Summary
The lime kiln was a significant feature in the western Massachusetts economy for many years, and provided dozens of jobs for local residents. With the reconstruction of these large kilns, we have pieced together a puzzle of our past, so future generations can study and learn from their history.
Here we have a modest industrial site, that contributed to the economy of the local citizens, yet the marble stone and limestone had far reaching uses in America. The land is protected now, as the National Park Service owns the land around the Appalachian Trail. The lime kiln lies on the edge of the property adjacent to a public road and is at present, not visible to the hikers since the trail has been relocated off the road traversing the ridgeline above. Yet despite this fact, the operation of the kiln does provide a glimpse into American life 100 years ago. We gathered what little information was available about the industry, and recreated the visual history to preserve the story first described to hikers in 1939 as an “old deserted limekiln which is worth examining” (ATC 1939:113).
So if hiking north on the AT and you pass Shays' Rebellion Monument, continue north until you cross a private driveway. The trail continues uphill, but turn east, to paved Lime Kiln Road, then left 100 meters or so till you see the kiln complex. to enjoy some local history.
Remember take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints and waste nothing but time.
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