Water Meter Pendant Information
The city of New Orleans uses several different water meters. A particular model, though, the "Ford Meter Box," has become a symbol of the city.
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The Ford Meter
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The Ford Meter Box Company of Indiana created the Ford Water Meter in the early 1900s. Sitting below the level of the Mississippi River, water -- even under normal conditions -- needs to be pumped out of the soil and poured over the levees. Over time soil would settle over open-bottom water meters, which were used prior to the Ford meter, and gophers, crayfish and other animals would move in. The Ford Meter Boxes were specially designed to improve these conditions.
Memorabilia
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Because no one individually owns the iconic image associated with the Ford Water Meter, a number of manufacturers and hobbyists have placed it on jewelry, coffee mugs, T-shirts and other New Orleans memorabilia and souvenirs. Although the pendants are most often reproduced on jewelry such as rings, charms, cufflinks, bracelets and earrings, key rings and many other items also sport the image.
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Theft
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The popularity of the image is a source of headaches for New Orleans. Theft of the water meter lids themselves presents a problem for this city; vandals can sell the pendants for more than $100 each.
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References
- Photo Credit new orleans cemetery image by Alexandra Cockfield from Fotolia.com
