Brick by brick

Custom Home, May-June, 2002 by Katy Tomasulo

Proving that pavers don't have to be ordinary, Historical Bricks supplies three types of brick originally crafted and used decades ago in locations in the Midwest. With the name of the original manufacturer impressed in each one, reclaimed Midwestern street pavers, which were removed and buffed when roads were paved over, are rich with history. "Everyone was very proud of the bricks they made then," says John Gavin, who co-owns the company with his brother, Patrick. Also available are one-of-a-kind "clinkers," bricks that were discarded because they became deformed or discolored after getting too close to the heat in the kiln. The company's antique kiln firebrick also was tossed out decades ago. Used to line the kilns, these pieces were fired up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit hundreds of times, giving each unique hues of red, purple, pink, and yellow. The company says it has quantities to support most residential projects, www. historicalbricks.com. Circle 429

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