Sketchbook of the Philadelphia & Boston Face Brick Co

In Short

This book is a trade catalog from 1904, meticulously curated by the Philadelphia & Boston Face Brick Company to showcase their line of specialized, unglazed brick mantels. It functions as both a sales manual and a design guide, presenting nearly sixty distinct fireplace configurations intended for the turn-of-the-century home builder. By offering detailed dimensions, material specifications, and aesthetic philosophies, the text preserves a snapshot of early 20th-century interior design, illustrating a period transition away from wooden "makeshift" mantels toward permanent, sculptural masonry as the standard for domestic elegance.

The Story

The narrative begins with a passionate defense of the hearth. The authors argue that the fireplace is the essential "sun in the house," a vital gathering place that defines the character of a room. They position their company as a pioneer in replacing the temporary, often flimsy wooden mantels of the late 19th century with durable, artistic, and sophisticated brickwork. The argument is rooted in the belief that the fireplace should be the "central part of the decorative scheme," and that the materials used should reflect both permanence and high aesthetic standards.

As the book progresses, the reader is introduced to a gallery of architectural possibilities. These designs are not merely utilitarian; they are presented as high art, influenced by European travel and historical motifs ranging from Greek to Renaissance styles. The text carefully guides the builder through the process of selection, emphasizing that these mantels are not just products but investments in the home's long-term value. The company explains that the transition from glazed tiles—which they dismiss as cold and better suited for "sanitary uses" like bathrooms—to their own unglazed ornamental bricks represents an evolution toward a more "soft, rich, and harmonious" interior environment.

The arc of the catalog moves from the philosophical justification of the brick mantel to the practical application of these ideas across a variety of room types. The designs range from simple, understated hearths for modest spaces to grand, hooded structures intended for large halls or libraries. Each entry includes specific measurements for the breast, opening, and height, alongside pricing that covers everything from the fire-back to the hearth itself. The company takes pains to explain that their process is accessible; they provide scale drawings and instructions so that any "intelligent brick-mason" can execute the work.

The story concludes with a focus on adaptability and modernization. The later designs incorporate contemporary flourishes, such as wrought-iron grilles, plate-glass viewing windows for watching the flames, and integrated mosaic decorations. The final sections offer solutions for specialized spaces, including corner mantels and "portable" iron fireplace inserts that could be set within existing masonry. By the end, the reader is left with a comprehensive vision of the fireplace not as a static hole in the wall, but as a customizable, sculptural element capable of anchoring any architectural style, proving that the company’s mission—to provide "unique, the fittest, and the best" materials—is a complete service for the discerning homeowner.

How It Unfolds

The philosophy of the hearth The book opens by establishing the cultural and emotional weight of the fireplace. It frames the hearth as a poetic and practical necessity, arguing that home-builders have a natural, almost primal, desire for open fire in their living spaces.

The shift in materials The authors critique the prevailing reliance on wooden mantels and cold, glazed tiles. They advocate for the superiority of unglazed, ornamental brick, asserting that its textured, carved appearance provides a level of warmth and character that other materials lack.

The presentation of designs The core of the volume consists of a series of sketches, each accompanied by precise technical data. These entries provide a clear roadmap for the builder, detailing dimensions, price points for different colors, and the specific architectural motifs—such as egg-and-dart moldings or arched openings—employed in each piece.

The technical support The text explains the logistical ease of installing these mantels. It details how the company ships the brick packed in sawdust and provides professional scale drawings to ensure that the final result matches the intended artistic vision, regardless of the mason's location.

The modern adaptation The final section addresses the evolving needs of the home, introducing features like mosaic tiles and portable iron inserts. This shows the company’s intent to stay relevant, offering solutions that bridge the gap between traditional masonry and newer, more flexible heating technologies.

The People

The book is driven by the collective voice of the Philadelphia & Boston Face Brick Company, who act as the primary protagonists. They are motivated by a desire to professionalize home construction and to standardize beauty in domestic architecture. They stand in opposition to what they call "makeshift" builders—those who use wooden mantels or sterile tiles that clash with the home’s aesthetic. The company represents the expert guide, holding the knowledge of the "well-known Boston architect" who traveled Europe to collect these designs.

Alongside them, the reader is positioned as the "home-builder"—a person who wants the best for their domestic space but who might feel overwhelmed by the technical requirements of construction. This reader is someone who values the "stamp of character" and is wary of building something that might soon "pass out of use." Finally, there is the "intelligent brick-mason," the silent partner who must translate the company's grand designs into reality. The company treats this mason as a capable executor of their vision, provided they follow the provided scale drawings. By the end, the home-builder is transformed from an uncertain novice into an informed client who can navigate the nuances of color, scale, and ornamentation, confident in their choice of a permanent, brick-built legacy.

In Its Own Voice

"The fireplace has always been, and always will be, the happiest rallying-place of the family."

This statement sets the tone for the entire book, grounding the architectural catalog in the emotional significance of the domestic space.

"The essential idea of a fireplace is 'Brick' from beginning to end, and the practice of using a brick facing with a wooden mantel around it has only been a sort of makeshift."

Here, the company draws a firm line in the sand, rejecting temporary solutions in favor of their preferred, more permanent material.

"The joints between the courses of brick serve to break up any tendency to a heavy or monumental effect, and the general appearance of our mantels is exceedingly soft, rich, and harmonious."

This description explains the design logic behind their brickwork, reassuring the reader that the finished product will feel elegant rather than oppressive.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an argument for the permanence of craftsmanship in the home. It reflects a specific turn-of-the-century anxiety: the fear that homes were being built with cheap, passing fashions that lacked soul or durability. By focusing on the fireplace, the authors are really asking a question about identity and heritage. They argue that a house is not merely a structure but a collection of enduring, intentional choices. The book explores the tension between industrial production—offering bricks in six colors and various patterns—and the classical ideal of the home as a "rallying-place." It is a testament to the belief that the physical environment we curate directly shapes the quality of our family life.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of architecture, the evolution of domestic spaces, or the aesthetics of the early 20th century will find this book deeply rewarding. It provides a rare, unvarnished look at how homeowners in 1904 were advised to think about their personal environments. There is a quiet, rhythmic satisfaction in reading the technical specifications, which offer a sharp, practical contrast to the poetic, somewhat flowery language of the introduction.

However, a modern reader must be prepared for the realities of a 1904 trade catalog. The text is entirely focused on sales, and the language reflects the period's intense, often judgmental, attitude toward "correct" taste—specifically the dismissal of wood and glazed tile as inferior. There is no narrative in the traditional sense; it is a list of sketches, dimensions, and prices. The lack of a "Sketch No. 24" (as noted by the transcriber) is a small frustration, but it adds to the sense of handling an actual, fragile historical artifact. If you enjoy the tactile feeling of history, or if you are looking for design inspiration that favors solid, masonry-heavy, traditional styles, this book serves as a remarkable time capsule. It stays with you not because of its plot, but because of its unwavering commitment to the idea that the heart of a home should be built to last.