Hi Gang (especially the NY bunch),  In going through the bookcases here I
found a lovely old volume, no Ralph, it's not all screwdrivers and pliers. Why bother to read it, in that case?
This book, printed in 1868 is entitled, "Sunshine and Shadow in New York,"
by Matthew Hale Smith.  It is 712 pages, 92 short chapters with 12
pictures.  I don't expect I shall have time to read it any time soon but it
looks to be a rather fascinating look at life in the city at that time.  On
a quick glance through I noticed one of the subheadings was "Two
macadamized roads."  The two roads have probably not been repaved since.  Must have been something of a novelty at the time.
One of the pictures is of "Old City Hall," is it still standing? Not only is it still standing, but it's still the City Hall. Another
is "Inside Trinity Church."  Didn't someone on here mention that church
awhile ago?  Trinity is the one down next to the WTC. There is a whole chapter on Rev Beecher, father of Harriet Beecher Stowe. He was a Brooklyn boy In return for all the entertainment I have received on this list if anyone would like to know more about this book please ask and I'll see what I can find in it. Sounds very interesting, but it's probably better for us if you read it and tell us the highlights. Ruth  Meanwhile, I'll see if it's available through ABEBOOKS.COM;  could be worth more than an old screwdriver. Ralph