This Stone of the Month is supplied by Vermont Quarries Corp. Technical details provide a frame of reference only.

Why is it important to use the original granite when remodeling or adding to old structures? Why is it important to use granite when building new structures? There is one answer to these great questions, and it can be divided into three levels: practicality, history and tradition.

Recently, Stone World had the opportunity to ask Johannes Semmler, managing director, and Hubert Kuenzl, export manager, about recent investments and their approach to working with and promoting the company’s Jura limestone to architects.

Acme Brick Company was founded in 1891 to supply brick and other high-quality building products to architects and builders.

Recently, Stone World had the opportunity to tour this region, which remains a viable source of limestone. The quarries and mills that we visited were busy with activity – many working on multiple projects, including some high-profile ones.

With a population of nearly 66,000, Eau Claire is the ninth largest city in the state of Wisconsin and it takes its name from the original French name, “Eaux Claires,” meaning “Clear Waters.” This is an appropriate reference, as it sits at the junction of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers.

One year after building their own fireplace, Jeff and Candy commissioned their first fireplace using for the first time the Freshwater Stone name. In 1988, Freshwater Stone moved its offices from Jeff and Candy’s home in Ellsworth to its current location in Orland, ME.