Journey over the channels of history.
During the recent initiation of the parking lot renovation at the Bismarck Depot, our team made a historical discovery: bricks from the renowned Athens Brick Company. This remarkable find highlighted the journey of these simple bricks through the channels of history.
The renovation project had just begun, with machinery and workers bustling about, when a loud clink caught everyone's attention. An excavator had unearthed an old, weathered brick bearing the distinct “Athens Brick Co.” mark. Intrigued, the foreman called for a halt to examine the find.
We quickly realized the significance of what lay beneath the asphalt. Thousands of Athens Bricks were uncovered, each a piece of history hidden for decades. The Athens Brick Company was famous for its durable, high-quality bricks, and finding them at the Bismarck Depot connected us to a bygone era.
To aid in the careful excavation, we were joined by the enthusiastic members of the Saint Mary Central High School Football team headed up by Toby Schweitzer. Their youthful energy and dedication were invaluable as we painstakingly unearthed each brick. Known for their strength on the field, the boys showed remarkable precision and care in handling the delicate task. Their help turned what could have been a routine construction project into a community event.
As we unearthed more bricks, we marveled at their journey. These bricks had likely been transported from Ohio, bearing witness to the expansion and development of our region. Each one had been part of structures that stood the test of time, contributing to the growth and history of Bismarck.
The bricks will now be preserved and incorporated into the new design of the depot, serving as a tangible link to our past. A special section of the new parking lot will showcase these historical artifacts, with a plaque explaining their significance and the story of their discovery.
