"Pedestrianation" is a term I made up - a neologism.

Several years ago, while living in New York City, I was haunted by the fact that nearly all the Con Edison and NYC Sewer manhole covers were stamped with the legend, MADE IN INDIA. I started taking pictures of them on all my walks (hence, "pedestrianation.") They were beautiful... resembling tribal tattoos... and the irony of them being made in foundries in the Third World for world powers to tread over... well... it was strong. Beyond New York City, I started seeing Third World foundry work everywhere.


California!

Today, I read a piece in the New York Times (you can read it here: New York Times Permalink) that asked and answered all of my questions... and captured many of the same manhole covers I had.

As you peruse the archives of Pedestrianation, you will see many of the Third World Foundries that have provided a service to American streets...manhole covers are here.

I guess I was on to something.

Theresa Kereakes
November, 2007