Tag: Manhole

  • Cast in India

    Cast in India

    Manhole covers for New York are often labeled as Made In India, creating discordance for anyone looking down and reading. Few who read the words realize that these manhole covers are hand made artifacts, produced in brutal conditions in small factories in India. The film Cast in India is a fascinating exploration of the process…

  • The Oldest Manhole Cover in New York

    The Oldest Manhole Cover in New York

    It’s interesting that the oldest manhole cover in New York is located here, in Harlem. This remnant, with the date – 1866 – proudly cast, is from the original Croton Aqueduct system that brought much-needed fresh water to New York City in the 19th Century. The water, of course, began upstate and was brought down…

  • The Lee Building

    The Lee Building

    Founded in 1900, Lee Brothers Storage & Van Co. – a furniture, storage, and moving company – was initially located on 125th Street near 3rd avenue. In 1913 they moved to the northeast corner of 125th Street and Park Ave. into a building they did not build but leased. However, after 9 years in 1922 they purchased…