With a vision and determination, Homer Weller set out to start Rolling Rock Building Stone, Inc. in Boyertown, PA, in November of 1955. At the time, the company specialized in quarrying building stone locally from a site in Berks County. Today, Rolling Rock has expanded to include four quarries - three of which it owns - and has also become a well-known producer of thin stone veneer.
Sitting at the foot of the Alps is Brescia, an Italian city that has a rich history in stone quarrying. Part of Italy’s Lombardy region, the area is home to 55 active sites -- including one owned and operated by Marmi Ghirardi srl, a family business founded in 1938.
Founded 12 years ago by a master stonemason, Rhodes Architectural Stone of Seattle, WA, specializes in the supply of three-dimensional architectural stonework for residential commercial and public institutions. The goal for each project is to tailor the stone selection to the specific needs of the individual client.
Nestled in the heart of California wine country is Ramekins Culinary School, Events & Inn, which opened its doors in June of 1998. Established as Sonoma Valley’s only learning facility dedicated to the education of the home cook, the 12,000-square-foot, two-story building is characterized by European style and Old World charm.
With the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains and an equally impressive landscape, Sun Valley, ID, is a majestic place that is steeped in history. Often referred to as the “American Shangri-La,” the area has become a thriving resort community - offering visitors a wealth of hotels and restaurants, outdoor activities and entertainment.
For 10 years, Mineração Pemagran has been extracting Iberê Crema Bordeaux from its quarry in Afonso Claudio, Espírito Santo, Brazil. During this time, the material has gained international appeal for its aesthetic value and its ability to be used in a variety of design styles.
Founded in 1968 by Camilo Cola, Marbrasa Marmores e Granitos do Brasil Ltda. of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil, was one of the first Brazilian companies to produce stone on an international level.
Dating back to the 1800s, the Bethel White Quarry in Bethel, VT, is a staple among the sites owned and operated by Rock of Ages Corp. Currently, the quarry is undergoing an extensive development effort to maintain its long-standing history of high-quality production well into the future.
The Santucci Group of Italy recently reached an agreement for the promotion and sales of marble from the Calacata Borghini quarry, which is located in the Apuan Alps of the Carrara region.
A decade ago, I traveled to the famed Giallo Veneziano quarry in Brazil -- via helicopter -- and immediately counted it among the most interesting places I visited while doing this job.