The Iron Nail Brickyard Venue & Event Center
Those of us who grew up in the 1960's and 1970's listened to music, a lot of music. And we were really good at retaining that music, so good that we can identify many songs by the first few words.
It mattered not if we knew what the song lyrics were about, or if we even liked the song. We knew that first line a mile away.
It is with great excitement that I begin a new series that has captivated my interest even way more than my story on Fay Rawley, that poor gentleman whom we still don't know his whereabouts after 72 years.
While I was being shown around this latest story subject, one of those 1960's songs popped into my head, not the whole song mind you (a protest song if I remember ), but just the first line. ' There's something happening here' -Buffalo Springfield, 1967 for what it's worth.
Yes, there's something big happening here in the local area. A real estate transaction transpired that probably few knew was even in the works.
With this transaction, new breath and life will be infused back into a local acreage listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
A Colchester couple, Todd and Melonie Icenogle have purchased the Moses King Brick and Tile Works, more commonly known as, 'Colchester Brickyard', an alluring piece of land located in the 700 block of Coal Street.
The purchase was made somewhat on a whim, with about a month's thought put into it.
Todd, thinking about two of his children's upcoming weddings, wondered why there are so few wedding venues in the immediate area. He decided to go visit his neighbors Joe Gibbs and Jane Howe, who owned the Colchester Brickyard, and chat about the wedding venue, or lack of, situation in the area.
During that conversation, Todd popped an impromptu question to Joe-would he ever consider selling the nine acre 'Brickyard'?
One thing led to another, which sent Todd scrambling home to get his wife, Melonie, so that she could be a part of this conversation.
Yes, Joe and Jane, would sell the Brickyard to the Icenogles. It is likely Joe and Jane sensed the love for history, their energy, and their excitement. Joe and Jane, over the years, had chosen to keep the Brickyard private with no public access, however maintaining the grounds nicely.
On Tuesday, November 4, the Icenogles became the new owners of 'The Moses King Brick and Tile Works'. And while the Icenogles plan to keep the property historically accurate and will cherish its rich stories and folklore, once again the Colchester Brickyard will be open to the public through various avenues.
The Icenogles’ plans for their new venture are both heart-warming and exciting. Many of the Brickyard buildings are in disrepair, but the Icenogles are already researching how to safely and correctly bring life back to the structures and kilns.
The Colchester Brickyard has a long and fascinating history beginning in the 1800's. A young man named Kelly Wagle (famed Colchester 'bootlegger') even supposedly worked there, and left his signature in the wet clay in a few places.
I have lived in this area my whole life, and for this story I was able to talk to the Icenogles and tour the grounds. To say I was fascinated is an understatement. I am sure there are many people like me who have driven past the property hundreds of times, not knowing what it once was, because for many years the Brickyard was private property.
Before I delve into the many plans the Icenogles have for the old Brickyard, I first need to tell the history, as passed on by many sources.
So, the next two parts of my series will cover the background of the 'Moses King Brick & Tile Works'.
The last part of the series will reveal the Icenogles plans and goals for the new event venue. And I assure you, 'There's something happening here'.
