Eau Claire: Rough Cement Block Foundations

Rough cement blocks were the first foundation material made of cement. These are not the cement blocks of today but rather long ones (24 inches). The irregular outer surface tried to simulate cut stones which was used in the 19th century for basement materials. From 1900-1920s these longer "bumpily" cement blocks were used, which became shorter (12 inches) over time but still bumpily. By the 1950s cement blocks were smooth and short.