Here in Milwaukee many of the early concrete suppliers and brick yards were
located near the rail yards. We have, in our oldest sidewalks, bits of coal
and, sometimes, chunks of a gray-tan colored ash.  I cannot prove it, but I
suppose (pure theory) that the klinkers, cinders and ash from the old steam
locomotives may have been sold or disposed to the concrete companies and
added to the concrete mix. This might certainly explain the origin of the
term "cinder block".


Al Muchka



Al Muchka, Assoc. Curator
American & Local History
Milwaukee Public Museum
(414) 278-2785
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