A Milestone: Masonry Strong... and MASONRY Strong

Words: Todd Fredrick

Dan Kamys, Editorial Director - dkamys@masonrymagazine.com

  MASONRY was first published 60 years ago. Not too many publications, whatever their topic, can say that. Allow me to briefly take us down memory lane with some of the initial messages from Stephen D. Raimo, then-President of the MCAA. “Welcome, too, to MASONRY, the new official publication of the MCAA… a publication designed to add strength to the industry. It is devoted to your interests and welfare. MASONRY will implement the programs of various responsible segments of our industry and disseminate the latest advancements and developments for those in masonry and allied fields.” In that first issue, which I am looking at in a bound archive, there were comments from the leaders of several related groups, including: 
  • Douglas Whitlock, Chairman of the Board, Structural Clay Products Institute
  • Frank G. Erskine, Managing Director, Expanded Shale Clay & Slate Institute
  • John J. Murphy, President, Bricklayers, Masonry & Plasterers’ International Union of America
  • D.J. Renkert, Chairman, Facing Tile Institute
  • Max H. Miller, President, National Concrete Masonry Association
  • John H. Donohue, III, President, National Association of Distributors & Dealers of Structural Clay Products
  • Robert S. Boynton, General Manager, National Lime Association
I can’t help but get a little nostalgic looking back, mainly because it helps our team refocus as we move forward. Considering it was called “MCAA’s pioneering effort in introducing the only national magazine devoted exclusively to the entire masonry industry,” it was something special. Fast forward 60 years and MASONRY is still here. The brand has evolved into much more than a print magazine. Our team is still excited by the challenges involved with strengthening and modernizing the brand. Though how we share MCAA’s message through MASONRY has evolved, the mission remains the same.  Going forward, we have tweaked the MASONRY masthead with a bit of a retro-modern look. It’s a subtle, visual way for us to call back to the past as we work toward the future. We’re excited for the brand’s next six decades. Thank you all sincerely for your support.    P.S. — Volume 1, Issue 1 of MASONRY, dated February 1961, featured The Imperial House residentia l building located at 150 East 69th Street in New York City. It was designed by Emery Roth & Sons and built in 1960 using around 1.25 million brick. Unsurprisingly, the building is still being used as a (pricy) residential space. Masonry, and MASONRY, stays strong.   dsig
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More