Bricksburg and Bergen Iron Works, 1870

From New Jersey Courier 9 Nov 1870
On the first instant we paid our esteemed friend, A. Jameson, Esq., of Bricksburg, a visit. We found him full of business, and received from him the same honest cordial greeting , as of olden time. Our friend at the present time is the president and general manager of a new enterprise which he has inaugurated at Bricksburg, a few miles to the north of us.

When we knew A. Jameson long years ago, we always found him the same truthful, temperate, upright and industrious man as now. Scrupulously prompt in his business he, as a matter of course, succeeded. With an energy that brooked no denial, he has worked his way up, until he has become a self made man, and the architect of his own fortune. We rejoice at his prosperity.

After a cordial interchange of friendly greeting, we placed ourselves under his guidance, and we proceeded to visit his water power, formerly known as Bergen Iron Works. A large massive well built raceway has been constructed underground running from the lake to the wheelpit, where the water has a fine fall upon one of Warren's American Turbine Wheels, one of the very best wheels made. From the wheelpit an arched raceway some two hundred feet long, built of Trenton stone, carries the water to the stream, known as Metedeconk River. Over this wheel pit an office is to be built.

In immediate connection with the pit, is a fine brick machine shop, two stories high, situated east and west, and in dimensions 150 feet by 50 feet. From the westerly end of the machine shop runs the brick smith shop in a northerly direction 141 feet by 40. On the east end runs a foundry at right angles north 60 feet by 60 feet, leaving a fine square between the foundry, smith, and machine shop, in which a rail track is to be laid, so as to facilitate transportation. These buildings are all connected intimately with each other. They are well built, of the best material, and in a workmanlike manner. The brickwork is being done by Mr. Wainwright of Farmingdale, and the woodwork by Mr. Perkins, of Bricksburg. (NOTE: Later, on November 22nd, 1870 the paper will correct this statement, that Mr. Jameson informed them that the Master Builder was actually Mr. G.W. Fox, of Bricksburg

The buildings themselves are very finely proportioned and a credit to the energy and sagacity of Mr. Jameson. They propose to manufacture a general iron and machine business as they may find advantageous, for instance, anvils, vices, car wheels, general hardware, and anything that turns up with money in it. They also propose to let out power to smaller operators on favorable terms. The Company has a very liberal charter, have fixed their capital at $200,000 and taken up three fourths of it, which Mr. J. thinks will be ample to meet their needs.

The Manufacturing Company have also by means of driving piles along the banks of the lake, and raising an additional two feet emabankment, secured a much larger reservoir and more power at their command. They have also purchased the tract of land on the hill between the two ponds and lakds, and have erected some very nice, neat and handsome houses, which reflect credit on the general manager. This hill sectin between the lakes is destined to become one of the most attractive sites for buildings about Bricksburg. These houses and lots will be sold at very reasonable figures and a reasonable credit.

To connect the shops with the S.N.J. R.R., a spur and turntable has been built, by which cars can be loaded or unloaded right in the shops, and then sent off. This will save much heavy lifting, teaming, etc. In short, heavy work will be made comparitively easy and a bagatelle. This Company are working out a new era for Bricksburg. They mean business, and are in right down earnest, and what they are doing, they are doing well. Success to them.



A new road has been put under contract by the Land Company, who are striving to convince people , that they are 'still alive.' This road winds around the shores of the 'great' Carasaljo Lake, most of the smaller ones having been vacated by the drought and the earnest efforts of our amiable $5 friend. It is also designed to connect it with "The Park".
The new Presbyterian Church is a thing of beauty, as a general thing, although we think it's architectural appearance could be improved slightly.


We understand that the old foundry, where our lovable friend Brick used to make iron and pipe, has acommplished it's mission or nearly so, and to use his own words, now, "stands like a pillar in some vast desert plain." In other words, it's removal is contemplated to a site some distance north of the depot, where the present illustrious proprietor, with others, intends to erect new works and to improve upon the quality of his manufactures.
The Land Company have located "that Park", and set apart 15 acres for that purpose, west of Madison Avenue, and also reserved 30 acres more, for a rise, or until our $5 friend wants a choice building lot. "That Park" has traveled a good bit, and a good many have bit at the idea, thaty they were building a choice lot fronting That Park, and woke up occasionally to see other parties building on "That Park," and it has now flitted away again.


A. Jameson, Esq. has purchased another water power, a mile and a half below the Manufacturing Company. He will build a city while the Rip Van Winkles of The Land Company are getting their eyes open.

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