In the early part of the 20th century, the masons who built the sidewalks of our towns and cities would often cast identifying markers in the concrete surface. These markers are typically bronze emblems with the contractor's name and address along with a year. The emblems can be seen as the prideful gesture of a mason to be remembered for the work they've done. Of course, it's a way to advertise their business as well. Ultimately, these are contractors who build with an eye for quality and workmanship. Today, these emblems are often found in aging concrete sidewalks built during the 20's, 30's and 40's which are holding up surprisingly well. The mere fact that they still exist without crumbling to pieces is a testament of the mason's skilled hand. The concrete sidewalks are very different from the common concrete seen today. They're enriched with an exposed aggregate and stoney surface instead of the uniformity and planeness of contemporary sidewalks.