• About
    • News/Blog
  • Contact
    • Find a Rep
    • Careers
    • Media Resources
  • ACAW
Search
Boston Valley Terra Cotta
  • Products
    • TerraClad®
      • RainScreen
      • Sunshade
    • TerraPreCast®
    • Architectural Terra Cotta
    • Custom Roof Tile
    • Guastavino
  • Projects
    • Awarded Projects
  • Design Center
    • Gallery
    • Custom Profiles
    • Through-Body Color
    • Texture
    • Glaze
  • Resources
    • Details and Downloads
    • Sustainability
    • Façade Restoration
  • About
  • All News
  • Contact
    • Find a Rep
    • Careers
    • Media Resources
  • ACAW
  • Menu Menu

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! 1909 Newspaper Found in Terra Cotta Block.

May 26, 2015/in Blog

Designed in 1903 by Holabird & Roche, 619 South Lasalle Street in Chicago was once the home to Brock & Rankin, a printer and binder of books, catalogues, and encyclopedias. The company vacated the building in the 1950s and sections of the building were remodeled for office use. Today, Boston Valley Terra Cotta is helping restore 619 South Lasalle into a residential apartment complex. Several original features will be included in the renovation such as mosaic tile flooring, a passenger elevator cab, and a historic metal staircase that will all be included into the lobby area.

We recently received a few of the original terra cotta blocks that were removed from the building and shipped to us for creation of replacement units. Surprisingly, that wasn’t all we received. A newspaper dated from July 8,1909 was found deep inside one of the blocks.

Architectural restoration, terra cotta, #coolFind, Chicago, Holabird and Roche, Brock and Rankin, 1909 Chicago Examiner newspaper, Boston Valley Terra Cotta

Front page of the 1909 Chicago Examiner newspaper that was found on an architectural restoration project.

Architectural restoration, terra cotta, #coolFind, Chicago, Holabird & Roche, Brock & Rankin, 1909 Chicago Examiner newspaper, Boston valley Terra Cotta

Chicago Examiner from Thursday July 8, 1909 is a #CoolFind during the start of a restoration project.

Amazingly the paper is still legible even after being stored inside the block for over 100 years! We like to think that one of the construction workers was taking his lunch and placed it inside a piece of the terra cotta, not wanting to carry it down the 7 story building with him.

Architectural restoration, terra cotta, #coolFind, Chicago, Holabird and Roche, Brock and Rankin, 1909 Chicago Examiner newspaper, Boston Valley Terra Cotta

Original terra cotta block where the Chicago Examiner newspaper was found.

Boston Valley has started the process of replicating the historic red terra cotta detailing for this beautiful building. We happy to be a part of this architectural restoration project that is bringing this building back to life AND getting the chance to glimpse into Chicago’s past.

Tags: Architectural Terra Cotta Restoration, Chicago Architecture
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share by Mail
https://bostonvalley.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ChicagoExamin-feature.jpg 525 761 Media Boston Valley https://bostonvalley.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BVTC-registered-logo_color_RGB.png Media Boston Valley2015-05-26 16:34:552018-04-26 19:39:02Extra! Extra! Read All About It! 1909 Newspaper Found in Terra Cotta Block.
You might also like
Historic Architecture Improved With New Technology
Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building, Washington, D.C., architectural restoration, boston valley terra cotta, atefix Custom Glaze Finishes Completed For Department of Justice Building
Schofield Building Receives Award of Excellence in Exterior Restoration
Partnership with UB brings high-tech tools to terra cotta firm
Boston Valley Terra Cotta 2009 Best of Business Award
Large setting drawing of Alberta Dome project at Boston Valley Terra Cotta. Technology Informs Restoration: Alberta Legislature Dome
Corbin Building, NYC, Terra Cotta Masonry, architectural restoration The Corbin Building, Fulton Center: Rediscovering and Renewing An Architectural Gem – Part 1
Masonry Association of Florida: 2011 Masonry Excellence Awards

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

Events

    • Zak World of Façades – NYC
      Oct 11 - 11, 2023 | New York NY
      • Zak World of Façades – London
        Nov 8 - 8, 2023 | Greater London England
        • Facades+ Los Angeles
          Nov 9 - 10, 2023 | Los Angeles CA

        sales@bostonvalley.com
        1.888.214.3655
        Find a Rep

        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Youtube

        Newsletter Signup

        • About
        • Contact
        • ACAW
        • Projects
        • Design Center
        • Resources

        Boston Valley Terra Cotta – Website Created by Otherwisz Creative

        Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Login

        NYC Townhouse Green Wall Planters in Full Production at Boston ValleyBoston Valley Helps Rehab Two Historic Luxury Hotel Buildings
        Scroll to top