Here at Berry Playground, we find ourselves on South Third Street. Bedford Avenue is to the east. But why is it called Berry Playground? The name comes from Berry Street. Berry Street got its name from the Berry family. They were early settlers of Williamsburg. The Berry family owned much of this area for over a century.
Williamsburg’s first mayor was Dr. Abraham J. Berry. He lived from 1799 to 1865. Born in New York City, he became a physician. Dr. Berry quickly became important in the city. During the cholera outbreak of 1832, he was one of the few doctors who stayed. He worked tirelessly day and night. People admired and recognized him for his courage.
As mayor, Dr. Berry wanted to create a ferry system to Manhattan. In 1855, he suggested combining Williamsburg with Brooklyn. He also proposed removing the final “h” from Williamsburgh.
During the Civil War in 1861, Dr. Berry joined the 38th New York Infantry as a surgeon. He was over 60 years old then. In July 1862, General McClellan retreated to Harrison’s Landing. Dr. Berry cared for over 300 patients. When the army left, they forgot about him and his patients. Dr. Berry moved the sick to the James River. By the time he got there, he had over 800 people. He died in Williamsburg on October 2, 1865. A fever he caught during that time caused his death.
Williamsburg used to be part of the Dutch town of Bushwick. It was renamed in 1810 for Colonel Jonathan Williams. He was the original surveyor. Richard Woodhull bought the area in 1802. He wanted to make it a peaceful place for Manhattan workers. He started a ferry service. Berry later made it successful. By 1852, the area had grown so much it became a city. Brooklyn annexed it in 1855.
In the mid-1800s, Williamsburg had private clubs, beer gardens, and resorts. Wealthy people often visited them. Companies like Pfizer and Domino Sugar also started here. The Williamsburg Bridge opened in 1903. It allowed Eastern European immigrants to leave Manhattan’s Lower East Side. By 1917, Williamsburg was Brooklyn’s most crowded area.
The city bought the land for Berry Playground in 1936. They paid $18,000 to the Brooklyn Eye and Ear Hospital. Parks took over the land immediately. The playground opened soon after.
In 2000, Council Member Victor L. Robles provided $585,000 to rebuild Berry Playground. Today, a spray shower cools visitors in the summer. Colorful play equipment and new swings provide recreation. The playground has animal art. It features a bear with bayberry shrubs. Colored cement makes Berry Playground a happy place. New benches sit under newly planted trees. These offer a place for parents to rest.