5-Year Guarantee

The first concrete pavement was laid in Bellefontaine, Ohio, in 1891. But it hadn’t been easy for inventor George W. Bartholomew to convince the city of his plan’s merit. Bartholomew spent two years lobbying city leaders and finally succeeded after offering to donate all materials. He also was required to post a $5,000 performance bond and guarantee that the 8-foot-wide strip would last for at least five years.