Jeff notes that even though his quarry is a small scale operation, it still contributes to Jamestown's economy. "We employ two palette builders, as well as just having to replace machinery and equipment."

The Jamestown Quarry may produce distinctively blue stone, but it certainly isn't singing the blues in any traditional sense. As long as there are experienced, informed, and committed people like Jeff Clayborn, Patrick Garrison, and Johnny Presley to keep pace with innovations in the stone trade while not losing sight of the past, the Cumberland Plateau's heritage of masonry and quarrying will continue to thrive.

For more information about Bluestone as well as the full range of Rocky Ridge's products and services, please visit its official website www.rockyridgestoneco.com or call 931484-7158. Visit the Slippery Rock archives at www.slipperyrockgazette.net for the January 2010 issue also featuring Rocky Ridge and their Crab Orchard Stone products.

At left, Jeff (foreground) and Wheeler Clayburn free a sheet from the quarry bed. Tennessee Bluestone cleaves cleanly into sheets ranging from three quarters of an inch to two inches thick, ready to use. "We have fabricators also looking at our Bluestone as a countertop material, since the slabs are the perfect thickness, and easy to work with," says Patrick Garrison.

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