Boston was the Hub of bicycling in the United States in the 1880s, and one of the high points in metropolitan Boston—literally and figuratively—for local and visiting riders alike was Corey Hill in Brookline. “Wheelmen” strove to become the first to make it to the top of the hill and, after that barrier was broken in 1883, to set a new record time or simply challenge themselves to conquer the steep incline. The illustration on the right is from an 1886 engraving by Henry Sandham; the photo on the left, by Jean Stringham, is from the 100th birthday celebration of Corey Hill Park in 2000. (Read more about biking Corey Hill.)
Ken Liss is president of the Brookline Historical Society.
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