3.Beyond

It is often easy to miss how much the various forms of transportation and its derivatives have changed the Plainfield landscape and the way of life for its residents. Parking lots, gas stations, diners and drive thru restaurants all came about and flourished because of the importance of the automobile to suburban living.

Parking Anyone ?
Transportation imagery became a metaphor for change and progress to Americans. From women driving for the vote in the 1920s, to “freedom trains” in the 60s and bus rallies in the 70s, travel in all its forms is synonymous with the American way of life. For example in Plainfield a “Garage” band called the Parliaments emerged.

New service stations, highways, street side signage and advertising, car hops, diners, motels and drive-in theaters became part of the post 1950’s landscape that was dominated by the automobile and the motorist. Many families could afford to own a car. This has grown even more, for as it stands many families own multiple vehicles.

In Plainfield like other suburban cities the automobile also played a great part in changing the townscape with the increased need for parking areas, gas stations and other motorist friendly services.

Parking lots grew to accommodate consumers who no longer just walked to local stores but drove instead. Business owners now had to consider driving patrons from Plainfield and its surrounding areas. Employees also needed places to park their cars. As with parking lots the numbers of gas stations grew to supply motorists with fuel for their cars and quick supplies such as food and drink for long and short journeys.

Roadways changed too. Route 22 (fomerly route 29) that runs just outside Plainfield was transformed. This old postal road changed from an open thoroughfare with fields on each side to a highway lined with various stores, restaurants and offices. It serves all the towns along its path. In 1970-1971 a Plainfield exit opened off of Route 78. This highway which links the Lincoln Tunnel to Pennsylvania was another important highway for commercial and private traffic.