From Brick to Stone: The Evolution of Masonry in Burlington’s Oldest Neighborhoods

Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, boasts a rich architectural heritage that spans centuries. From its humble beginnings as a frontier settlement to its current status as a vibrant urban center, the city’s buildings tell a fascinating story of changing construction techniques, materials, and styles. In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll trace the development of masonry in Burlington from its earliest days to the present, highlighting how different materials and techniques have shaped the city’s historic neighborhoods.

The Early Days: Brick-Making in Burlington

When European settlers first arrived in the Burlington area in the late 18th century, they brought with them traditional brick-making techniques from their homelands. These early bricks were handmade using local clay, often sourced from the banks of Lake Champlain and nearby rivers.

The Brick-Making Process

The process of making bricks in early Burlington was labor-intensive and time-consuming:

1. Clay was dug from the ground and mixed with water to create a malleable material.
2. The clay mixture was pressed into wooden molds to form uniform shapes.
3. The molded bricks were left to dry in the sun for several days.
4. Once dry, the bricks were stacked in a kiln and fired at high temperatures for several days to harden them.

This handcrafted approach resulted in bricks that were often irregularly shaped and varied in color, giving early Burlington buildings a unique, rustic charm.

Early Brick Buildings in Burlington

Some of the oldest brick structures still standing in Burlington date back to the early 19th century. Notable examples include:

• The Follett House (1815) on College Street
• The Old Stone House (1823) on South Willard Street
• The Howard Opera House (1878) on Church Street

These buildings showcase the durability and timeless appeal of early Burlington brickwork, serving as a testament to the skill of the city’s first masons.

The Introduction of Local Stone

As Burlington grew and prospered in the mid-19th century, local stone began to play a more prominent role in construction. The abundance of high-quality limestone and marble in the region made these materials an attractive alternative to brick for many builders.

Types of Stone Used in Burlington

Several types of stone became popular for construction in Burlington:

• Isle La Motte Limestone: Quarried from nearby Lake Champlain islands, this durable limestone was prized for its strength and resistance to weathering.
• Proctor Marble: Sourced from quarries in central Vermont, this elegant white marble was used for both structural and decorative purposes.
• Barre Granite: Though quarried further from Burlington, this distinctive gray granite became popular for foundations and accent elements.

Notable Stone Buildings in Burlington

The introduction of stone as a building material led to the construction of some of Burlington’s most iconic structures:

• St. Paul’s Cathedral (1832): Built primarily of Isle La Motte limestone, this Gothic Revival church is a stunning example of early stone construction in the city.
• University of Vermont’s Old Mill Building (1829): Originally constructed of local red sandstone, this historic building has undergone several renovations but retains its classic stone facade.
• Fletcher Free Library (1904): This Beaux-Arts style building features a combination of brick and Barre granite, showcasing the versatility of stone in early 20th-century architecture.

Changes in Masonry Styles and Techniques Over Time

As Burlington continued to grow and evolve, so did its masonry techniques and architectural styles. The city’s buildings reflect a progression from simple, functional designs to more elaborate and ornate structures.

Federal Style (1780-1830)

Early Burlington buildings often featured simple, symmetrical designs with plain brick facades. Common characteristics included:

• Flemish bond brickwork (alternating header and stretcher bricks)
• Narrow mortar joints
• Flat stone lintels above windows and doors

Greek Revival (1825-1860)

As the city prospered, more elaborate architectural styles became popular. Greek Revival buildings often incorporated:

• Stone columns and pilasters
• Decorative cornices and friezes
• Larger windows with stone sills and lintels

Victorian Era (1860-1900)

The late 19th century saw a explosion of ornate masonry work in Burlington, characterized by:

• Polychromatic brickwork (using bricks of different colors to create patterns)
• Elaborate stone carvings and sculptures
• Intricate corbelling and decorative brickwork

20th Century and Beyond

Modern masonry techniques in Burlington have focused on combining traditional materials with new technologies:

• Use of steel reinforcement in brick and stone structures
• Introduction of concrete masonry units (CMUs) for faster, more economical construction
• Implementation of advanced waterproofing and insulation techniques

Burlington’s Neighborhoods: A Showcase of Masonry Evolution

Different neighborhoods in Burlington showcase various eras of masonry construction, offering a visual timeline of the city’s architectural history.

Old North End

This historically working-class neighborhood features many examples of early to mid-19th century brick construction, including:

• Simple, two-story brick rowhouses
• Modest Federal-style homes with plain brick facades
• Early commercial buildings with cast-iron storefronts

Hill Section

The affluent Hill Section boasts a mix of high-style masonry homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries:

• Elaborate Queen Anne-style brick mansions with decorative stonework
• Stately Colonial Revival homes featuring a combination of brick and stone elements
• Arts and Crafts bungalows with distinctive stonework and clinker brick details

Downtown

Burlington’s downtown area showcases the full spectrum of the city’s masonry evolution:

• Early 19th-century brick commercial buildings
• Mid-19th century stone churches and public buildings
• Late 19th and early 20th-century brick and stone commercial blocks
• Modern structures incorporating traditional masonry materials in innovative ways

The Importance of Proper Maintenance for Historic Masonry Structures

As Burlington’s historic masonry buildings age, proper maintenance becomes increasingly crucial to preserve these irreplaceable structures for future generations.

Common Issues Facing Historic Masonry

Some of the challenges facing Burlington’s older brick and stone buildings include:

• Mortar deterioration due to weathering and age
• Structural issues caused by settling or inadequate foundations
• Water damage from poor drainage or faulty gutters
• Spalling or cracking of brick and stone surfaces

Best Practices for Masonry Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of Burlington’s historic masonry structures, property owners and preservationists should follow these guidelines:

1. Regular inspections: Conduct thorough visual assessments of masonry surfaces at least once a year, looking for signs of damage or deterioration.
2. Proper cleaning: Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning methods to remove dirt and biological growth without damaging the masonry surface.
3. Repointing: Replace deteriorated mortar joints with appropriate materials that match the original in composition, color, and texture.
4. Address water issues: Ensure proper drainage and maintain gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage to masonry surfaces.
5. Consult experts: When undertaking major repairs or renovations, work with experienced masonry professionals who understand historic preservation techniques.

Conclusion: Preserving Burlington’s Masonry Heritage

From its earliest brick structures to its grand stone edifices and modern masonry marvels, Burlington’s buildings tell a rich story of architectural evolution. By understanding the history and techniques behind the city’s masonry construction, we can better appreciate and preserve these invaluable structures for future generations.

As we continue to build and renovate in Burlington, it’s essential to honor this legacy by using high-quality materials and time-tested techniques. Whether you’re restoring a historic home or constructing a new building, embracing the city’s masonry traditions can help ensure that Burlington’s architectural heritage remains vibrant and enduring for centuries to come.

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