Steeped in history

Words: Jennifer MorrellWe all know that masonry, as a material, has a long, sturdy history. The points for using masonry are many: Brick, block and stone provide buildings with a life cycle that kicks the lumber industry’s butt. The aesthetic beauty is unrivaled, and green, sustainable qualities are plentiful, to boot.

But I want to write about the human factor of our robust industry. Masons, as a group, have woven quite a history as well. Working day after day as a mason is gritty, hard work — this we know. It’s hard to imagine, but for seemingly an eternity, the work was even more physical and back breaking.

Many of you masons who still make a living laying brick or block today can well remember when things were tougher. The industry has come a long way through innovation, education and a desire to work smarter.

A few years ago, I was introduced to a book written by Mark Kimbell entitled "The Hod Carrier: Leadership Lessons Learned on a Ladder”. Mark did a fantastic job relating lessons learned from yesterday’s masonry industry to any decision you’d make today.

“It’s all relative.” For the longest time, this phrase was lost on me. But now, I get it. We work in an industry to make a difference, not only through long-lasting, well-crafted structures, but also through its people. And the lessons learned in the work you do really can transfer into everyday life.
Steven Fechino covers flashing in our May issue, and he and his crew from Mortar Net dug around for a few interesting old images. These really speak to me and highlight the enormity of masonry’s history.

I would love to see your “old school” images. You can email me at jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com, or mail to: Jennifer Morrell, c/o Masonry, 506 Roswell Str., Ste. 220, Marietta, GA 30060.
About: Featured
 0
2024 Architectural Awards: Excellence In Masonry Winners

The Masonry Advisory Council held the 2024 Excellence in Masonry Awards on Saturday, October 26th at 167 Green St., Chicago, Illinois. Honoring 80 projects from over the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Area. The Awards program celebrates outstanding ar

By: Ashley Kelly
Read More
NSI and ISFA Announce Silica Exposure Literature Review

NSI and ISFA are proud to present a literature review that summarizes the growing library of studies related to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. Completed by Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the study covers 34 publications and d

By: Amy Oakley
Read More
La Maison Franchère: How Masonry Turns Functional Buildings Into Timeless Beauty

La Maison Franchère, or the Franchers’ House, stands as a notable relic of stone architecture in Saint-Mathies, a small Quebec town on the edge of the Richelieu River. Unlike the neighboring homes, this towering, two-and-a-half-story mansion immediately c

By: Vera Autushka
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 5 Recap: Zach Everett

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Masonry Strong podcast! Today, we have a very special guest, Zach Everett, sharing his journey and experiences in the world of safety within the masonry industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a vital

By: Justin Stengel
About: Featured
Read More