Rock of Ages granite quarry

By Todd Moning
FMCA.com editor

It’s not a final resting place, although many of its products are destined for one.

Those who visit Rock of Ages Manufacturing Center in Graniteville, Vt., part of Barre, will know they are in the land of the living. The feeling there is one of vigor and artistry.

Rock of Ages Corporation, founded in 1885, makes granite memorials and sculptures used primarily in cemeteries but also in architecture.

In the quarry, workers and machines drill, split, explode and lift massive stone blocks. In the manufacturing plant, artisans with a delicate touch carve and polish stones to form enduring masterpieces.

Visitors Center
Rock of Ages is the largest quarrier, manufacturer and retailer of finished granite memorials in North America. It owns more than 100 retail outlets in 15 states and also sells memorials wholesale to independent retailers.

Learn more about the history of the quarry and modern quarry methods by watching a video presentation in the Visitors Center. The center also features computer-based kiosks, historic displays and an outdoor bowling lane made of granite.

By the time you embark on the quarry tour, you'll know that Barre Gray, Bethel White and Gardenia White aren't names of people, but types of granite.

Down in the quarry
Next, climb aboard a shuttle bus for a guided tour of the E.L. Smith Quarry and watch the process of mining granite.

From behind a wire fence, gaze down at the 600-foot-deep quarry. Workers use machines to drill and cut huge blocks of granite. It’s not uncommon to hear controlled explosions that split the bottom of the rock.

Watching steel derricks hoist the blocks from the deep canyon is quite a sight. The derricks can lift up to 250 tons.

The blocks will be sliced into slabs at the nearby saw plant.

Factory tour
After the quarry tour, head inside for a self-guided tour of the cavernous manufacturing plant. From the observation deck visitors can watch granite artisans working on everything from large mausoleums to tombstones and small memorial markers. The precision cutting, laser etching and other sculpting techniques are fascinating to watch.

Rock of Ages’ new Cut-In-Stone Activity Center encourages guests to sandblast and create their own granite souvenir (cost: $7.95.) The center is designed for all ages to share in various hands-on activities. Make a toy, play with clay or become a “rock detective.”

More details
Allow about two hours for your visit. Ample, free motorhome parking is available.

The Visitors Center and factory tour are free. A gift shop in the Visitors Center offers penholders, clocks and other stone-related gifts.

Shuttle tours to the quarry cost $4 for adults, $3.50 for senior adults (62 and over), and $1.50 for children ages 6 to 12.

The manufacturing facility is available for self-guided observations of the finish craftsmen Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Cut-in-Stone Activity Center is open through Labor Day, and will reopen for Columbus Day weekend.

For shuttle tours and Visitors Center hours of operation, visit www.rockofages.com.