AUTOMOTIVE OIL PUMPS

1973 The Historic Stag and Hounds in Old Market and the formal opening of Bristol's historic piepowder Court (a poormans court) This pub is just about trading today but for how much longer?.

It was built originally in 1483, probably as a private house. However the current building is predominantly from the early 18th century, when it was a Public house and it has been partly rebuilt in the 1960s, and refurbished in 1987.

At one time the inn was flanked by houses, but the building of Temple Way dual carriageway underpass has left it isolated. It has been designated by English Heritage as a grade II listed building.

A well in the former rear court has a 19th century iron hand pump with fly wheel and pump rods, an early example of an installation for raising water from a well. This old iron pump, operated by a wheel six foot in diameter, is in fine condition and all its parts still move. It is unique in Bristol.

There is also a minute window looking out onto the courtyard, which opens onto a small room set between floors and is only accessible through a trap-door in what is now a bathroom. It is possible that this may be a survival from the days of priest-hunting.

2008 Pub Closures 'Threaten UK's Social Life'

Pubs are closing down at a rate of nearly four a day because of poor sales and the effect of the smoking ban, the organisation which represents the industry has warned.

their doors, according to the British Beer & Pub Association.

The number was up on previous years with 216 closures in 2006 - four a week - and 102 in 2005 - two a week.

The increasing rate of closures means that "a vital part" of Britain's social life is under threat, the BBPA warned.

"Britain's pubs are grappling with spiralling costs, sinking sales, fragile consumer confidence and the impact of the smoking ban," said Rob Hayward, the organisation's chief executive.

"These figures show the stark reality of the pub trade today, in contrast to the hype surrounding the myth of "24-hour drinking" and extended pub opening hours.

"Pub closures at this rate are threatening an important hub of our social fabric and community history.

"What we need to stop the decline is support from Government and the general public."

Urban pubs have been hardest hit, with 2% of all urban pubs closing in the last six months, the BBPA said.

It added that pubs which are unable to offer an attractive outside areas for smokers, and those that are not heavily focused on food sales, face particular difficulties.

And after beer sales in pubs hit their lowest level since the Great Depression of the 1930s, the pub industry organisation called on the Government to freeze the duty on beer in this year's Budget.

San Lorenzo, California
photographed page of 1878 atlas of Alameda County

This illustrates my fascination with the water towers of the east bay, very few of which still exist entirely. Some houses still have the bases in their yards. Windmills used to pump water into the tanks on these towers, but over the past few decades, they've gone out of use as we now get reservoir water for the most part. Ground water depletion caused bay water to seep into the aquifer, and it got saltier.

The Meek Mansion is still standing in San Lorenzo, and is run as a historical park by Hayward Area Recreation Department. Folks have weddings there now and then. Our house sits in, or immediately next to, what is the foreground of this image, and we can hear wedding music from the lawn sometimes in the summer. We're separated from the park by a creek and a pair of fences.