THE OLD TIMERS' ASSOCIATION 187 



wilderness, are now wealthy, while their associates who were then 

 driving their horses and carriages thru its thorofares are now con- 

 ductors on our City Railroad. And, by the way, in those early 

 days the trolley system was an unknown factor, and only stages 

 took passengers to and from Manhattan Island, the heavy iron 

 bridge which afterwards spanned the Harlem River not then be- 

 ing in existence. It was alleged when this structure was built 

 that it contained enough metal to support two of its nature and 

 kind and that the same was paid for by the pound and not for its 

 entirety. 



Previous to the date of its construction, a venerable wooden 

 bridge, too often useless and out of repair, supplied the necessities 

 of the then out-of-town settlers. 



Briefly the Old Timers may be characterized as infinitesmal 

 atoms in the ocean of humanity around and about them. "The 

 old order yieldeth to the new," for now, alas, the members of this 

 odd fraternity can wander for hours about their native place, where 

 once everybody knew them, without receiving a single friendly nod 

 or greeting of recognition from anyone. 



Before concluding my epitome of the novel organization of 

 which I write, let me say I would very much like, had I space and 

 opportunity, individually to specify all its members. Our genial 

 and overworked secretaries, Messrs. McCormick, Dyer and 

 Danfield, however, deserve and shall receive especial commenda- 

 tion for the cordial interest they have shown in its present and 

 future welfare. And the same may be deservedly said of its other 

 officials, George W. Pouder, William Huck and Josiah A. Briggs. 

 What is very gratifying to the Old Timers is the kind interest the 

 public has taken in its end and aim as well as the objects it seeks 

 to accomplish. The sympathy that their fellow citizens extend is 

 not only very pleasing but will stimulate our organization intelli- 

 gently and fittingly to carry the purposes for which it was organ- 

 ized. Possibly it may prove a laudable example for the old resi- 

 dents of the other boroughs of Greater New York to follow, and if 

 so, its life will not be in vain. In any" event the writer hopes its 

 memory will not terminate with the lives of its present members. 



