Valentine's Manual facts for kids
The Valentine's Manual was a special book published every year in New York City. It was officially called the Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York. From 1841 to 1870, the city's government, known as the Common Council, created these books.
Contents
What is Valentine's Manual?
The Valentine's Manual was like an annual report or a yearbook for New York City. It was published once a year for almost 30 years. These books are still important today because they help us learn about the city's past. They contain interesting facts, lists of city leaders, and many historical stories and pictures.
Why Was It Important?
Even though the books listed official information, people mostly loved them for the extra historical parts. The people who put the books together added essays and images that weren't directly related to the city's daily business. These additions made the Valentine's Manual a valuable treasure for anyone interested in New York City's history.
What Did It Contain?
Each Valentine's Manual usually included:
- Lists of city officials, like the mayor and council members.
- Facts and figures about the city's population and services.
- Most importantly, it had many historical essays. These stories told about old buildings, famous events, and how life used to be in New York.
- It also featured lots of historical pictures, maps, and drawings. These images showed what the city looked like long ago.
Who Continued the Legacy?
Many years later, in the early 1900s, a writer named Henry Collins Brown created new books inspired by the original series. He published books like Valentine's Manual of the City of New York and Valentine's Manual of Old New York. These new versions also shared the spirit of the old manuals. They were filled with many historical pictures and stories, helping to keep the history of New York City alive for new generations.
