Library Record
Metadata
Object Name |
Tape, Cassette |
Catalog Number |
svml.aud.w018 |
Title |
Williams, William |
Summary |
"Doc" Was the first person at school, so got name. -1930's, he began work, father warned him not to work in quarry, became an engineer in quarry in North Poultney, ran hoisting machine. 1937-39 Worked at red quarry in Hampton, then Norton # 16, went back to then to Hidervill, Enterprise Slate Company then left quarries, 3 years for Town of Poultney, Rutland then Tatko in Middle Granville. Ended by packing tiles. Bought quarry in South Poultney till ulcer forced him to quit, splitter, trimmer, sawyer, partnered with Ron Roberts, later worked for his successor (2 years) (worked in grocery, printing, roofer,liked quarrying the best) best memories there. Gray Forendry, father worked there ("smoke and gas") made trimming machines, carriage for hoist, some still used. Ruggles, non foundry before gray. Chisles, hole saws, wedges, made by quarry blacksmiths and foundry. South Poultney, where Poles lived, called "The bush" several buried under rubbish heaps, named for Bush Quarry, cave ins often buried workers, many lives lost, lost fingers, eyes, etc. in work. Safe to work now, re-designed trimmer for less danger, OSHA enfoces safety rules. Clay in overburden causes cave-ins, usually at night. Why? sand lives "one quarry stick and dump shifted towards the pit. " Ups and downs of industry? Depression nearly ended it, after wold war 2 more became mechanized, used trucks, diamond saw, eletric power for pumping pits. Stories? While roofing, very educational, tried to do at least one new roof each year, quit roofing at age 70. Youngest son does some roofing, great need for this skill "where there is a railroad you will have slate roofs" His partners and him put up last quarry stick in 1963 "last one still in use at Eureka in North Poultney" |
Call# |
Oral History/Williams, W. |
Published Date |
October 17, 2003 |
Subjects |
oral history |
People |
Williams, William (Doc) Roberts, Ron |
Search Terms |
quarries slate company quarry stick |