What was that Eastern York County pit before it filled with water?
A reader, a fairly “new" York County resident of seven years, queried about that old quarry along Route 462 near Hellam.
It appears to be a limestone quarry, lacking the reddish colors that surround a former ore bank.
Any insight out there about this manmade, water-filled reservoir? Please comment.
Her query follows:...
I am always interested in learning of historical or otherwise interesting places to see. I even enjoy seeing the old pictures of York county which hang on the walls of some local restaurants. I am curious about a certain spot I pass on the way to Hellam. It seems to be an old quarry (now filled with water) right on Market Street next to "Porky's Barbeque" and near the garden center, Stauffers. I am assuming there was iron ore mined in this area back in the 1700 and 1800's. Could you tell me anything about this place?
Jeri Jones · December 13, 2006 10:48 PM
The quarry was known as the York Valley Stone & Lime Company. They mined limestone out of the pit which is over 100 feet deep. I am not exactly sure when the quarry closed down, but I do have several photos of it working from the late 1930's