Brick Streets

Looking south from Hamilton Street and North Main Street, 1901

Looking south from Hamilton Street and North Main Street, 1901

I always liked this picture because I know exactly where it is, having driven and ridden my bike past this spot probably hundreds of times. I knew that when I saw the Dr. Shoop building in the distance, I was close to crossing the river into downtown. From the caption: “Vitrified paving brick was first tried in 1893 on a single block at the foot of Main Street. In 1897, College Avenue was paved with brick from one end to the other. Five blocks of this pavement are still in use. North Main Street, from Dodge to Goold streets, became the second major brick thoroughfare in 1901. This view is looking south from near Hamilton Street. The Dr. Shoop building is in the distance. The man facing the camera at left with his hands in his pockets is William McIlrath, the inspector; to his right in the long overcoat is the contractor, Richard Birdsall.”

1500 block of College Avenue

1500 block of College Avenue

This should be around 1897 — College Avenue being paved with bricks

2 thoughts on “Brick Streets

  1. Would you be able to tell me the history of the road that would of been built below 1725 Spring Place. I am currently make in garden in the backyard and I’m realizing that my whole entire backyard has bricks below it, I would appreciate annd information you might have. Thank you

    • I’m going to post this to our Racine History Facebook group. There are many experts there who may be able to answer the question.

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