Vermont's Marble Industry (Images of America)

Excellent historical coverage of Vermont's most critical industry in earlier times. A good historical read. You will certainly enjoy it.

This monograph from the Images of America Series chronicles in pictorial detail the story of an enduring New England industry, whose finished products spanned America and grace our nation’s capital. After a concise 3-page introduction the author provides readers with 127 pages of vintage photographs, accompanied by written accounts of the history of this prestigious company. In seven chapters Migliorie presents the birth, growth, and marketing gains of this dynamic company; she describes the dangers, catastrophes (floods, fires) and pioneering effort of industrial nursing. Readers peer into the depths of the quarries as well as view topside activity. We read of the company’s temporary revamping of production to meet the needs of WW2. From cemetery headstones to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider the craftsmen of the Vermont Marble Company—many recruited on Ellis Island from northern Italy—have provided beautiful and comforting memorials to the dead. It may be hard to believe but the sidewalks of Proctor are paved with marble—its citizens will never forget their glorious past. Visitors to Washington, DC, have many opportunities to admire Vermont marble.

This book tells about the interesting history of Vermont's marble industry. Some of the interesting information that this book mentions is as follows: Marble quarrying had already begun in Southern Vermont by 1785. The town of Proctor is named after Colonel Redfield Proctor. In the early 1900's, the Vermont Marble Company employed approximately 4,000 people. Proctor was ravaged by several floods over the years. The most devastating flood to hit Proctor occurred in November 1927. The town of Proctor's marble bridge has been the centerpiece of the village since 1914 and is still is use today. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was carved in marble that came from Vermont. . Marble from Vermont graces many buildings and monuments in Washington, D.C.