The Labor Of Laying Each Brick By Hand

from "Hometown USA"
from “Hometown USA”

In this turn-of-the-century shot, these men were finishing paving Main Street in Watertown, Wisconsin. The pic was taken by Henry Bergman in 1900. A wider shot includes the foreman to the left. I think I’d prefer his job. Easier on the joints.

HometownBricks003

And these days? Well, they do it like this.

http://inhabitat.com/amazing-brick-machine-rolls-out-roads-like-carpet/
http://inhabitat.com/amazing-brick-machine-rolls-out-roads-like-carpet/

9 thoughts on “The Labor Of Laying Each Brick By Hand”

      1. Haha, I thought that Fannie’s comment was just “generally speaking”, but then I saw yours and looked at the first-hand evidence of that in the pic. Joints vs. waistline…. a classic battle!

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  3. That is a heck of a difference. The side walks in Santa Barbra Ca. appear to be made of large paving stones, when in reality they are colored concrete with patterns pressed into it with large stencils. I think the Road o Matic 6000 is a lot cooler. How the heck does it work. Must investigate.

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  4. So much coolness! I do think there’s a certain appeal of bricklaying – that you can do some work, and it’s straightforward and easy to view your progress – but I find that “Machinale Bestratingen” amazing, and definitely easier on the joints!

    But I really am going to miss vest-wearing foremen with cool hats. Hopefully that style comes back soon! (Arto at least wears cool hats, so that’s something)

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