Lime Kiln & Quarry

The Lime Kiln, Winooski Park...... 1819-20

Tramway in the Pit

The Manufactory Works

A Profitable Venture

Manufacturing Logistics

The Final Product

In 1858, the Winooski Limekiln Company, operated by Penniman and Noyes, employed 25 to 30 men. Twenty two of the forty four acres mined are located in Colchester. The quarry has existed for over 150 years.

This kiln, the largest manufactory of "quick lime" in the state, used "modern methods".......a tramway conveyed the dove-white stone from the quarry to the tops of the 4 kilns.

Four thousand cords of wood were required annually to produce 250,000 bushels of lime. To break down limestone fragments the kilns must be heated to 1800 degrees F.

Penniman and Noyes were producing about 700 bushels of lime per day, or 250,000 bushels of 80 pounds per annum. An 1832 Free Press article quotes the price as 15 to 20 cents per pound. Q

Accounts of operation in the late 1800's tell of long lines of teams pulling wagonloads of wood, backed up for a half a mile to feed the enormous fires. The quarry was closed in the mid 1900's.

Quick lime was used to make paper and soap, to purify coal gas to light lamps, to purify sugar cane, to sweeten soil, to tan hides and as a disinfectant and deoderant in slaughter houses, cow barns, hen houses and privies.