A Brickyard in East Portland - c. 1905
Thousands of bricks are carefully arranged in rows to dry in the sun at this traditional brickyard located somewhere in East Portland. Two scove kilns, or field kilns, are located to the left.The brick making process begins in the clay worker at the upper right, a large mixing machine powered by two horses. Brick molds are inserted and removed at the bottom, and the green bricks are then stacked to dry for several weeks.
Scove kilns, unlike more modern permanent kilns, are built of stacks of unfinished bricks themselves. Arches running the length of the stack allow them to be fired by wood for about a week, tended continuously by the brickyard workers. After another week of cooling, the kilns are dismantled and the bricks are ready. Not all are first quality - inside bricks tend to get burned, while outer bricks are soft and are suitable only for interior locations.
-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.
Photographer | Unknown |
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Location | Portland, Multnomah County |
Decade | 1900s |
Print Maker | Old Oregon |
Original Type | Medium-size Print |
Size of Original | 4.7 x 6.5 inches |