Vehicles Smaller, But Cost the Same

JUST WHEN the forward march of technology seems unstoppable, here's a set of photographs showing that newer can be simpler. In this case, it's the building on East Main Street in Patchogue that, back in the 1950s, housed a Cadillac and Oldsmobile dealership. These days, four-wheel horsepower has been replaced by two-wheel pedal power, as the storefront, basically unchanged except for the removal of the gas pumps and car signs, is now home to the Long Island Bicycles store. A woodstove retailer also shares the space.

Back in 1957, by the way, a modestly equipped Cadillac could cost upward of $5,000. Now, a top-of-the- line bicycle costs just about the same, says Julie Parodi, co-owner of the bicycle store.