Gather 'round the fire, everybody, it's time for another Concord fable. This week, we share the story of Captain Richard Ayer in what might be the first documented case of road rage, taken straight from Nathaniel Bouton's “History of Concord.”
In 1798, the people of Concord voted for a law giving foot traffic the right of way on Concord streets. At this period there were no sidewalks, and travelling on foot was dangerous. Dr. Asa McFarland, the minister, introduced the law from the pulpit, in these words: “Persons who drive sleighs will please keep to the right, and let those who are afoot have the middle of the road.”
It is related that Captain Richard Ayer, who was a powerful and fearless man, 6 feet or more, was constantly annoyed by loaded sleighs from other towns, which would not turn out for people going to meeting. So, he armed himself with a heavy staff or club and followed in the steps of a number of women walking in the middle of the road to meeting. They were met by a loaded sleigh with two horses, and compelled to turn out into the snow. When the horses came up to Ayer, he lifted his club and told the driver to turn out. The driver did not heed the warning. Ayer struck one of the horses on his forelegs and brought him down on his knees.
“There,” said he, “turn out when you meet people on their way to meeting, or I will knock you down.” The custom thus became established of giving foot-travelers the middle of the road, and for many years they enjoyed the privilege unmolested.
