From early in the history of the city, the hill was a public gathering place and civic treasure.

In a few months, civic treasures accumulated over 500 years have been destroyed.

But in Chicago, where political lore is a civic treasure, people do not let mere statistics gum up sacred mythology.

Ideological disputes aside, most people here agree on one thing: Mr. Zeidler is a civic treasure.

"From the beginning we were sensitive to the importance of selling a civic treasure that is so entwined in the history of Jeffferson," he said.

It must be said: the Yankees are a greater civic treasure than the Mets.

What the Giants will find here tonight is a frenzied crowd proud to show the nation watching on television its latest civic treasure.

Who would tamper with a civic treasure like that name?

Mickey's ranks high among St. Paul's civic treasures, and dinner for two (no wine is served) runs about $15.

"She's one of our civic treasures," Qwilleran said.