This compilation of engrossing facts and anecdotes, illustrated with the author's own pen, captures the living legacy of America as seen in "the things that were." The author lovingly describes the careers of dowsers, tithingmen, sawyers, nailers, plumbum-men (plumbers), barber-surgeons, sellmongers, fence-viewers, and other old-time artisans and craftworkers. 96 black-and-white illustrations.