Dear NY Historians, etc.,


Adding a bit to Keith A. Herkalo, City Clerk of the City of Plattsburgh
([log in to unmask]) recent eMail (05/05/2000 10:42:41 AM EDT) on
"Plattsburgh" vs "Plattsburg", something similar occurred to the City of
Williamsburgh, Kings County.


There is the Village and the City of Williamsburgh (ends in a 'gh') and the
neighborhood of Williamsburg (ends in a "g") and all are the same place, but
at different times.

In 1827, the Village of Williamsburgh incorporated within the Town of
Bushwick, Kings County.

In 1851, the Village of Williamsburgh incorporates as the City of
Williamsburgh and becomes independent of the Town of Bushwick.  Kings County
then includes 2 cities (Brooklyn and Williamsburgh) and 5 towns (Bushwick,
Flatbush, Flatlands, Gravesend and New Utrecht).

In 1854, the City of Williamsburgh and the Town of Bushwick are consolidated
into the City of Brooklyn.  Kings County then includes 1 city (Brooklyn) and
5 towns (Flatbush, Flatlands, Gravesend, New Lots and New Utrecht).

After consolidation into the City of Brooklyn, the area previously in the
City of Williamsburgh and the Town of Bushwick becomes known as the Eastern
District of the City of Brooklyn.  Later, when the name "Williamsburg"
reappears as a neighborhood in the City of Brooklyn, it comes back without
its final "h".

That's why the bank (Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh) has a "gh" and the
neighborhood (Williamsburg) only has a "g", or so I've been told.


Regards,

Walter Greenspan