Man Behind the Bricks
Michael Collins, a talented crypto artist, has embarked on a momentous undertaking in the Village of New Richmond, Clermont County, Ohio. His goal is to restore two significant landmarks in the area using Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to finance the project.
The two buildings that require saving are the old distillery/hosiery (2383 State Route 132) and the brick warehouse (2384 State Route 132). Both buildings are in urgent need of repair. With the aim of repairing and restoring these buildings, Michael is diligently working on roof and general repairs. However, he acknowledges that this task cannot be achieved alone, and therefore, he is appealing for donations via NFT purchases to aid in the restoration of these historic sites.
Michael discovered NFTs in 2019, and he has been passionate about art since 1987 when he created a photography art collection called Dream Series, which he captured with his trusty AT-1 SLR camera. NFTs, however, prompted him to explore digital art and connect with individuals in the digital realm via Discord and Twitter. He realized that NFTs could be used to support a noble cause such as saving buildings he cares about. He understood that if someone did not intervene, this building would disappear from history. Michael’s passion is to save this piece of history. In 2022, he began learning digital editing applications and established his website, “Help Save Something Today“. In 2023, he collaborated with a talented Web3 developer to launch 5 captivating Ethereum NFT collections which will help finance the building restoration project.
NFTs Collections to Help Save the Landmarks
HSST Bricks
An Ethereum ERC-1155 collection with unlimited supply. The collection consists of brick images. Money from each HSST brick NFT purchased in the virtual world, will help fund the restoration of the buildings in the physical world. The HSST Bricks collection is more than art; it is a cause.
Bricky
An Ethereum ERC-721A collection of 10,000 Bricky McBrickerson images. Who is the projects mascot and champion.
OG Bricky
An Ethereum ERC-721A collection of 2,000. 1,000 still images, and 1,000 animated versions.
HSST Tokens
An Ethereum ERC-1155 collection of tokens that allow special member access to website pages, NFT drops, special promotions, opportunities and more.
Dream Series
An Ethereum ERC-1155 collection consisting of still photographs created my Michael in the 1980s. These photographs have been scanned in, and edited using photoshop and premier pro to create stunning digital video artwork NFTs.
How you Can Help
Michael’s commitment to restoring these structures is awe-inspiring. He is employing his passion for art and NFTs to make a tangible difference globally. The HSST Bricks collection exemplifies his imagination and dedication to rescuing these significant landmarks.
The old distillery/hosiery and brick warehouse landmarks have a rich history and significance in the Village of New Richmond.
If you are interested in supporting Michael’s mission, you can mint a HSST brick NFT via his website Help Save Something Today, you can also learn more about all five NFT collections which help support the project. And also learn more about the historic buildings he is trying hard to save. With your support, Michael can make a substantial impact worldwide and guarantee that future generations can enjoy these essential pieces of history. You can also follow the project on Twitter.
History of Landmark 1
Original Purpose:
Whiskey Distillery
then a Hosiery Mill
Location:
2383 State Route 132
Footprint:
Originally two structures,
then combined into 34,000 Square Feet
A. Keyser & Co first opened this building as a whiskey distillery in the mid-1800’s. The property, which consisted of two separate building at the time, became one of the largest producers of whiskey in the region and contributed to the local economy. However, the production and sale of alcohol were increasingly regulated due to the temperance movement, and the distillery eventually closed in the 1880s.
The Dormer Bros. Co. Hosiery Mills then took ownership of the building in 1900. They was a successful company that played a vital role in the economic development of the Village of New Richmond. The company renovated and repurposed the building into a hosiery mill, using modern machinery and equipment. The company provided jobs to hundreds of people and sold high-quality hosiery throughout the United States. In 1933, the company Dormer Bros. Co. Hosiery Mills closed down their facility, marking the end of an era in the history of the Village of New Richmond.
J & H. Clasgens Co then bought the property in 1934, and moved their woollen mill operations to the site.
The old distillery building, which had been a hub of economic activity for many years, remained standing as a testament to the region’s industrial heritage.
History of Landmark 2
Original Purpose:
Hosiery Warehouse,
then Woollen Mill Warehouse
Location:
2384 State Route 132
Footprint:
Original brick part is 9000 Square Feet,
another 20,000 Square Feet added in 1969
Dormer Bros. Co. Hosiery Mills also constructed a building located at 2384 State Route 132 across the road from the old Whiskey Distillery landmark. This 9000 square foot building was constructed to expand the company’s manufacturing operations and served as a complement to the renovated distillery building. The new building was designed specifically for hosiery manufacturing, featuring a large, open floor plan, high ceilings, and modern machinery and equipment. It served as an important manufacturing facility for the company and contributed to the economic development of the Village of New Richmond.
The 9,000 Square Feet brick warehouse building was extended by another 20,000 Square Feet in 1969 by J & H. Clasgens Co. They used the warehouse facility for their woollen mill operations.
Today, the building continues to stand as a testament to the region’s industrial heritage.
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