THE NAMES OF THE STREETS OF POUGHKEEPSIE NOTE: The listing of the streets of Poughkeepsie in this issue of the Year Book is not complete. In many cases the Editor could find no reason for the name. In some instances several opinions have been offered but none could be verified. The Editor hopes that the readers of the Year Book will help in completing the listing of the streets and the origin of the names.
Academy Street: Formerly Ragged Lane, Ludlow Street, Charles Street. Changed to Academy Street when Poughkeepsie's first private school, The Dutchess Academy, was established at the corner of Academy and Cannon Streets in 1792. Adriance Avenue: Peter Adriance built one of the first houses on the street shortly after it was accepted as a City street. Albany Street: Originally designed as the road north to Albany. Arnold Blvd.: Named for Judge Charles W. H. Arnold, one of the developers of the section. Balding Avenue: Isaac Balding was the owner of the Northern Hotel in the area. Bancroft Road: Honoring Dr. William Bancroft Hill of Vassar College. Barnard Avenue: Honoring Joseph F. Barnard, Justice of the Supreme Court. Bartlett Street: Honoring Charles Bartlett, Principal of College Hill School. Beekman Place: Part of the Tower development. Mr. A. E. Tower had iron mines in the Town of Beekman, Dutchess County. Bellevue Avenue: First known as Belle View Street, a beautiful view of the Hudson River. Bement Avenues Bement was a brother-in-law of John and William Lent, the men who developed the area. They honored their brother-in-law by naming a street for him. Boberick Road: The road was developed by Lois Rector and derives its name from members of her family, Bob and Rick. Bridge Streets: There has been a bridge over the Fallkill for many years. Brookside Avenue: The Fallkill flows along the thoroughfare. Buckingham Avenue: Samuel A. Buckingham was a prominent member of the City, closely associated with Matthew Vassar in many projects. Cannon Street: During the Revolutionary War cannon and other arms were at the present corner of Market and Cannon Streets. Catharine Street: Named for Catharine Livingston, wife of Gilbert Livingston. Charles Street: Early Poughkeepsie maps show that Charles W. Swift owned many acres of land in the area. When the street was made it was named in his honor. Cherry Streets: There were extensive cherry orchards on South Cherry Street. Church Street: Site of the original Christ Episcopal Church at the corner of Church and Market Streets. Church Street originally ran from Market Street east to the junction of Main Street. 34
