This Day in History: 1951-08-12

Residents of West Airmount Road were incensed at a proposal to rename their street Kilmer Road, in honor of the poet. The chief advocate of the change was H. W. Mowery. He admired the poet who was said to have written “Trees” while he was living on Airmont Road. It would also end the confusion which existed between Airmont Ave. and Airmount Ave. which intersects at the top of the hill. Opponents had been organized by Harry S. Ripley. He said trying to change an established name only leads to confusion. Most people are still referring to the Avenue of the Americas as Sixth Ave., he pointed out. Most of the opposition came from West Airmount where twelve families live. Only about seven or eight families lived on Airmount east of the Turnpike. Ripley was circulating a petition against the change. (Bristow)