Imagine walking into Central Park through Mariner's Gate at 85th Street and then imagine that 85th Street continues straight into the park. Try to follow its path. You will see a playground beyond the benches to your right. At the ginkgo tree, cross the road and walk up the hill. Spector Playground is on your left. Follow the imaginary 85th Street downhill, past the granite mound on your right. Cross the West Drive and walk through the pines. Pass the swing set and walk toward the Great Lawn. Stop at the path.

Look back over the route you've traveled. Now try to imagine how your walk would have looked before Central Park was built. The landscape was entirely different. There were no pine in Ross Pinetum; in fact, the oldest trees visible today had not yet been planted. 85th Street really did continue to the spot where you are standing, ending at the great wall of the Croton Receiving Reservoir, which covered the current site of the Great Lawn.

Retrace your steps. Not far from the swing set was a two-story frame house belonging to George G. Root, with a barn, stable, and shed at the rear. Epiphany Davis owned the lots across 85th Street, with two three-story frame houses built on the far corner.

As you walk west, you'll pass more of Davis's property on your left. On your right, near West Drive, you'll pass the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church cemetery. There was a greenhouse at the far end of the cemetery. Across the street on the south side of 85th Street stood the old African Union Methodist Church. If school was in session, you might hear the children reciting at Colored School #3, in the church's basement.

Cross Spring Street (the spring is still just a few blocks south) to reach the site of All Angels' Church. As you walk downhill, you'll pass through the church burying ground. Stop at the gate.

Look back. A village once stood on this section of Central Park, from the Great Lawn to Central Park West and from 82nd to 89th Street.