The first commercial granite quarry in Stanstead, located in what was to become Graniteville in Ogden, was started in 1876. In August 2026, Heritage Ogden organized a 2-day celebration of the 150th anniversary of the industry that has supported the community since its foundation.
The Saturday events included a Nature and History Tour of the Graniteville Spur railroad extension that connected the quarry to the Boston & Maine tracks in Lineboro. The walking tour was conducted by Jeff Packard and Serge Mailhot. (see posters here) In the afternoon there were well-attended lectures on geology, history, personalities and architectural uses of granite.
On Sunday morning two groups visited the Polycor quarry in Graniteville and the Rock of Ages finishing shed in Beebe. The quarry manager, Cedric Begin, gave a very instructive lecture on modern quarry techniques. At the finishing plant Gabriel Ouellet, director of operations, led an informative tour of the factory whose principal output is monuments and tombstones.
There were activities for kids in the afternoon, and the weekend finished with a méchoui and live music and dancing.
Some photos of the weekend events:
Message from David Lépine, mayor of Ogden
Mesdames et Messieurs, distingués invités, chers citoyens, Avant de souligner l’apport de l’industrie du granit, j’aimerais remercier les organisateurs de ces évènements: Mme Line Latour et M. Jeffrey Packard qui se sont dévoués à la cause avec enthousiasme. Merci Line et merci Jeffrey.
C'est avec une grande fierté que nous nous réunissons aujourd'hui pour célébrer le 150e anniversaire de l'industrie du granit à Ogden et à Stanstead, une industrie qui a profondément marqué notre histoire, notre économie et notre identité collective.
Depuis cent cinquante ans, les carrières et les ateliers de notre région témoignent du travail acharné de générations d'hommes et de femmes qui ont consacré leur talent, leur force et leur passion à l'extraction et à la transformation d'une pierre reconnue à travers le monde pour sa qualité exceptionnelle..
Stanstead granite is not merely a natural resource; it has become a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and craftsmanship. From memorials to prestigious buildings, our stone has crossed borders and left its mark on the history of countless communities, both here and abroad.
Today, we pay tribute to the pioneers who opened the first quarries, to the workers who shaped each block with patience and precision, and to the visionary entrepreneurs who contributed to the development of our region. Their legacy can be seen in our landscapes, our traditions, and the pride we take in our heritage.
This celebration is also an opportunity to recognize the contribution of the many families who, generation after generation, built the prosperity of Ogden and Stanstead. Through their courage and determination, the granite industry shaped not only our economy but also the very spirit of our communities.
Alors que nous soulignons cet anniversaire historique, tournons-nous vers l'avenir avec confiance, en préservant la mémoire de ceux qui nous ont précédés et en transmettant aux générations futures le respect de notre patrimoine exceptionnel.
Au nom de toute la communauté, merci à tous ceux et celles qui ont contribué, hier comme aujourd'hui, à faire rayonner l'industrie du granit.
Bon 150e anniversaire à l'industrie du granit d'Ogden et de Stanstead.