A Lasting Legacy
Pride of Ownership
A Lasting Legacy
By February 1916 , rumors circulated about extending electric lines to the Dorset quarry , but the end was near . Workers were given a month to complete contracts , and the excess marble inventory and scrap were sold off . The revitalization of the local marble industry dwindled swiftly , marked by the abandonment of South Dorset properties , the cessation of railroad and mill operations , and the gradual filling of the quarry with groundwater .
In 1934 , the large mill in the depot was quietly razed , and its passing was noted in the Manchester Journal . It is estimated that approximately 3,300,000 cubic feet of marble had been quarried from the Norcross-West quarries , with workers from diverse backgrounds leaving their mark on the region . Despite the company ’ s demise , their legacy endures , as descendants of those workers still call the Green Mountains home .
In the present day , only one marble mine continues its operations in the vicinity of Dorset : the majestic Danby Quarry . Situated on the eastern incline of Dorset Mountain and extending deep into the earth for one-and-a-half miles , this enterprise currently stands as the largest underground marble quarry in the world . Within its cavernous chambers , massive blocks weighing up to 25 tons are hewn from its white walls . Presently under the ownership of an Italian firm hailing from Carrara , Italy , the quarry boasts an entire subterranean facility capable of shaping slabs according to clients ’ specifications , readying them for dispatch worldwide . Yearly , the quarry ’ s miners excavate approximately 200,000 cubic feet of marble , with company officials foreseeing a continuous excavation into Dorset Mountain ’ s depths for years to come .
Pride of Ownership
Contrary to popular belief , the Dorset quarry is privately owned and operated . Dick and Kirsten McDonough acquired the quarry and its adjacent property in 1997 . Since then , they have invested in its continual enhancement to maximize safety and visitor enjoyment . The clearing of pathways , expansion of parking facilities , and establishment of grassy picnic areas exemplify their commitment to providing recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike . n
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