JJJ

AnonymousFeb 22, 2012 07:40 PM


Hi, I live in New Windsor, NY and I found several old bricks with JJJ inscription, in the woods behind my house. I saw they are from the Jova family brickworks. The ones I have are almost mint just weathered. They are the same as the #3 you have in your collection. Can you tell me how old they are and if they are worth anything



Thanks for any info you can give me,



Helene

Worked at JOVA yard

JackH46Feb 12, 2012 04:14 PM

I am originally from Newburgh, NY and am related to the Jova family. My grandmother's sister was married to Joseph Jova who I assume, was one of the "Jova Boys". The timeline might be right, though Uncle Joe might have been a grandson. He would have been born in the late 1800's.

I worked at the brickyard one summer between high school and college. I was a member of a seven or eight member "gang" who packed brick into the stacks that were strapped and shipped. We worked from 6 AM until 2:30 PM or whenever we packed 100,000 brick for the day. We also received a pay differential if we had to pack hot brick. We wore heavy duty leather mitts. Bathroom breaks were not encouraged. We drank water by a ladle out of a bucket. The jig in which we had to pack a 7-9 brick "line" was moved along every 10-15 seconds. It was great money for an eighteen year old, but very tough work. I drove home every day covered in red dust.

A high school buddy and his wife stayed with us on their travels. He gave me a "Jova" brick that he found since he worked on the construction of the Danskammer power plant. I've been back once or twice, but I could not find anything I recognized.

I enjoyed reading your site.

Jack Hornbeck, Norfolk, VA

JJJ, EMPIRE and McGrath

J Payne said...
I am currently watching demolition of buildings in Amtraks Sunnyside Yard in Queens New York. Buildings have stood since 1909 have found following bricks among the rubble. JJJ brick, EMPIRE bricks and McGrath bricks. Ive taken photos of all. Ive found the Jova brick info can you help with the others?