Why bricks? The historic emblem of the Athens community
Photo via: Jack Slemenda/The New Political
The Athens block emblem is prominently displayed on brown, red and orange bricks across the city. At every angle of Court Street, a brick can be seen; built into historical buildings, traveling down the roads and sidewalks. In an Athens Comprehensive Plan, maintaining the identity of Athens is deeply rooted in its ever-changing history since the first industrious settlement in 1800. Established cities wish to be identified or branded to leave an impact on their visitors and residents. Successful communities work hard to construct their image to foster a feeling of place and individuality. A great example of this effort is the maintenance of the Athens bricks and the construction of a diverse, historical and connected town.
The History of the Bricks
European settlers landed along the Hocking River in 1797 and not long after, in 1800, roads were built to access industries and farmland. The first established industries in Athens consisted of iron, coal and clay mining. Using local industries, the mining of clay and iron became very important construction materials. As the city started to gain traction, more buildings and roads were built using bricks.
The reason Athens is covered in bricks dates back to the early settlements. During this time, conflicts between Native Americans and white settlers were widespread, leading to the destruction of many buildings, primarily by burning down structures. As a result, very few structures from before 1800 remain. Industrial growth soon followed, with one of the area’s first iron furnaces built in 1806, beginning iron production by 1808. By the Civil War, Ohio had become one of the country’s top iron producers. This rise in iron production played a key role in the region’s brick industry. Iron ore deposits are often found above large clay reserves, and as iron production grew, so did brick manufacturing. With an abundance of clay available, the Hocking Valley became a major hub for brick production, eventually supporting 17 clay factories.
Bricks stamped with names like “The Neon Block,” “Nelsonville Paver,” “Hallwood Block” and
“Athena” can still be found on streets, sidewalks and alleys, while the “Building” brick has made its way into big cities across the U.S. and even overseas. Brick-making in Ohio took off after the iron industry started winding down, with the Hocking Valley becoming a major center for production. But bricks were already being made in Ohio and Indiana before the Civil War, using the same traditional methods that had been around for centuries in places like New England and Germany. Back then, brickmakers were highly skilled craftsmen, so much so that they even took part in the Grand Federal Procession in Philadelphia on July 4, 1788, showing just how important the trade was in early American history.
As Athens became a developed city, the product remained unchanged for 60 years. The making and use of brick was standard for homes, hospitals and academic buildings. The bricks vary in unique ways and some have different colors such as orange, brown and red. Athens historical articles claim the bricks obtain these colors from burning, and some from withheld oxygen, creating darker colors and adding oxygen to create lighter colors. Brick was made in Athens from 1815 to around 1920. Cutler Hall was built in 1816 using bricks manufactured near the current buildings. In 1867, an order was placed for 12 million bricks for the first construction of the Athens State Hospital.
A Sentimental Connection
The initial role of the bricks was to provide ways of industry in its first settlements. Now, the bricks hold a sentimental stance among many students at Ohio U and Athens residents. In a city comprehensive plan regarding Athens’s culture and history, many older residents voice the uniqueness of Athens and discuss a disinterest in homogeneity. Further, residents want to maintain the bricks of Athens because it draws the community together for festivals and events.
Throughout the years, Athens has built a bonded community, working together to hold events and festivals that many residents and students enjoy. Court Street events stretch from the Homecoming parade celebrating alumni and the Halloween Weekend Block Party to the Community Arts and Music Festival and the Bounty on the Bricks farmers market event. Festivities held are remembered among many who have spent time with friends and family along the Court Street bricks.
In a “BrickBlog,” students were asked about what the bricks on campus meant to them. Students say the bricks bring a compelling, historical and unique addition to the campus. A lot of students have been known to want to take a brick after graduation. One student mentioned that she wanted to take one to be able to remember her four years spent at Ohio U. Another student mentioned that it brings a sense of belonging and connectedness between the students and the campus.
“The bricks of Athens, are Athens,” one student says, “if you go to another city and say what the bricks mean to you, people will think you’re crazy, but in Athens, the bricks and structures are what the university is.”
“When bricks get into your blood and your veins, it just becomes part of the heart of Athens,” James Robinson said, an artist who repurposes historic bricks.
In a WOUB article, Tim Carrico wrote about Robinson’s connection to the bricks on campus, “It’s a common thread that kind of bonds them all together,” Robinson said. “They all have a brick story. There’s a little piece of brick history in all of us. Everybody [has] tripped over a brick or sprained their ankle on a hole where a brick was supposed to be.” Small instances of brick mishaps make the bricks more meaningful to students over time.
Students and alumni have a sentimental and symbolic connection with the bricks after years of work and school at Ohio U. The urge to take a brick to commemorate students’ time in Athens is a common theme among students. Many have made it a custom to take a keepsake with them as they leave Athens, namely one of the famed Athens Blocks. Although, this is considered property damage and can result in a first-degree misdemeanor according to the Athens police. In an Athens News article, former Athens Police Chief Tom Pyle noted, “It is mostly an issue toward [the] commencement time frame.”
Maintaining the memories
Bricks have played a huge role in shaping the distinct atmosphere of Ohio U’s campus, giving it a timeless and historic charm. Over the years, efforts have been made to preserve and restore these bricks, recognizing their importance not just in architecture but also in the school’s identity.
Robinson and his wife, Eva — both Ohio U graduates — took their appreciation a step further.
They initially saved bricks from the Hocking River Trail to use in their garden but soon realized they weren’t alone in their attachment to these pieces of history. Many other alumni had their own brick-related stories, leading the couple to find a creative way to commemorate the experience. Through ceramic bricks, brick blocks, and other artistic expressions, they sought to honor the lasting connection between Ohio U, its students, and the brick legacy that defines the region. For more than 12 years, the Robinsons’ worked “brick-by-brick” to keep the tradition alive in the hearts of community members, he told WOUB.
More than just industry materials, Ohio U’s bricks are a symbol of nostalgia, identity, and tradition, woven into the experience of every student who has walked its pathways. They are a defining feature of the campus, shaping and creating a sense of continuity between generations.
Beyond their visual appeal, these bricks also represent local pride, showcasing the craftsmanship of Athens and the rich history of brick-making in the Hocking Valley. Their presence on campus serves as a reminder of the university’s deep-rooted connection to the community and the stories of those who have called Athens “hOUme”.
This article was published in TNP’s Spring 2025 Print edition.