The ruins of the Brooksbrae Terracotta Brick Factory nestled in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. The Brooksbrae Brick Factory was built for Adam’s Clay Mining Company in 1905. The factory was built to produce over 50,000 bricks a day. However, it never lived to witness its full engendering limits. The once functioning brick factory met its sudden fall in 1915 after a fire ravaged the building and left the ruins.
In 1915, railroad workers from the Central Railroad of New Jersey went on strike near Brooksbrae. To avoid any damages to the factory, a caretaker was assigned to watch over the property. The caretaker and his wife started a fire in the chimney of the residence to keep warm. The caretakers neglected to check the chimney’s flue. Smoke backed up into the house while the caretakers were asleep. A lack of chimney upkeep resulted in their unfortunate death. In 1918, the issues with the owner were sorted out and the factory was sold. Due to the deaths on the property the Brooksbrae Brick Factory was left incomplete.
Today the Brooksbrae Brick Factory site is a local legend of folklore, history, and mystery. A variety of urban legends have developed over the last century. The area is now a popular graffiti and art spot. In front of the main factory wall, there are three entrances to an underground tunnel system. Many of these tunnels are blocked off at the other end and there is little ambient light.
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