Astoria has a few strange streets, and many steep ones. The block of 11th Street between Irving and Jerome is both. I'm taking this photo from the intersection at 11th and Irving.
One term for this type of walkway is "pigeon steps." I found the phrase in Karen L. Leedom's book, Astoria: An Oregon History, but I found precious little about pigeon steps online - only enough to suspect that it means you have to take small steps like a pigeon. In fact, walking up this paved ramp is a bit tricky when it's wet because the grips are so close together that an adult has to take steps that are about 3/4 or less of a natural stride. I find it hard to get the right rhythm, but I do find these passages charming (and useful). According to Karen's book, when the streets were made of wood, narrow slats were placed across to keep the walker from slipping, and when they were paved, the slats were reproduced in cement. Possibly the grips were nailed the width of a plank apart so it was easier for the workmen to space them and nail them down. Another term for the steps was "clickety clacks."
Tomorrow I'll show you the view from the top.
5 comments:
How interesting! I've never heard that term before. And what a beautiful looking place!
I've only seen this type of step once. As I recall, they were very difficult to navigate.
I frankly hate anything related to pigeons and being quite lazy hate even more long climbing walkway. But I like your picture of it...
we have the same style ramp up in Uppertown where the Franklin bridge is being replaced. Not sure if the ramp will be a goner or not.
Man, I remember those stairs! My girlfriends and I would ride (actually walk) our bikes up to the Astoria Column, and then have a "picnic" lunch. We couldn't wait for the ride down those steep winding roads from the column, and then down these stairs! Thanks for the memories. Am going to try and come visit this summer....hopefully.
Marti
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