Limecrest Quarry to celebrate centennial July 22

Sparta - Limecrest Quarry will host a community event from noon to 4 p.m. om Saturday, July 22, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the mining operations started by Thomas Alva Edison in 1906. Edison is known for his monumental inventions, including the phonograph and electric lighting. Less well known is that he also played a significant role in Sussex County’s once-thriving mining operations. “Limecrest,” the common reference to the limestone quarry located in the three townships of Sparta, Andover and Lafayette, has been quarried for 100 years since Edison used its material for an industrial concrete process. Over the years, the site has produced substances that have benefited this region of the country. Building materials, soil enrichment products, animal feed supplement and highway surfacing can all be attributed to mining production at Limecrest Quarry. In more recent times, the quarry has served as the largest employer in this area. During the 1990s, the quarry employed more than 90 workers. Today, it produces 400,000 tons of granite annually, which is exported all over Sussex and adjoining counties. Featured at the Limecrest Quarry 100th Anniversary Celebration will be the Franklin-Ogdensburg Mineralogical Society, which will display an elaborate collection of minerals and gems in conjunction with the Franklin Mineral Museum and Sterling Hill Mining Museum. In addition, the historical societies of Franklin, Sparta and Vernon will have exhibitions featuring period artifacts and documents, some dating back to the 1700s. An observation platform will be erected for guests to get an optimum view of the quarry’s operations and its eye-catching crystal blue lake that stands out in contrast to the rocky industrial landscape. For children, a mineral dig will also be featured. The celebration will be held rain or shine at the quarry site, 217 Limecrest Rd. in Lafayette. Refreshments will be served.