James Friday

History of Sandstone in Orleans County NY James Friday

For almost 100 years, the quarrying of sandstone was a major industry in Orleans County in Western NY. At its peak about 50 quarries employed upwards of 2000 people to mine a unique variety of Medina sandstone. This book explores the geology of how and when the stone was formed, the rise and fall of the regional quarry industry and what remains today. Vintage quarry photos from the early 1900's give incite into the products, work conditions, methods and equipment used to quarry the stone. The experiences of some of the many immigrants who toiled in the quarries are presented along with photos of stone structures that remain as prominent reminders of a bygone era. An extensive list of references used in preparing this book is also included.