1900 – 1949

1902

The Goat Carriages of Central Park Inspire a Poem

In 1902, E. Mars and M. H. Squire published a children’s book called ‘Children of our Town.’ It features an illustrated poem by Carolyn Wells, about the goat carriages that would offer rides along the mall, in Central Park, including a gently humorous reminder not to push their weight limit. On the right are some photos of these beautiful little goat carriages, and their smartly dressed handlers. Let’s go for a crawl along the mall:

IN CENTRAL PARK

Carolyn Wells, 1902

In Central Park, along the Mall,

We see the gay goat-carriage crawl;

With little boys and girls inside,

Enjoying their exciting ride.

Right willingly each nimble steed

Exerts his very utmost speed;

And o’er the smooth hard road they race

At something like a turtle’s pace.

But stout old men and portly dames,

Pray, do not urge your rightful claims;

And even though you have the price,

Listen, I beg, to my advice.

Do not insist on getting in

The little carriage for a spin;

You’d not look picturesque at all

Careering up and down the Mall.

1909

A Craft Project

in the 20th century, some newspapers would occasionally print cut-and-assemble crafts and games in their pages. Just for fun, here is one that I found, restored to a printable quality. The goat has a lovely set of horns and a full harness, complete with bitted bridle and crupper. The goat’s driver is a little boy in a sailor suit (quite popular at the time) and his passenger is a little girl with a warm muff and a fabulous hat. This was originally published in several comic papers, in September 1909, so kids could entertain themselves, driving spiffy paper and spool goat carts around tabletops and across the floor.