Stolen Missouri Bricks: Novelty, Nostalgia and Theft

We learn early in our lives that taking something that doesn’t belong to us is wrong. Quickly though we begin to create scenarios whereby what we’ve taken -or what’s been taken that ends up in our possession is somehow a grey area in the world of wrong and right.

Can you tell the difference?

Bricks - antique, historical or otherwise seem like a fairly benign building block. You might be surprised to learn that there is a market for old bricks. In an old city like St. Louis bricks were put down layer by layer onto the original streets of the city, along the river bank of the Mississippi (and Missouri -in St. Charles), and of course to build the homes within the city.

Bricks along the St. Louis riverfront

Following the tornado that tore through Forest Park and parts of north St. Louis neighborhoods, bricks are scattered around buildings that used to stand whole. It wasn’t long before trucks showed up -not to collect the bricks to rebuild the compromised structure- but to collect the bricks for use in other areas, other projects or to sell to the highest bidder.

Damaged St. Louis building - idle bricks

Some of the bricks made a century or so ago have specific markings. Some may be ornamental with embossed logos or symbols. Many will also have makers markings, specifically from the city or community they were used in.

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These bricks are highly sought after for special projects by some, whether for public or private usage. Someone who grew up in a particular area of St. Louis may desire to have bricks with distinct markings as accent pieces for a patio project, walkway or steps, and they will pay extra to have them. This is why some people see opportunity to take what doesn’t belong to them- $.