Read more about the article Manhole Cover Designs and Contemporary Aesthetics
City of Madison Manhole Cover. Photo courtesy of Keith Kaziak, 2020.

Manhole Cover Designs and Contemporary Aesthetics

Over the past 45 years, there has been a growing worldwide fascination and appreciation for the beauty and craftsmanship of manhole covers. Some enthusiasts even created a subreddit aptly titled, Manhole Porn: Sewer covers in all their glory!, celebrating this ubiquitous iron…

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Read more about the article From the Fox River Valley to the Windy City: The Roaring Twenties and the Neenah Foundry
Neenah Foundry Standard Design. Courtesy of Keith Kaziak, 2020.

From the Fox River Valley to the Windy City: The Roaring Twenties and the Neenah Foundry

The 1920s began with significant economic prosperity and an emphasis on social and culturally rich energy with an influx of jazz, Art-Deco, telephones, film, and radio in cities like Chicago, IL. With the City of Chicago flourishing, The Neenah Foundry of the…

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Read more about the article An Iron Kinship: Abraham Darby and William Aylward Sr.
Raw coke for iron ore smelting. Made by heating coal in the absence of air. Photo courtesy of Stahlkocher.

An Iron Kinship: Abraham Darby and William Aylward Sr.

In 1872, William Aylward Sr. combined air, coal, and iron ore to produce his first plowshares and other agricultural implements.[1] The founder of what would become the Neenah Foundry followed a process developed by an English man named Abraham Darby more than…

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Read more about the article OBJECT HISTORY: Neenah Foundry Manhole Cover
City of Madison Manhole Cover. Photo courtesy of Keith Kaziak, 2020.

OBJECT HISTORY: Neenah Foundry Manhole Cover

Since opening in 1904, the Neenah Foundry has earned a worldwide reputation for producing manhole covers. Manhole covers are removable lids fitted for tunnels large enough for people to access underground sewer and storm water systems. Made from strong and long-lasting cast…

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