At one time, there were numerous brickyards in Knox County. Most produced a "soft" brick, used in the construction of buildings, but the Purington Paving Brick Company in East Galesburg manufactured heavy, solid "paving" bricks used all over the United States. It was once the largest brick-maker in the world. Although no longer in business, the old brickyards, located just north of milepost 51 on Interstate 74, remain. Overgrown with weeds large trees and brush, the crumbling buildings and kilns can be still be seen. Wildlife has taken over the land where over 800 workers once used the blue shale and yellow soil to produced over 150,000 bricks a day. By 1948 paving bricks were no longer in demand, so the company switched over to producing the 2x4x8 inch facing bricks used for buildings. The brickyard officially closed in 1974. At one time the brickyard was owned by Marge Schott, who also...
At one time, there were numerous brickyards in Knox County. Most produced a "soft" brick, used in the construction of buildings, but the Purington Paving Brick Company in East Galesburg manufactured heavy, solid "paving" bricks used all over the United States. It was once the largest brick-maker in the world. Although no longer in business, the old brickyards, located just north of milepost 51 on Interstate 74, remain. Overgrown with weeds large trees and brush, the crumbling buildings and kilns can be still be seen. Wildlife has taken over the land where over 800 workers once used the blue shale and yellow soil to produced over 150,000 bricks a day. By 1948 paving bricks were no longer in demand, so the company switched over to producing the 2x4x8 inch facing bricks used for buildings. The brickyard officially closed in 1974. At one time the brickyard was owned by Marge Schott, who also owned the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Below is a list of relevant links that share more information about the properties history.
In addition to a tremendous and unique business opportunity this farm offers some incredible hunting opportunities for monster whitetails and long bearded eastern wild turkeys! The topography consists of creek bottoms, thick bedding throughout the property, several water sources, and big ridges that allow this property to hold and grow mature bucks.There is currently a brick mining business in place on the property. There is over $1,000,000. in estimated marketable bricks remaining on the property which makes this property an incredible investment opportunity. There is a current employee working for a percentage of the brick sales, not a salary. All of the equipment used to run the business is available for sale to the buyer of the property. The current employee is happy to stay on and keep the operation going. Just last April the current owners sold $30,000.00 worth of bricks, they have achieved this with little marketing, which makes for a great opportunity for the new owner to make this property a profitable investment.
270 acres more or less located in Knox County Illinois
$783,000 ($2900/acre)
17 Acres tillable that provides an additional $2300 of yearly income
2 Large ponds, 2 smaller ponds
Bucks recently harvested in the 170s, 160s and 150s
Located on Court Creek
Enrolled in Forestry Program that allows for lower taxation
Current equipment that is being used in the brick operation can be purchased for an additional $50,000
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