The Plumber Who Saved Washington

In 1865, the half-day rate for a plumber and assistant was $3.25 and lead sold for 60 cents per pound. But this Civil War-era invoice reveals a much bigger tale.
The Plumber Who Saved Washington
An invoice for plumbing work done from Christmas Eve 1864 through December 1865, in Washington, D.C., made a lasting impression on PipeShark co-owner John Galligan.

“See how they used to do this?” said my father a long time ago, pointing to an old framed invoice hanging in our shop. He was explaining an old trade tradition. The invoice was for plumbing work done from Christmas Eve 1864 through December 1865, in Washington, D.C., by plumber...

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