An old limekiln near Duntroon has been stabilized and is ready to be shared with the public.
The limekiln, more than 100 years old, is located on private property but has been opened to the public via the Bruce Trail. An official opening will be held at the site on April 23.
In 2015, landowner Bill Franks decided this historic artifact should be accessible to the public and invited the Bruce Trail Conservancy to create a side trail.
“The kiln has been completely refurbished, so to speak,” said Dick Edwards, who acted as liaison between Franks and the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
He said the kiln was re-mortared, with financial support from Walker Aggregates, to stabilize the structure and safety barriers were erected.
Additional donations came from Clearview Township, Creemore Springs Brewery, Hamilton Bros. and the Blue Mountains Bruce Trail Club.
Built in the mid-1800s, the kiln is said to be one of the best-preserved limekilns still standing in Ontario.
Township records indicate it was operated for many years by Joseph Gosnell and family. Kilns like this were common in the 1800s but were replaced in the 1900s by large industrial producers, said Edwards.
Lime production thrived along the escarpment where limestone and firewood were abundant. Lime provided the bonding ingredient in plaster, mortar and cement needed by a growing province. The process involved filling the kiln with limestone pieces piled in an arch over a wood fire that was burned for 3-5 days. Constant attention was needed to maintain the proper temperature. The heat drove off carbon dioxide and converted the limestone (calcium carbonate) into chalky, white lime (calcium oxide) commonly called quicklime. The quicklime was shovelled into wagons and drawn by horses down rough, steep tracks to nearby rail stations. Great skill was needed, as spilled or wet loads meant no pay for the driver.
Lime technology came with settlers from Europe where it had been known for centuries. It can be traced back to the Romans whose mortar built many famous structures, some still standing today.
The grand opening takes place from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Apr. 23. Access the site from the Bruce Trail parking lot on County Road 91, one and a half concessions west of Duntroon. The parking lot is on the north side of road before the quarry.
Follow the trail from the parking lot for about 400 metres to the blue sign for Franks’ Kiln Side Trail. It is a five- or 10-minute walk to the kiln, partly down a steep slope so wear appropriate footwear.