Mechanics’ Institute is a San Francisco treasure: an organization even older than the cable cars, founded in 1854. Back in the day, cable car inventor Andrew Hallidie was involved with Mechanics’, so it’s fitting that they’re hosting historians and authors of the cable car history Watermusic in the Track for a talk. Native San Franciscans Mike Phipps and Don Holmgren. board members of Friends of the Cable Car Museum, really know their stuff. You can hear them and buy their book at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 19. The event is open to the general public ($5-10) and FREE to Mechanics’ Institute members. The building alone, at 57 Post Street, is worth the visit. All the details are here.