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All the United States New York State New York City Brooklyn Brooklyn Clay Retort and Fire Bricks Works Storehouse

Brooklyn Clay Retort and Fire Bricks Works Storehouse

The factory that helped produce a dominant form of lighting before Thomas Edison.

Brooklyn, New York

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It's believed that this factory produced the United States's first clay retorts and fire bricks. Clay retorts and fire bricks made it possible to use burning gas as a source of light. This was a novel idea in the mid-1800s, as before then, people relied on gas, candles, and oil lamps to stave off darkness.

Fire bricks serve as lining in heat-intensive environments such as kilns and furnaces, and clay retorts are the airtight vessels where coal is burned to produce gas.

The three-kiln factory, which began producing clay retorts and fire bricks in 1859, continued production until the early 1930s. It was later bought and restored by Greg O'Connell, a Red Hook developer. The space now houses the Carvart Glass Company, which creates architectural glass products for noteworthy New York City buildings.

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Mordy

Edited By

Martin

  • Martin

Published

August 5, 2012

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  • http://www.brownstoner.com/blog/2013/06/building-of-the-day-76-van-dyke-street/
Brooklyn Clay Retort and Fire Bricks Works Storehouse
76 Van Dyke Street
Brooklyn, New York, 11231
United States
40.675021, -74.013365
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Nearby Places

Fort Defiance

Brooklyn, New York

miles away

P.S. 15, Patrick F. Daly School

Brooklyn, New York

miles away

The Red Hook Stores

Brooklyn, New York

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Brooklyn

Brooklyn

New York

Places 241
Stories 46

Nearby Places

Fort Defiance

Brooklyn, New York

miles away

P.S. 15, Patrick F. Daly School

Brooklyn, New York

miles away

The Red Hook Stores

Brooklyn, New York

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Brooklyn

Brooklyn

New York

Places 241
Stories 46

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