CHAPTER XL 



THE NEW JERSEY BRICKMAKING 

 INDUSTRY. 



CONTENTS. 



History. 



Methods of manufacture. 

 Preparation. 

 Tempering. 

 Molding. 

 Drying. 

 Shrinkage measurements. 

 Tests of New Jersey bricks. 

 Explanation of tests. 

 Crushing test. 

 Transverse test. 

 Absorption test. 

 Explanation of table. 

 Table of brick tests. 

 Comments on brick tests. 

 Directory of brick manufacturers. 



HISTORY. 



The brick industry in New Jersey dates back to a very early 

 period, and I am indebted to Mr. Geo. E. Fell, of Trenton, for 

 much of the following information regarding the early periods 

 •of its development. 



At the time of the Revolution, when Trenton was but a small 

 village, the few brick buildings then erected were constructed 

 chiefly of brick brought from England, and until a few years 

 ago two such stood on Warren street, about ioo feet north of 

 \V. Hanover street. About the time of the Revolution, however, 

 a few bricks were made on the north bank of Assanpink creek, 

 ^between Broad street and Montgomery street, although it is very 

 •doubtful whether these were the first bricks made in the State. 



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