Wednesday, June 17, 2009

R C P C BRICK

1893 Columbian Exposition
Q: I found a brick from the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. It is 9 inches by 5 inches, and has two circles with a man's image and another image I cannot identify. The letters R R and C C are in the corners. Do you know if this brick has any value or historical significance?

A: Your brick commemorates the 1893 Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair. It was made by the Robinson Clay Products Co. of Akron, Ohio. R C P C are the raised letters in the corners. The conjoined circles bear two images: Columbus stepping into the "New World" on the left, and on the right, an imprint of the medal awarded to Robinson Clay Co. for having the best brick at the fair. These bricks were used as spacers between bricks for street surfacing and have sold for around $150.

1 comment:

sonia said...

I believe the RCPC brick came from the No. 7 plant of Robinson Clay in Malvern, Ohio. The No. 4 plant was in Akron. I am sec. of our historical society and we have several of these bricks in our bldg. and in our walkway to our gazebo in our Veterans Park.
Was nice seeing it on here. thanks