Mark of the Mole People
Tonight, I watched Marc Singer's 2000 documentary Dark Days. It's a fascinating portrayal of some of the 150 people who lived in the largely unused train tunnels underneath and along Riverside Park until they were "evicted" in the early '90s. Many had built elaborate homes out of found materials, and it was amazing how much of a normal life they could lead underground, living in homes with working kitchens, electricity -- even showers. Apparently, the tunnel is still accessible.
Watching the film made me track down my copy of Jennifer Toth's book The Mole People, which details "life in the tunnels beneath New York City." I know I haven't posted a review of The Gangs of New York yet, so we haven't wrapped up July's book club yet -- and I know it's now almost the end of August -- but I think The Mole People would make a good choice for the next book for New Yorkests.
And it might be fodder for a weekend outing!
