Local History Index: Business Index
Lime Kilns
Compiled and Edited by Michael R. Reilly
Last Revised 05/16/2005
Lime Kilns Were An Important Industry
The lime kilns played an important role in the early history of the area. About 50 men were employed by the company, with pay ranging from 12 to 15 cents per hour.
The lime kilns at Templeton were rather large structures as shown in the bottom photo. A great deal of wood was required to keep the fires in the kilns going. Unfortunately it was the fire that brought an end to the lime kiln industry in 1916. Source: Recollections from the Past: Sussex, Wisconsin, Presented by Farmers & Merchants Bank, August 4, 1972.
Lisbon, November 13, 1912 - Valentine Marks (Marx) met with a
serious accident in the quarry of the Templeton Lime & Stone Co. last
Saturday. He was in the act of pulling down some loose stones that were hanging
on the east wall when about three tons gave way suddenly, catching Mr. Marks and
burying him so deep that it took nearly a hour to remove the rocks to get him
out of the quarry. It is reported that he sustained twelve broken ribs and a
broken ankle; ten stitches were required to close cuts on his head. According to
latest reports he will recover. Source: Waukesha Freeman