From the Archives: A Glimpse Into Lemont’s History
On hot summer days, Lemont residents used to cool off in Amato’s Quarry, which is now part of the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area.
Photos
The Lemont Area Historical Society (LAHS) has generously offered to share photos and accompanying information with Patch readers each week, depicting people, places and things from the village’s storied past.
This week, the LAHS shares a photo taken at quarry No.1, also known as Amato's Quarry, circa 1950s. According to the historical society, the quarry was a common destination for Lemont residents trying to beat the heat during the long, hot summers when air conditioning was not readily available.
Although swimming is not allowed in the quarries at the present time, Heritage Quarries Recreation Area is available for biking, hiking, fishing, boating (paddle, oar and electric trolling motors only) and enjoying nature. The access road to visit the recreation area is across the street from Turnabout Pizza at 1000 Main St.
For more information on the nearly 100-acre Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, click here.
Discover more about Lemont history at the historical society museum in the Old Stone Church at 306 Lemont St. The museum is open to the public and welcomes visitors. For more information, visit the LAHS web site at http://www.lemonthistorical.org/ or contact lemontahs@sbcglobal.net.
The Lemont Area Historical Society also invites readers to share their photos of Lemont’s past, to be added to the LAHS archives.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
There are plenty of ways to keep up on Lemont news:
John Quinn
8:41 am on Monday, November 12, 2012
If you live in Lemont and you have never visited this area you don't know what you are missing. Make it a point to bring your family to the Heritage Quarry Park and realize what a treasure we have so close to home.
Matt Bruns
9:21 am on Monday, November 12, 2012
Does anyone know how deep the quarries are? Is there a topographical map of them?
John Quinn
12:29 pm on Monday, November 12, 2012
The deepest point in Great Lakes (Cat Lady's) Quarry is about 35 feet. I believe Icebox is about ten to fifteen feet deep. They are not as deep as everyone thinks they are. Not sure on the other ones. The Heritage commission is in the process of plotting out the depths of each quarry.The goal is to have all that info on a website for boaters or fishermen.
Matt Bruns
7:46 pm on Monday, November 12, 2012
Oh wow! Thanks! I do a lot of fishing and boating down there, when is that website supposed to be up and running. Do you know?
John Quinn
6:17 am on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
If we get all the equipment working right sometime next summer. We have some data on Great Lakes. Look me up and I'll see if I can get it to you.