A Field Guide to New York City Manhole Covers


Honeycomb from the BPB

Borough President Brooklyn

cover image

Honeycomb Cover Bingo

If you are playing Honeycomb Sewer Cover Bingo, this one fits into the no holes, BPB square. After the consolidation of New York City in 1898 the five Borough Presidents took over the lucrative sewer building contracts formerly controlled by various mayors and county executives, and soon began branding the improvements with marks to help remind passersby who was responsible. Brooklyn's label was the BPB initials spread over one of the hexagons of the sewer cover honeycomb.

DESIGN:

Now a classic design, with signature BPB.

UTILITY:

What else could that honeycomb be covering if not a honeypot?

RANGE:

This survivor can be found on 17th Ave near 78th St. in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

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Don Burmeister -- Photographs