Seymour Historical Society to host talk on Colonial kiln

Peter Rzasa stands next to remnants of Seymour's remaining lime kiln. He and his wife, Barbara, will discuss how farmers made use of the giant outdoor furnaces at a Seymour Historical Society program at 2 p.m. April 26. /Contributed photo


SEYMOUR - If you know where to look in town, you can still see remnants of a giant outdoor furnace that Colonial farmers used to turn marble into lime for their fields. 

Millions of years ago, the state was covered by an ocean that included a coral reef. Over time, the reef metamorphosed into marble. 
Beginning in the late 17th century, farmers used the marble to enhance crop growth by lowering soil acidity. But it first had to be burned in a large outdoor kiln, producing a chalky substance known as “burnt lime.” 

Two local kilns were constructed, and one still remains in Seymour. Peter and Barbara Rzasa will describe the kiln, the marble quarries, and ancient mining roads that still can be found in Little Laurel Lime Park during a program at 2 p.m. April 26. 


The Seymour Historical Society is located at 59 West St. 
The program is free to Seymour Historical Society members and $5 for non-members. Doors open at 1 p.m. 

For more information, call 203-881-2156, contact psussman@snet.net, or visit www.seymourhistoricalsociety.org. 


This is a press release from the Seymour Historical Society.