Brick Factory and Streets

Brickmaking became another important part of Adel’s identity. The industry began in 1882 with R.M. Kearns & Company, which produced high-quality bricks from the rich clay and shale deposits left by glaciers. Through mergers, the United Clay Products Company evolved, with the Adel plant renowned for its efficiency.

Brick was used not only in buildings but also to pave Adel’s streets. Beginning in 1892 with the courthouse square, brick paving became a defining feature of the community. In later years, there were discussions about replacing the brick streets with asphalt or concrete. Instead, ongoing repair and preservation efforts have helped maintain them. Today, Adel’s historic brick streets remain a centerpiece of the downtown area and a visible reminder of this enduring legacy.

Adel’s downtown architecture reflects the rich evolution of American styles. Late 19th-century Victorian and Italianate designs gracefully transitioned into Classical Revival styles in the early 20th century, characterized by elegance and symmetry. The Dallas County Courthouse, with its French Renaissance influences, reigned as the crown jewel. Later constructions integrated Commercial Style buildings, Throughout these changes, locally produced brick infused Adel’s structures with a distinctive, vibrant character. The first picture below shows a south view of the square from the Courthouse in 1909 and the second illustrates downtown Adel in 1906.