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The Chief Bricks Journal

Real-world advice replaces fluff here.

Explore expert insights on reclaimed materials, design trends, installation guides, case studies, and the history behind the bricks and stones that shape today’s best projects.

History
What Makes the New York Cobblestones So Special?

What Makes the New York Cobblestones So Special?

New York City cobblestones are cherished for their role in the city’s development and the unique aesthetic and character they add to historic neighborhoods. 

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BricksHistory
Exploring History at the Haverstraw Brick Museum

Exploring History at the Haverstraw Brick Museum

Situated in the historic Hudson Valley, the Haverstraw Brick Museum tells the story of how Haverstraw, Rockland County, New York, rose to become the brickmaking capital of the world.

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BricksHistory
Exploring Landmarks Built with Hudson Valley Brick

Exploring Landmarks Built with Hudson Valley Brick

Discover the surprising story behind some of America's most famous structures. Explore a list of iconic Landmarks Built with Hudson Valley Brick.

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BricksHistory
Women in the Brickyards: An Overlooked Chapter in Haverstraw’s History

Women in the Brickyards: An Overlooked Chapter in Haverstraw’s History

Discover the untold history of women in Haverstraw’s brickyards—their struggles, resilience, and contributions to the brick industry.

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History
Cobblestone vs. Belgian Block, What's The Difference?

Cobblestone vs. Belgian Block, What's The Difference?

The terms Cobblestone and Belgian block are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct types of paving materials with different characteristics and histories.

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BricksHistory
History of Brick Manufacturing in the Hudson Valley

History of Brick Manufacturing in the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley in New York has a rich history of brick manufacturing that stretches back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

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BricksHistory
Brick Making Process In The Hudson Valley In The 1800s and 1900s

Brick Making Process In The Hudson Valley In The 1800s and 1900s

In the 1800s and 1900s, the brick-making process in the Hudson Valley was heavily influenced by the region's natural resources and advancements in technology.

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BricksHistory
What Makes The Hudson Valley Bricks So Special?

What Makes The Hudson Valley Bricks So Special?

Bricks reclaimed from the Hudson Valley are especially prized for their high quality, durability, and historical character.

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BricksHistory
10 Facts About Billions of New York Bricks

10 Facts About Billions of New York Bricks

How original New York bricks came to build the area's strongest, most durable and classic-looking architecture and why reclaimed and recycled brick is still widely used in construction today.

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