Sayre and Fisher Reading Room facts for kids
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Sayre and Fisher Reading Room
Sayreville Hall |
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 Location in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main Street and River Road Sayreville, New Jersey |
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| Built | 1883 |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001511 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 12, 1979 |
The Sayre and Fisher Reading Room is a historic building in Sayreville, New Jersey. It was built in 1883. People used it for fun activities and to see the amazing bricks made by the Sayre and Fisher Brick Company. This building is also known as Sayreville Hall. In 1979, it was added to important lists of historic places. These lists are the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. For many years, it was like the town's library, even though it wasn't officially one.
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What Was the Sayre and Fisher Brick Company?
The Sayre and Fisher Brick Company started in 1850. It was founded by James R. Sayre, Jr., and Peter Fisher. This company grew to be one of the biggest brick makers in the United States. They made many types of bricks. These included building bricks, fire bricks, and shiny enamel bricks.
How Did Sayreville Get Its Name?
In 1876, the area around a village called Wood's Landing was renamed. It became known as Sayreville. This new name honored James R. Sayre, Jr., one of the company's founders. The company eventually bought most of the factories along the Raritan River.
How Big Was the Brick Company?
By 1905, the Sayre and Fisher Brick Company was huge. It had a complex that stretched for two miles. This complex included 13 separate work yards. By 1912, they were making 62 million bricks every year! The company provided jobs for many people in the area. Some workers even lived in houses built by the company.
What Else Did the Company Have?
The company complex was like a small town itself. It had a power plant to make electricity. There was also a granary, a bakery, and a slaughterhouse. They had a coal yard, an ice plant, and a general store. For repairs, they had a machine shop and a blacksmith shop.
Famous Buildings Made with Sayre and Fisher Bricks
Many famous buildings were built using bricks from this company. These include the tall Empire State Building in New York City. The Rockefeller Center also used their bricks. Even the base of the Statue of Liberty was made with their bricks. The Brooklyn Academy of Music is another example.
What Happened to the Brick Company?
Brick making slowed down a lot during the Great Depression. This was a tough time for the economy. However, the company recovered and made money into the 1960s. The Sayre and Fisher plant finally closed in 1970.
What Remains Today?
Most of the old factory buildings were torn down. But the Sayre and Fisher Reading Room is still standing. Some of the company's old housing buildings also remain. The old water tower has been fixed up and looks good again.
