http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-981597.mp3
Macomb, IL – Rich Egger's guest is Tim Schroll of the Moses King Brick & Tile Works National Historic District near Colchester.
Commonly referred to as "The Brickyard," it was the site of a brick making operation for 90 years, beginning in 1878. It was bought by Dev in the early 1990s, and Schroll married into it a few years later.
Schroll said four of the seven beehive kilns still stand. The kilns are 40 feet in diameter with walls that are four feet thick. Each stands about 14 feet tall.
An "adaptive reuse" is planned for the kiln that is currently in the best condition.
"We're saving the structure's historical external parts, but we are adaptive reusing the inside and we're hoping to make it into a small gathering place for concerts and conferences," Schroll said.
Schroll said an adaptive reuse is also planned for another of the kilns.
The plan is to renovate the other two remaining kilns to show what they were like in the 1880s so people can see how bricks were baked in them.
To help raise money, The Brickyard will hold its first-ever raffle. The drawing will take place Friday, September 9, 6:00pm at the West Central Illinois Arts Center in Macomb.
Tickets are $5.00 each or five for $20.00. They are available through September 4 at the West Central Illinois Arts Center, Pumo Insurance, The Wine Sellers, Citizens Bank, The Classy Closet, Middle Earth, McDonough Telephone Cooperative, West Pierce Liquors, Princess Shoppe, Brown's Shoe Fit, Farm King, and the Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The prizes include:
**Two gift certificates for one night at the Inselhaus Bed & Breakfast, valued at $275.95 each
**One gift certificate for one photograph from Tim Schroll Photography, valued at $250
**One gift certificate from Princess Shoppe, valued at $100
**One gift certificate from Shiloh's Bar & Bistro, valued at $100
Additional prizes are being offered by West Pierce Liquors, Rialto Cinemas, Citizens Bank, Dan at Ultimate Image, Brown's Shoe Fit, and Middle Earth.
Winners will be notified by phone and a list of winners will be posted at the West Central Illinois Arts Center.