"Gregory Morrow" > wrote in message hlink.net>...
> Gina wrote:
>
> > As late as 1963, most row houses on Capitol Hill, DC, did not have
> > indoor flush toilets. No lie.
>
>
> Yup, I believe it. Those were virtual slums a stone's throw from the
> Capitol, a disgrace to the nation. IIRC Eleanor Roosevelt back in the 30's
> led a campaign to improve that area's standard of living, and getting those
> row houses up to snuff was one of her stated goals....
>
> DC back in the 19th century was a pretty putrid place - there were foetid
> canals (actually open sewers) on the Mall, the place was swampy and
> choleric, and the area now called "Foggy Bottom" had tanning factories, etc.
> that contributed greatly to the level of filth and pollution....

When my son was still in Elementary School, I had to drop something
off at the principal's office (field trip slip?). I remember seeing a
map on the wall. It was a copy of a map, date somewhere around 1885,
that was given to new members of Congress, the Cabinet and Diplomats.
The map detailed where the various swamps, quicksand pits, and
misquito infestations were located around DC. It also indicated areas
prone to typhoid,consumption,cholera and the various criminal
elements. I could never find a copy of it, but I'd love to get my
hands on one if I could. What a great conversation piece.

Cheers

Cheers.