Parable of the Manhole Cover
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The other day, as I was sitting in a plane and waiting to back away from the terminal, my eyes began to wander around the nearby tarmac. I noticed a couple of the ground crew walking around, doing whatever the heck ground crews do as a plane prepares to move: wave their arms a lot, walk around authoritatively, maybe even drive some weird-looking piece of equipment around. (”Hey, lookit me; I get to drive this portable conveyor belt around and you don’t!”)
But one of the guys stepped right on it - and that’s when I noticed what appeared to be small metal manhole covers embedded flush with the concrete surface; three of ‘em in a row (something like the one pictured here). Nothing special about ‘em; I suppose they were just some of the gizmos associated with the care and feeding of your average jet airliner.
Anyway, as I was idly staring at them, I finally noticed there was something embossed in their metal rims. I looked closer, and finally made out the words. “Culligan & McMillan” was stamped around the rim’s arc on one side, and “Garden Grove, CA, USA” was on the opposite side. Hmph.
And then - it suddenly struck me (sound of dull thud); here was something really interesting! See if you can follow me on this one.
Y’know, I bet those airport guys have walked across these metal covers about a bazillion times since this airport was built. I bet other folks on other planes just like this one have seen ‘em too. I wonder, though: how many have ever given any thought as to who made these things?
Let’s go a bit further, even. I bet back when the airport was first built, very few, if any, contractors paid much attention to the name on these things either. In fact, were I a betting man (and I’m not!), I’d be willing to bet that, except for the person or persons who bought them in the first place, absolutely nobody has given the maker a second thought since.
So, what does it all mean, you ask?
Well, lemme ask ya this: Why would the manufacturer bother to put their name on something probably very few people will ever see? I mean, it’s not quite the same thing as putting up a billboard on a freeway somewhere and having a million eyes a month pass it by. Chances are, very few eyes have ever even noticed them, much less made the effort to read the inscriptions.
And another thing - it costs money to make the molds that put those letters on the metal rims, too. Why bother, if no one will ever read them?
While you’re working on your answer, I’ll give you mine: They didn’t care who knew about it - they were still proud of what they did!
It makes for an interesting parable, don’t you think?
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12 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Hummm—isn’t it the same reason you guys down there (Texas-way) have your name/initials on the back of your belts?
I might even climb out on that same limb– and say the hat in your picture is a Stetson–
We do? I checked all of mine, Mike; there’s no name there!
Even so, that’s an ownership thing, not a branding thing. The hat; well, there’s only so many hat makers, you know. And yes, it is a Stetson.
But relate this manhole cover to something you’re doing that gets no attention, no applause, not even any acknowledgment at all - yet contributes to the general welfare, maybe even of people you don’t, or can’t even know.
—-prayer
OK; that’s a good one - sometimes there’s only one Person who knows about that (other than yourself, that is!) What about in other areas, such as… well, you fill in the blanks.
Just pure human vanity.
Maybe there are a lot off Manhole Cover specialist out there who buy those things. I guess if i wanted to buy a Manhole Cover i’ll go outside and get the company name from the top of a Manhole Cover.
Maybe the name is also on the bottom of the cover…
Matthijs, I suppose you might have something there about vanity. I remember once climbing a mountain at Piedmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. When we got to the top, it was quite a thrilling accomplishment. At least it felt like it until we noticed the iron pipe embedded in the ground at our feet. Upon opening up the cap we found a notebook with the inscription, “Sign here!”
They probably have to put their name on it so people know who to call if it breaks and they need a new one.
Howdy, Ria!
Well, y’know; you might just have something there. I read once that manhole covers from famous places are mysteriously disappearing to “collectors”. I guess those places might need to replace one or two occasionally. Especially if it had “Paris” on it! Heck; I might be tempted myself.
Although… a manhole cover would likely be a mite hard to get onto a plane as carry-on…
Subliminal messages can work in strange ways. A song in the backround that you did not even notice can pop into your head a few hours later. Someone purchasing manhole covers … whom ever that could be, may have seen this insignia and viola`. Plus - you always want your name on stuff! That’s probably the best answer.
Howdy, Speedcat; long time no see!
I suppose you may have something there, although I seriously doubt it’s enough to imprint on an purchaser’s mind. I mean, you see these things, what, a few times a year (if you travel a LOT)?
names are far more significant than most realize - and so good for people for caring about adding their names to their “manholes.” Research now shows that when people hear or see their names - pleasure, well-being and content … parts of the brain light up with activity. Perhaps adding a name — added pride in their handiwork.
My grandmother - in Halifax, Nova Scotia, felt people should never walk on a manhole because she heard a woman fell through - and names or not - she stuck to her guns until she passed.
I still think of my dead nanny whenever I encounter a manhole cover and I wonder if the guy sized it right. Anonymous - perhaps he’d be more careless. named - seems like he’d take pride. Great discussion, but perhaps these should be called “human holes:-):-) now that I think of it. See what you raised Bob and all!
Hi Ellen!
You’re right, of course - putting a name on something does add pride to it. Like the time some friends and I climbed a 3,000-ft mountain in New Mexico. Upon arriving at the top, we spent several minutes preening ourselves with a wonderful sense of accomplishment and pride. That is, until one of the guys noticed the spiral notebook at our feet with the legend, “Please sign here!”
After a few moments of envisioning our fleeting fame dashed into pieces upon the rocks below, we all signed with relish… After all, we’d earned it!