Sandstone Capitol of the World

[Tom Lehman]

According to local legend during the Great Depression people who had
been thrown out of their homes lived in the 19th century sandstone
quarries that are located in the woods behind my house.  I could see how
this could be.  There are rock shelters and overhangs that look like
they once may have been walled up or lived in.  Also, I'm pretty sure
there are photographs of people living in the quarries!

I'm sure there must be a quarry dweller or two alive and it would
interesting to listen to their memories of life in the quarries.

Amherst sandstone comes in both the brown and gray varieties.  It is
known as a building material and because of its very fine grain is
prized by butchers, woodworkers and woodcarvers for its use as a
sharpening stone.  Also it doesn't have the negative characteristics of
Arkansas sandstone; Arkansas sandstone will collect the metal particles
of the tool being sharpened, where as Amherst Sandstone will not!

Tom Lehman