Page 72
Then again, there is the brick industry, which was to us a great surprise, as its output aggregates something over 20,000,000 bricks each season. These plants are located about two and one-half miles north of Princeton, and give employment to about 160 men during the brick-making season. This station is very appropriately called Brickton. It boasts a general store operated by several firms, and also a post-office; but these are side issues only; for the main results are conceded to Princeton.
It seems to us that we never in our life saw so much cordwood; more especially is this noticeable in the vicinity of Brickton.
Page 248
What was once the lovely home with picturesque surroundings, of Rufus Farnham, on this same river bank, is now a hideous sight to behold. Upon inquiry I learned that a fine bed of brick clay had been discovered there some time ago, and for years several kilns have been kept busy burning brick; these have not only been utilized in the building of our city, but shipped far and near. (Minnesota Pioneer Sketches, Frank G. O’Brien, H. H. S. Rowell, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1904)