Eau Claire: Rough Cement Block Chimneys

Portland cement came into use just at the end of the 19th century and this resulted in the use of cement blocks by the late 1900s.  The large number of rough cement blocks in the 1870s-1890s on the graph can be accounted for because students who surveyed the Eau Claire houses mistook cutstone for rough cement blocks in these older houses.  So, be careful when you identify rough cement blocks.  Look for other building materials and architectural details to verify your answer.  And if at all possible, take a closer look at the chimney materials themselves but look out for trespassing on private property!!

CUTSTONE

Created by Chad Enloe & Kent Marcelle --July 1, 1996; Declan Green, Samantha Murray, Dave Whyte on 8 June 1997.