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:
