Eight million support The Ridges, and millions more compose an entire town in Guatemala. They're scattered in the streets and buildings of Athens and were sold for 25 cents in 1993.
Originally an economic staple and export of southeast Ohio, the Athens block, or brick, has become a cultural keepsake for Ohio University seniors and Athens residents who want to use these pieces of history in new ways.
James Robinson, owner of the Athens Block Art Studio, 129 Grosvenor St., said even though they look identical, each Athens brick was fired differently and has specific shapes or colors.
We don't have seashells here in Ohio
Robinson said. This is almost like southeast Ohio's version of a seashell because each brick is different.
Building Blocks
With a rich clay supply, southeastern Ohio was an ideal location to erect several brick plants.
The Athens Brick Company plant was opened in 1890 and was located on Stimson Avenue, where the post office sits today. Just down U.S. Route 33 in Nelsonville, five brick plants were erected during the 1800s, including the Nelsonville Brick Company in 1871.
That company became known for its famous Nelsonville Star Brick, named for the imprinted star pattern on it.
Workers would sometimes add their own touches to the bricks to identify them later on the street or in building structures, Robinson said.
Throughout the late 1800s, these bricks were shipped all across the world; but in the early 1900s, the primary method of paving sidewalks and streets switched to tar and pavement, leading to the closing of many brick plants in southeast Ohio, Robinson added. None remains in operation today.
Today, though, the trademark bricks aren't just for construction.
They're being used to hold doors open and even as pieces in a sculpture garden, which Robinson and the studio's co-owner, Erin Robinson, make.
He said they try to put the same personal touch into their replicas, just like the workers used to do with the originals.
The bricks create a whole generation of stories James Robinson said. You'd think they'd be forgotten but they're such a strong connection (to the past).
Maintaining History
Many of the bricks in Athens are more than 200 years old, requiring regular care and repair.
Mike Gebeke, executive director of Facilities Management at OU, said there's no specific amount set aside in the budget for maintenance of the bricks, but the department is allowed to ask for funds if necessary.
It's on an as-needed basis
Gebeke said. But I always hope I don't have to use it.
The centuries-old bricks that are still visible on campus are almost all in the sidewalks, so they're still in fairly good condition because they don't experience as much wear and tear as roads, Gebeke said.
Although the bricks that make up the sidewalks and roads are old and hard, newer bricks used to build campus structures such as Bentley Hall are actually fairly soft.
Gebeke said bricks are effective as paving material because workers can pull them up, carry out their maintenance and then put them back without a problem.
They're actually in pretty good shape
he said. If we can
we'll reset them. We'll save them and try to use them somewhere else.
Stolen Souvenirs
As a memento of their time at OU, some graduating seniors might try to remove bricks from the streets, sidewalks or surrounding areas.
If an individual is caught stealing an Athens brick, it is considered a theft and falls under the category of a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine or 30 days in jail, said Athens Police Chief Rick Mayer.
Missing bricks that create uneven traveling surfaces and cause problems for drivers or pedestrians could be considered vandalism, he added.
If it creates a hazard in the roadway
that could make (the penalty) more serious
Mayer said.
Despite the penalties, many OU students and visitors want the bricks as a reminder of their time in Athens - showing that the Athens block remains an important part of the area's culture.
I don't know how culturally significant they are to students
but they're definitely important to the town
said Aundrea Mick, a senior studying anthropology. I see them everywhere around town.
James Robinson said the bricks will continue to have special meaning to anyone who visits or lives in Athens.
Bricks really get into your blood if you've been here
he said.
