Bowman's Hill

I reluctantly allowed myself to be dragged into the Facebook thing, but am very glad I did. Reconnected with a lot of friends.

One high school buddy posted photos from Washington’s Crossing Park, outside of Philadelphia where I grew up. Ah, the memories that evoked.

No, contrary to prevalent belief, I wasn’t there to row the general across the Delaware and surprise the Hessian garrison. The park was prime cruising territory on warm Sunday afternoons.

But, the primary attraction there for the troglodytes I ran with at the time was 400-ft. Bowman’s Hill. Whether the following is historically accurate or not, I couldn’t say. But, it was what passed for common knowledge.

Bowman’s Hill had been the lookout point for General Washington’s troops to keep an eye out for enemy movement. A tower was later added to commemorate their deeds.

A road wound around to the top and was supposed to have followed the original bed cut into the side of the hill. This accounted for the unusual design, which was alternating steep climbs and level areas. The horizontal portions were to provide rest for horses ascending the steep incline.

We found an even better usage for them. With sufficient speed, you could get big air either going up or down the hill, and launch your car (or, your parents’ car) into space. Think “Bullitt.”

The “test” for passengers was to hold your hands frozen at about ear level and resist bracing yourself for the crash landing. I will footnote that this was the era of steel dashboards, protruding knobs and other weapons of mass destruction to enhance the severity of the test. Valor took precedence over intelligence at that stage of life. And, of course, we were guys (you hardly ever see women missing fingers).

Many a shock absorber shop benefitted from our antics. And, many a parent grounded a reckless teenager until the debt was paid off.

And yes, it is something I would’ve killed my own kids for doing.