Cook Brick, State Farm, Taunton, Mass.

I went to Lower Roxbury to a site where a friend told me there were heaps of bricks. It was the Royal Fire Door building at 35 Norfolk Avenue. The fire was almost a year ago, but they haven’t even fenced it off properly. There were nice old Cook brick in one corner. The rest was all blank except for a couple of Don. B. Co. and one New England Brick Co.

Cook brick on the rubble at 31 Norfolk Ave, Roxbury.

After the fire, the Royal Fire Door building 35 Norfolk St, Lower Roxbury.

From The Bridgewater Book, 1899:

From Brick and Clay Record, Vol. 55, No. 5, August 26th, 1919:

Massachusetts

The Gruebite Co. has been incorporated at Boston to manufacture and deal in clay products. The incorporators are William H. Grueby, James M. Curley and Vassar Pierce, all of Boston. The corporation has a capital of $75,000.

The long forecasted increase in price of brick in Boston, delivered on the job, has taken place and dealers are now quoting $19. The demand is showing some increase also but few are willing to say that business is brisk. Increased wages for brick yard workers is mainly responsible for the higher price.

Announcement is made in New York brick circles of the acquisition of the brick manufacturing plant at Otter River, Mass., by new interests, which have organized under the name of the Otter River Brick Co., to run the yard. This property was previously operated by Edward F. Fish, who died recently, and comprises a main molding works, kiln, dryhouse, blacksmith shop and camp building. It is valued at about $10,000. The new company has inaugurated production with about 30 men, and is planning to increase this number at an early date. Extensive plans for production are in view.

The plant of the Otter River Brick Co. at Gardner, Mass.. one of the largest brickyards in central Massachusetts, has been purchased by D. H. Morse of Gardner from the estate of Edward B. Fish who operated it up until the time of his death about a month ago. The Otter River plant was owned for a number of years by Charles H. Leathe who sold the business to Fish some time ago. The company at present employs about 25 men but Mr. Morse plans to increase the force at once in order that he may meet the increasing demands for his output. He will continue business under the old name of the Otter River Brick Co.

E. L. Cook who operates a large brick yard at State Farm. Mass., is experiencing some difficulty in obtaining sufficient help for his establishment. He has been offering bonuses to men with families who will be willing to take boarders. The Cook plant, which is located in the town of Titicut, 31 miles south of Boston, is one of the most modern in the vicinity and is equipped with steam shovel, cable conveyors, steam dryer and other improved machinery. Mr. Cook is finding little difficulty in disposing of his output.