Brick and Tile Factory

Griff Smith and Charles Johnson started a brick and tile factory in the 1880’s. The factory operated on the north edge of Center Point in the area of the present Center Point Cemetery addition and Fross Park. Clay for making the bricks was taken from two different spots on the banks of the river. The clay was hauled in a two-wheeled wagon called a dump cart. Water was sprinkled on the clay as the pit was filled. The next day, horses were used to turn a big sweep that mixed the clay. The clay was poured into wooden molds. The molds were kept in water when not in use, so sand would adhere to the sides and keep the clay from sticking. When the molds were filled, they were put on carts and taken to the drying yard. The final step involved firing the bricks in a kiln. The bricks were pushed to the center of the kiln with long-handled tools shaped like a hoe. The fire was kept burning day and night for about ten days. Then the kiln was tightly closed and the bricks were left for several days to cool.

Chas. Johnson brick and tile factory in 1910. (L to R) Mr. Johnson, Paul Johnson, Orval Johnson and Clair Johnson.

The tile mill was a much larger mill and had two horses hitched at each end of the sweep. The clay pit was filled and then the clay was forced through a form on to a revolving table where it was cut into lengths. The tile was then taken into large sheds with shelves where they were stood on end to dry. Although this industry showed a great deal of promise, it closed about 1910. --From a letter by Pearl Johnson