Engraved Visintainer and Edwards Bricks Available

The way is clear for the Brunswick Area Historical Society to move forward on building a bell tower for the 1852 bell donated by the First Christian Church when they closed its doors after 184 years. Carl Bilski, president, reported that the Historical Society has received permission from the City to erect the new structure outside of the “Old School Building’

Bilski has been leading this unique fund raising effort. He found a way to recycle the bricks salvaged from the Edwards and Visintainer Middle Schools. These bricks are being sold, personalized inscriptions are engraved on them, and the bricks will take their thoughts into Brunswick history after they become a part of the bell tower. This project fulfills the promise to build a tower to display the donated bell. “It comes from my heart as a way for Brunswick-ites to show their love of our hometown. It also comes from the brain in that it recycles the bricks. I have believed in recycling since WWII when we saved aluminum foil pieces to help with the war effort. I still save them today.”

All of the commemorative bricks will be proudly displayed in one of the four columns of the bell tower for future generations to see when they visit Brunswick Heritage Farm and Museum. All profits raised will be used to help fund the improvements and maintenance of the Old School Building, the Brunswick Area Historical Society Bell Tower, and Heritage Farm & Museum.

Everyone who has been a part of Brunswick History In The Making is encouraged to purchase a commemorative brick for $145. All residents, churches, schools, families, governmental representatives, civic groups, businesses, veterans, educators, students, graduates, and anyone who has been a part of making Brunswick into what it is will be able to create a tribute and have it included in one of the bell tower’s four columns for future generations to see. 

To order your Bell Tower brick:

1. Print the Order Form below. Mail your check and completed form to Brunswick Area Historical Society, c/o Brunswick Historical Society Bell Tower Brick Project, P.O. Box 714, Brunswick, Ohio 44212.  
2. Carl Bilski will also take orders or answer any questions via e-mail at thesandman@zoominternet.net.

“Please share with others who love Brunswick and order soon, as there are limited number of bricks,” he said. “They would make great gifts, too.”

We were recently asked by the Longmeadow Historical Society if we had any information on a resident who had come to Brunswick from Longmeadow.   We were able to fill in some blanks and this article was the result.   Glad we could help!

https://www.longmeadowhistoricalsociety.org/notes/TBT2-54-Westward%20Bound.html