That blackout wasn't bad at all. Despite some racial tensions in the City during that previous summer, there was no crime and certainly no looting at all. The blackout started about 5:30 p.m., just about the time it was dark out and just about the time that the rush hour going home was at its peak. Thousands were trapped in the subways and had to be guided out by emergency personnel.


On a personal level it was great for me... I lived in a group of four apartment buildings and was able to hustle to make almost ten bucks (a lot of money for a 14 year old then) by walking my neighbors up the stairs while I held a flashlight for them. Got tips of anywhere from a dime to a half buck!!