In a message dated 12/6/0 10:56:23 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

>(1) Can someone please tell me what year it was that hollow concrete block
was first made and used in construction?>

I found the following notes on the subject:

1855  Ambrose Foster, in Wisconsin, patents a pierced block composed of lime
and
          sand
1868  George Frear, Chicago, establishes the first commercial block
manufacturing
          company
1900  Harmon Palmer patents a cast iron concrete block machine
1902  Harmon Palmer establishes the Hollow Block Building Co
1905  Sears advertises concrete block machines
1917  F.J. Shaub patents cinderblock

I wonder if George was manufacturing his blocks by hand?

John Mascaro