Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.116 |
Object Name |
Brick |
Title |
John A. Roebling's Sons Company Brick |
Description |
This reddish-brown rectangular brick comes with a note that reads, "An original brick from the John A. Roebling Company. Given by Robert A. Vecere, Sr., a former employee." According to the Trenton City Museum, John A. Roebling founded the John A. Roebling's Sons Company in 1841. Initially based in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, the company moved to Trenton, New Jersey, in 1848 and later opened an additional factory in Roebling, New Jersey, in 1905. The company became widely known for its manufacturing of wire rope, which was used in suspension bridges, elevators, cable cars, tramways, airplanes, shipping, mining, construction, ski lifts, electrical lines, telegraphs and telephones, wire cloth and screens, and pre-stressed concrete. Roebling's wire rope was integral to the construction of famous bridges such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the George Washington Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge. For many years, the Roebling family business was one of the largest employers in the city of Trenton. In 1953, the family sold the plants to the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company. The Trenton plant closed in 1973, and the Roebling plant followed shortly after in 1974. John Roebling, born June 12, 1806, in Muehlhausen, Prussia, immigrated to America in 1831. He initially joined a farming colony in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, but, realizing he was ill-suited for farming, he transitioned to part-time surveying and construction work. By the late 1840s, Roebling had achieved considerable success, allowing him to move his operation to Trenton. His international reputation grew with the construction of the Niagara Bridge in 1855. After the American Civil War, Roebling expanded his operations and brought his sons into the business. Towards the end of his life, he began drafting plans for the Brooklyn Bridge, though he passed away in 1869 before its completion. The Brooklyn Bridge would go on to become the longest suspension bridge of its time. Citations: John A. Roebling’s Sons Company - Trenton City Museum. Trenton City Museum . (2016, May 6). https://ellarslie.org/john-a-roebling-sons-company/ John Augustus Roebling. American Society of Civil Engineers. (n.d.). https://www.asce.org/about-civil-engineering/history-and-heritage/notable-civil-engineers/john-augustus-roebling |
Year Range from |
1841 |
Year Range to |
1973 |
Artist |
John A. Roebling's Sons Company |
Height (in) |
4.000 |
Length (in) |
8.000 |
Width (in) |
2.000 |
Condition |
Poor |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Abrasions, corrosion, and accretions throughout. Front: There are abrasions and corrosion throughout Right Side: There are abrasions and corrosion throughout. Also, there is a large abrasion near the upper right corner. Back: There are abrasions and corrosion throughout. Also, there is a black discoloration all over the right side. Left Side: There is corrosion and abrasions all over. Also, there are black accretions on the center near the right side. Top: There is corrosion and wear all over. Bottom: There is corrosion, wear, and black accretions all over. Also, there is a crack near the upper right corner. |
People |
John Roebling Ferdinand Roebling |
Classification |
Business & Commerce |
Subjects |
Bridge construction Brides Bricks Brickwork Bricklaying Brick industry Clay Architecture |
Search Terms |
John Roebling Roebling Roeblings John A. Roebling's Sons Company Brick Clay Red Brown 19th Century 20th Century 1841 1973 John A. Roebling's Sons Company Brick |
Provenance |
Found in collection. This object was likely given to the library by Robert A. Vecere, Sr. at some point. |