No sure about this type of block, but reinforced concrete became increasingly common in the latter 19th century. 
-Simon 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Benjamin Vargas" <[log in to unmask]> 
To: [log in to unmask] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 4:02:14 PM 
Subject: Concrete Pier blocks? 

Hello All, 

I am wondering about the possible age and origin of concrete pier blocks such as the ones in the photo I have linked: 

http://s1116.photobucket.com/albums/k566/bkeavargas/ 

I know that these are still made today, but was wondering if anybody might have an idea of when these first came into production. We have some of these at a site that likely dates to the 1930's to late 1940's. We are wondering if these are a late addition to some structural remains at the site (the look pretty new to me). 

Thank you 


-- 
Simon Solomon, Henvey Inlet First Nation 
MA Candidate, Archaeology, Simon Fraser University 
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada