This month, we’re taking a trip to New Jersey, well technically it’s Old Jersey; but still. Way back in the Pine Barrens, is the abandoned Brooksbrae Terracotta Brick Factory that hasn’t been in use since 1915, when a massive fire closed the building for good. There has been a whole century of people visiting and covering the ruins with graffiti.
Brooksbrae terracotta Brick Factory isn’t too large of a place. There is just about an acre of land to explore and there are buildings all over the property. The 4 long walls running parallel to each other are the kilns where they baked clay harvested from the local waterways. There are several tunnels running underneath the structure that don’t open up anywhere and are very dark. If you go to explore those, bring a very good light source or two.
If you missed out on going to the Graffiti Highway in Centralia, Pennsylvania don’t worry. The road outside of Brooksbrae is turning into a new graffiti highway. In fact, that’s how you know where you should park to walk in. Cross over the railroad tacks and follow the graffiti blazes on the trees to get to the ruins. It’s an easy and quick walk, unlike my last article.
GENERAL ADVICE
Be careful when adventuring here. There is glass and ash on the ground and a lot of old trash. Come during the day to avoid partiers. Also make sure to wear closed toe shoes with at least a half inch sole.