddies. Shipwrecks were frequent, and even experienced pilots treated the passage with caution. By this period, the surrounding area—particularly Astoria and nearby shorelines—was transitioning from rural outskirts into a mix of small industry, ferry landings, and residential development. The East River itself had become a heavily trafficked commercial artery, with schooners, steamships, and barges moving goods between New York City and New England ports. The dangers of Hell Gate had long been recognized, but it was in the mid-19th century that serious efforts toward improvement gained momentum. Engineers and officials began surveying the reefs and currents with the goal of making the channel safer. Although the most dramatic solutions—such as large-scale blasting operations led later by John Newton—would not occur until the 1870s (notably culminating in the famous 1885 Flood Rock explosion), the 1850s–1860s represent the pre-improvement era, when Hell Gate remained largely in its natural, hazardous state. Nearby islands such as Ward's Island and Randalls Island were already in use for institutional purposes (including hospitals and charitable facilities), and river traffic passed constantly between these points and the mainland. Any disruption at Hell Gate could significantly affect commerce and transportation. **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. Please review photos for condition issues (if any) as they are part of the description, and contact me with questions before bidding or buying. All items are securely packed and shipped via USPS. Please rely on my 25+ yr. 11,000+ 99.9% feedback rating as a guide to your buying decision. I hope all is well with you and your family — thanks for stopping by! – Jerry
