In the early 20th century, the Mountain Road bridge over Norfolk Brook had a rustic-style guard rail bordering the road and sidewalk. Characterized by the use of twigs, branches, and bark, the rustic style had been used in formal English gardens in the 1700’s and in this country was very popular in the second half of the 19th century, especially in the Adirondacks. In Norfolk, rustic twig chairs, benches, gazebos, and fences dotted the landscape. Note that Mountain Road was unpaved at this time. It was not until 1902 that the first section of macadamized road was installed in Norfolk, and that was along the Village Green.

—Ann Havemeyer