Ellis Ohio Muskingum County Brick Plant Occupational 1908 Real Photo Postcard

This early 20th-century brick plant, likely located in Ellis, Ohio, exemplifies a foundational industry crucial to America's rapid urbanization and industrial expansion. The image captures multiple dome-shaped kilns, characteristic of intermittent down-draft types (such as beehive kilns), alongside industrial buildings and towering smokestacks, indicating a bustling manufacturing operation producing essential building materials.

During this period, local brickworks like this one were indispensable, supplying the durable components needed for homes, factories, and civic infrastructure. Utilizing abundant regional clay deposits, these plants provided significant employment and fueled local economies, representing the widespread reliance on brick as a primary construction material before the widespread adoption of concrete and steel in residential and commercial building.