Clay tile or clay blocks were used for non-load bearing partition walls,
some people used them for exterior walls in climates that could tolerate
their use, but they were designed to be a lightweight (compared to solid
brick or concrete) interior partition and were great firewalls. Largely
replaced by lightweight concrete type blocks such as cinder blocks, slag
blocks and other light aggregate concrete units. Also the use of steel studs
with drywall provide an even lighter and removable interior partition now
used in many high-rise buildings.

"Rich Gerberding" wrote in message
news:4jDFg.142833$1i1.101970@attbi_s72...
Anyone out there ever heard of "Kankakee Clay Partition"? They are clay
building materials that are throughout an old (mid 19th century) barn
building a group I'm part of is looking to purchase in Peoria, IL.
There's a town called Kankakee not too far from Peoria but so far I
haven't
had time to do much digging beyond the internet.

The pieces appear to be extruded blocks where stacked one way you see the
sides and they look solid but stacked the other way you can see the open
structure. I can find some pictures to share if it would help anyone
out.

Thanks.

Rich
Chillicothe IL