Earlier this year, Bruce discovered a renowned “Tapestry Brick” in the attic. The upper level of the Inn is undergoing renovations, and a lot of this process has tapped into the unique history of Mooreland Garden Inn. So much history is integrated into the house originally commissioned in 1914 by W.O. Smith. The discovery of the tapestry brick is just one more example of his dedication to the finest materials and ornamentation of the family’s flower and bulb business. 

Tapestry Bricks are a line of building materials made exclusively by Fiske and Company. The Tapestry Brick is known for its unique ornamentation, dedication to aesthetics, and the inscribed Tapestry on each product. Their materials were used in cooperation with architects to design prestige creations around the East Coast. Tapestry Bricks can be found as part of important buildings on university campuses, factories, country houses, and office buildings. A notable endeavor of Fiske and Company is the American Radiator Building in New York City. The early skyscraper is ornamented with a custom dark brick facade and still stands at 338 feet today. Seen across the coast, the prominence of Fiske and Company’s unique designs and dedication to quality remains part of the landscape today. 

The Tapestry Brick was founded with a dedication to the finest materials and in homage to the materials used in the Ancient Baths of Titus. Promoted as “the best” brick, Tapestry returned to a homemade look showing the amount of work and quality of each individual piece. Each brick was esteemed as a work of art—a building block in creating unique buildings. The brick is more than just high quality and unique, it is also a testament of status and prestige through architecture in the early 20th Century. 

Bruce’s discovery of the Tapestry Brick is a testament to the commissioner’s commitment to quality and prestige for 202 Mooreland Avenue. It shows a dedication to artistry and individuality as well as a hope for this Georgian Revival building to remain strong for centuries to come. Locally, Tapestry Bricks can be seen in the facade of the Shippensburg Municipal Building once praised in the newspaper for its “best quality materials.” Another nearby landmark, the Thornwald Mansion, features these distinctive bricks. The building was incorporated into the company’s promotional materials. 

The Tapestry Bricks are just one piece of living history at Mooreland Garden Inn. Through them, the story of early 20th century Carlisle comes to life. The Inn continues to honor and embody a tradition of artistry and excellence that has endured for more than one hundred years.