Dewey’s Quarry in Washington

Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike
Dewey’s Quarry in Washington
November 2nd @10:00 am

Parking: On the side of New Lenox Road (dirt rough road) in Washington near 441 New Lenox Road in Lenox.

Directions: From the intersection of New Lenox Road, Roaring Brook Road and East New Lenox Road in Lenox continue into October Mountain State Forest on New Lenox Road (dirt rough road) where it crosses the Washington Town Line. There are several pull offs and we will guide you where to park. GPS 42.391623, -73.226799.

Hike Rating: Moderate 4 miles round trip, with ups and downs, rocks, roots and dirt
Join Tom Hoffman of the Washington Historical Commission to discover Chauncey Dewey’s Fire Stone Granite Quarry lost in the woods of Washington. Located in October Mountain State Forest off the beaten path, we will see the ruins of this historical large quarry and learn about the Hilltown History. The stone was used for iron furnaces and lining lime kilns. The hearths for the furnaces were hauled out in pieces, 20 or 25 making a hearth, which weighed from 20 to 25 tons. This quarry was then leased in 1871 to I. S. Bartram of Sharon, CT. The stone was known for its superior quality and it was said the hearths lasted much longer than any others, it was shipped as far as Michigan, Oregon, Virginia and New York. We will also visit an old schoolhouse and several home sites of the early settlers.

Please Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs allowed. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $10.  More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com .  Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions.  As always be prepared for rocks, mud and roots, bring trekking poles!

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Mission Statement: Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to engage in all legal activities relating to the development, maintenance and operation of recreational hiking and outdoor adventure in Western Massachusetts.  We are a non-profit 501C(3) organization incorporated in the State of Massachusetts. Tax ID #86-2532249