By Mark Soeth

Mark SoethThe American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) defines a brick as "a solid masonry unit of clay or shale, usually formed into a rectangular prism while plastic and burned or fired in a kiln." This article is about bricks, how they are made, their material properties, how they fail and what can be done to ensure maximum life in service.

The Lodi Historical Society building was constructed in 1880. Bricks made during this period of time were primarily clay with the possible addition of sand and water. Sand could have been added to improve the consistency and quality of the finished product. Water would have been used as necessary to ensure workability of the clay.

Each year the society offers a $1000 cash scholarship to South Seneca High School seniors who are residents of Lodi. To apply for the scholarship, students must complete a project relating to the history of the town, in the spring of the year of graduation.

Past projects include written reports, a photo essay and a scratch-built model of the historic Eagle Hotel. The recipient of the 2004 award was Phoebe VanVleet, who completed a report, with photos, on the train station located on Lodi Station Road, no longer standing.

Help restore part of Lodi-the Town of Lodi had sold the old HQ for Lodi Fire Dept, that for more recent past had been used as the town court building-for holding town court proceedings and dispensing gaming and animal licenses. Today, the Lodi Historical Society is undertaking a grand task of restoring the building and turning it into the Future Museum-to house Archives, Gift Shop, and information Center.

Our Trustees are currently meeting with local, regional, and statewide officials to further preserve our area and its roadways, by making State Route 414 a Scenic byway-reducing speed limits to 45, thereby reducing sounds, truck traffic, and bringing possible state funding to enhance our landmark buildings and park and recreation areas.