Early 1900s Photograph Taken at Stoneyhurst Quarries

Edgar Reed (front) and unidentified companions pose for a photograph at Stoneyhurst Quarries, Bethesda, Maryland. Photo by Lewis Reed, ca. early 1900s

The Stoneyhurst Quarry on River Road in Bethesda Maryland has been supplying stones since the 1920s for some of the great landmarks of Washington, DC, including the National Cathedral. The quarry was first opened in 1924 by the aptly named Lilly Stone. She was a widow in her 60s at the time and her family had owned multiple quarries but were also farmers. When the farm was busy, the quarries lay dormant. However after World War I, the family needed money after their farm had been destroyed in a disastrous fire. She once said that her father had told her, “Lilly, if you are ever in need, open the quarries.” And thus, she decided to open the quarry business on a full-time basis and personally oversaw operations until the mid 1950s.

Lilly didn’t hand the reigns over to her son Dunbar until she was in her mid 90’s! Quite an accomplishment for anyone, but also considering the culture of the times, a strong woman operating a large, notable business was quite unusual. She was the only female quarrier in the country that anyone knew of and quite an interesting character to say the least. Described as a “feisty lady” she once was arrested for speeding in a truck and hitting the officer on the head with a cane when she was ticketed.

During her spare time, Lilly researched Maryland’s historical roots and helped establish the Montgomery County Historical Society. She was also instrumental in organizing the Maryland State Historical Society and even designed Montgomery County’s original flag.

Source of Information: Montgomery History