HARDWICK TWP. -- The Hardwick Township Historical Society will provide a second opportunity to view how an old time lime kiln burned lime to make fertilizer. In 1998 the society sponsored the first demonstration at Ted Lambert's historic kiln on Millbrook Road, near Blairstown. Due to the demand for a second demonstration by those who were not able to attend the first burning, Ted Lambert has agreed to fire up his restored lime kiln again, giving people another chance to see this historic event!
In time gone by, farmers discovered that the limestone, which exists in abundance in Warren and Sussex Counties, could enrich the soil after it was properly burned and slaked. Farmers could easily spread the lime on the soil by the shovel-full or plow it into the soil, to make crops grow in quantity and quality.
Farmers took advantage of this resource in their own backyard, and stone-faced lime kilns sprang up on almost every farm, but today it is difficult to find one of these relics. Limestone is no longer burned; it is pulverized by machines into sizes that are suitable for a wide variety of uses. As a result, lime kilns, large and small, are being lost to history as they are covered over with vegetation or demolished to build other structures.
Lambert said the lime kiln, which is on the property where he has lived for 70 years, was filled with rocks and debris before he cleaned it out and rendered it operative once again. He said he'll burn wood for the demonstration, although layers of coal were sometimes used to heat up a kiln for several days before thrusting the limestone in the top of the furnace.
Few people today have had the chance to see a lime kiln in operation. So mark your calendar right now, to make sure that you don't miss the opportunity to take part in this fascinating re-enactment of American history. The lime burning will take place on Saturday, October 27, from 8 am to 12 pm at 65 Millbrook Road, just north of Blairstown, on the property of Ted Lambert. Come join the fun!
The event is being sponsored by the Hardwick Township Historical Society to raise funds for the preservation of the Vass Farmstead on Stillwater Road in Hardwick. Donations of $3 per person or $5 per family are being asked. Coffee, hot chocolate, and cider will be available for sale as well as other goodies. There will be historical displays and other items of interest. All proceeds benefit the preservation and restoration of the Vass Farmstead and other projects of the Hardwick Township Historical Society. In the event of pouring rain, the event will be staged on Sunday October 28.