First the Allston mile marker gets cracked, now an antique Cambridge manhole cover is missing

Similar manhole cover, near MIT. Photo by Liz Coffey.

Liz Coffey forwards a copy of a note she dashed off to the Cambridge Historical Commission:

I noticed yesterday my favorite catch basin cover, dated 1875 (or 1873?), in Harvard Square is missing. It was at the corner of Dunster Street and Mt Auburn. It was within a granite corner curbstone. That corner is presently covered in asphalt, and it looks like the entire triangular granite curb, which is also historic and rare, has been removed. I'm hoping you know about this and the cover and corner curb will be returned after the construction is finished. ...

There are very few dated catch basin covers of this vintage left in the city, and there are some of us who appreciate them (I imagine we're called "drainspotters....). Catch basin covers, and metal covers in general have become an interest of mine, having read this book a while back, after having noticed on my own the wide variety of metal in our streets. I don't imagine very many people think about them, which inevitably leads to their loss. Please help protect these gems of the streets.

Earlier:
Why we can't have nice things, Allston edition.