Publisher's Synopsis
"These Are The Good Old Days" By Raymond P. Day and David C. Barksdale Every small town in America has a history. "These Are The Good Old Days" traces four generations of one family and the effect that family had on the architecture of New Albany, Indiana. For seven decades I've been exposed to the buildings and homes my ancestors built. I am the son of a fourth generation member of the family and following the death of my father in 1998 it was evident that the story of my woodworking family should be recorded--their four generations of spirit, faith and determination. From Bernkastel, Germany, to both Lanesville and New Albany, Indiana, this family planted roots, lived life and constructed commercial buildings and residences. Architecture is a reflection of the people and their times. Since my family was involved in construction for many decades, my curiosity focused on the actual buildings and homes for which they were responsible. Floyd County (Indiana) Historian, David Barksdale, became a partner on the project because of his masterful knowledge and understanding of the local architecture. His respect for those who created our urban landscape and his eye for detail and historical chronology bring a tremendous depth and richness to the story of the structures created by the Day family. Gathering, scanning and sharing images of the past became considerably easier with the advent of the digital age. Therefore, over 300 photos are spread throughout the text. They help bring to life the people, stories and historical details presented within. PART I tells the personal history of the Day family--a story that begins with the family's immigration to America in 1848. PART II documents every non-residential project the family was involved in from 1888 through 1923. PART III documents the history of every known residential construction by the family business, S. Day & Sons, and includes many family stories along the way. PART IV contains memories shared by family members. From origins in Bernkastel, Germany, to participation in the growth of both Lanesville and New Albany, Indiana, the legacy of this hard-working family is revealed. Here is the story of one family and an album of their photos; the faces, homes, and fruits of their labors. Readers learn of their joys and successes as well as their constant faith through devastating disasters and agonizing losses; a unique ancestral thread extending from 1848 to 1977. "These Are The Good Old Days" has been authorized by the New Albany Bicentennial Committee as an official work of the city's 200th anniversary and publication coincides with the 2013 New Albany, Indiana, Bicentennial Celebration. Raymond Day
