The Forgotten Bricks That Built America

The Story of Hammond Fire-Brick Company

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hammond.jpeg

While touring a 75+ year old companies state of the art foundry recently, I watched casting molds filled with metal alloys slowly rolling out of a modern kiln, radiating extreme heat. The smooth bricks lining the walls, with reflections of bright red and orange fire, triggered a memory of my youth - exploring the rivers and woods in my hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia with friends and often coming across ruins and artifacts of once-thriving industrial businesses that shaped America.

One such relic was the remnants of the Hammond Fire-Brick Company, a brick manufacturing powerhouse that rose to prominence in the late 19th century and left an indelible mark on the nation's architectural landscape. Deep in the heart of West Virginia's coal country, this unsung company took advantage of the region's rich fire-clay deposits to produce specialized bricks prized for their ability to withstand incredibly high temperatures.

The Secret of Fire-Clay

West Virginia's abundance of coal seams held a hidden treasure – fire-clay deposits found just beneath the coal. This unique clay, rich in silica and alumina, possessed remarkable heat-resistant properties, making it the perfect raw material for producing fire-bricks. These specialized bricks could withstand incredibly high temperatures, a quality that made them indispensable for constructing chimneys, kilns, furnaces, and coke ovens.

A Brick Empire Rises

Recognizing the potential of this natural resource, the Hammond Fire-Brick Company was established in 1899, taking over an existing brick factory along the Tygart River. What followed was a remarkable period of growth and prosperity, fueled by the insatiable demand for fire-bricks across the nation.

At its peak in 1945, the company's output reached a staggering 100,000 bricks per day, with a workforce comprising both men and women. Hammond Fire-Brick Company built an entire town for its employees, complete with housing, a company store, and a school, reflecting its commitment to the welfare of its workers.

Source: https://www.timeswv.com/hammond-fire-brick-co/image_d53d978d-b934-5293-94a1-c5deb4788c0a.html

Bricks That Built America

The fire-bricks produced by Hammond were revered for their exceptional quality and durability, earning them a place in some of America's most iconic structures. From the soaring Empire State Building and the iconic Flatiron Building in New York City to Henry Ford's automobile factory in Detroit and numerous buildings on Long Island, Hammond's bricks were the foundation upon which America's architectural marvels were built.

The Decline and Legacy

However, as with many industrial success stories, the Hammond Fire-Brick Company's reign was not eternal. A devastating fire in the 1950s, believed to be an act of arson, marked the beginning of the company's decline. After changing ownership multiple times, the company ultimately closed its doors in 1972, leaving behind a ghost town and remnants of the once-thriving brick industry.

Brick by Brick

As you explore the architectural marvels that dot America's urban landscapes, pay close attention to the bricks that form their foundations and walls. If you come across an old brick building with the name "Hammond," "Tygart," "Fairmont," or "Bessemer" imprinted on its facade, you'll know that these were likely the products of West Virginia's once-booming fire-brick industry.

These stamped bricks are more than just construction materials – they are living artifacts that bear witness to the pivotal role played by the hardy people of Appalachia – stories of industrial ingenuity, resilience, and the enduring legacy of a small West Virginia town that dared to dream big and left an indelible mark on the construction of a nation.

Stories like these are woven into my DNA, fueling the profound connection I feel to Mountain Point's mission — preserving the legacies and ensuring the continued vitality of industrial manufacturing companies deeply rooted in rich histories — “brick by brick” or should I say “byte by byte!”