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Bricks + Brick Making
Brick making has played a pivotal role in Maine’s industrial history since the mid-19th century, particularly in the Lewiston-Auburn region. By 1880, the state produced approximately 4.5 million bricks annually. The introduction of machinery just a few years later transformed the industry, enabling brickyards to manufacture as many as 93 million bricks per year. Between 1855 and the present, nearly 40 companies have operated in the region, cementing its reputation as a center of brick production.
Traditional Craftsmanship and Materials
For much of its history, brickmaking in Maine was rooted in manual craftsmanship and the skilled use of natural materials. Traditional water-struck, open-yard bricks were produced from three essential ingredients: clay, water, and sand. These raw materials were mixed, molded, dried, and then fired in a kiln. Small variations at each stage of production contributed to a wide range of brick colors and qualities, giving Maine-made bricks their distinctive character.
Working Conditions in the Brickyards
The work of brickmaking was both demanding and physically intense, particularly during the hottest summer months. Laborers often wore minimal clothing — sometimes as little as bathing suits — while digging clay pits and constructing kilns. One piece of protective equipment, however, was considered indispensable: gloves. Handling freshly dried bricks without protection quickly wore away the skin on workers’ fingers. To address this, the Dennis Brickyard introduced a practical innovation — double-thumbed gloves. When one side wore out, workers could flip them over and continue working, saving both time and effort.
The Manual Brick-Making Process
The traditional brickmaking process in Lewiston-Auburn was highly structured and labor-intensive. Production began with the preparation of clay in a sunken pit, where clay and water were left to soak overnight. This step eliminated dry lumps that could otherwise cause cracking during drying. By morning, sand was mixed in, and the blend was agitated to form a workable material. The clay pit was typically filled and emptied once per day, establishing a steady rhythm of production.
The prepared mixture was then transferred to a “water-struck” brick machine. Inside, an auger churned the clay to maintain uniformity. A worker shoveled the mixture into the machine, while strikers — skilled laborers — operated molds to shape the bricks. Before use, the wooden molds were dipped in water to prevent sticking. Each mold, designed to form six bricks at a time, was filled with clay and leveled with a strike stick. Excess clay, known as strikings, was recycled back into the machine.
The filled molds were carried to the drying yard — a flat, sanded surface designed to prevent adhesion. Strikers overturned the molds, releasing the fresh bricks, which were then dusted with sand to slow drying and prevent cracking. Bricks were first dried flat, then turned on their sides to ensure even drying. Once firm, they were “hicked” — stacked on wooden planks to allow air circulation. To protect against rain, stacks were covered with peaked wooden structures called whaler caps or whaler boards.
Firing the Bricks
The final stage was firing, which hardened the bricks and gave them their characteristic red color. Unlike modern permanent kilns, traditional kilns were temporary structures built from the very bricks being fired. Dried bricks were stacked by setters to form the kiln’s interior, while lower-grade “barkers” formed the outer scoving. The entire kiln was sealed with a clay-and-sand mixture known as daubing to retain heat.
Once ignited, the kiln burned for several days at extremely high temperatures. During firing, all residual moisture evaporated, and the silica in the sand fused with the clay, giving the bricks strength and durability. The result was a product valued for both its utility and its distinctive appearance.
Legacy
Although physically demanding and time-consuming, this manual process produced bricks of remarkable strength and character. The brickyards of Lewiston-Auburn stand as a testament to Maine’s industrial heritage, reflecting both the ingenuity of its workers and the enduring importance of brickmaking to the region’s economic and cultural history.
