Evens & Howard Fire Brick Co.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing |
| Founded | 1855 |
| Founder | Charles Chouteau |
| Headquarters | St. Louis, Missouri , United States |
| Products | Fire bricks, sewage pipes, gas retorts |
| Parent | General Refractories (since 1930) |
The Evens & Howard Fire Brick Company specialized in producing fire bricks, sewage pipes, and gas retorts, operating out of the Cheltenham neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri. Originally launched in 1855 under the name Cheltenham Fireclay Works, the company expanded its distribution network to reach distant regions including Quebec and Africa.
History
While the company's roots date back to 1837 under previous ownership, it was officially founded in 1855 by Charles Chouteau. The firm became incorporated in 1867 following its acquisition by Evens & Howard, marking it as one of the longest-standing fire brick producers in St. Louis. At its height, the manufacturing site covered a substantial area, sourcing clay through underground "pick and blast" techniques from three locations: two within St. Louis and one in Glencoe, Missouri. To facilitate material movement, the company operated an extensive railroad system and maintained administrative offices on Market Street.
The enterprise endured several major fires that affected both its production capabilities and assets. In 1875, a blaze resulted in damages valued at $50,000 (adjusted for inflation). The sewer pipe segment suffered multiple incidents; notably, a 1949 fire destroyed two four-story factory buildings causing $325,000 in losses and drawing approximately 10,000 onlookers. Another fire struck in 1958, inflicting over $125,000 (inflation-adjusted) worth of damage to one of these structures.
In 1930, General Refractories acquired Evens & Howard but continued to operate the facility under its established brand name.
Richmond Heights
During the early 1900s, Evens & Howard significantly influenced the growth of African American communities in Richmond Heights, Missouri. Due to racial segregation policies within St. Louis County, Missouri, African American populations were limited to designated neighborhoods. To secure a workforce for their nearby brick manufacturing operations, Evens & Howard advocated for neighborhood development and constructed housing for employees, attracting numerous families. The area known as Hadley Township, which encompasses Richmond Heights, was established in 1907.
External links
- American companies established in 1855
- Brick manufacturers
- Ceramics manufacturers of the United States
- Companies based in Missouri
- Year of disestablishment missing
- History of St. Louis
- Manufacturing companies established in 1855
- Building materials companies of the United States
- 1855 establishments in Missouri