Jacksonville Lime Kiln (Centre County)

 

The Jacksonville Lime Kiln in 2018
Author's Photo

Though almost unrecognizable now, this lime kiln along Walnut Street in Marion Township was once typical of those used throughout rural Pennsylvania during the late 18th to early 20th Centuries. While sadly in poor condition, the kiln still provides a glimpse into the region’s agricultural past.

Lime was an essential resource for farming communities, however in areas without commercial outlets, small town farmers were forced to produce it independently. Luckily for Pennsylvania farmers, this problem had been solved some 7,000 years before with the invention of the lime kiln. 

Lime kilns were basically large ovens for heating limestone, a resource that was naturally abundant in this region. Alternating layers of fuel (usually wood) and limestone were loaded into the kiln though the opening at the top. The kiln was then lit and allowed to burn for a week at temperatures over 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat caused the limestone to break down into a substance called quicklime, that would then fall to the bottom of the kiln and was raked out.

A cross-section of a lime kiln and how it was loaded
Image Retrieved From: monroehistorical.org

Quicklime had a variety of uses in both agriculture and construction. Lime was spread on farm fields to fertilize and reduce soil acidity. It was also incorporated into mortar and cement for building. Mixing lime with water and glue produced “whitewash” a substance that could be used as a paint that possessed antimicrobial properties and was often used in barns or food processing areas. Pennsylvania farmers continued to build their own kilns until commercial lime became more accessible in the early 20th Century.


The history of the kiln near Jacksonville is still largely shrouded in uncertainty. The only clue may lie with the 19th Century owner of the property, Wilson W. Beck. Landowner maps from 1861 and 1874 show him as having property on both sides of modern day Walnut Street near the intersection with Jacksonville Road.

The 1874 landowner map showing W.W.Beck's property. 
It is not the kiln listed as "lime kiln."
Retrieved from: www.historicmapworks.com

 A business directory from 1874 lists him as a farmer, making it very possible that he built the kiln to supply his farm with lime. Wilson died in 1881 and was buried in Lick Run Presbyterian Church Cemetery. His land was then transferred to his heirs. Little other information could be ascertained.


Presently, the kiln sits in a semi-collapsed condition that has accelerated in recent months. Decades of neglect, exposure to the elements, and vandalism have reduced it to its current state that unfortunately is probably beyond salvaging. It is probable that at some point it will be removed before collapses onto the road. The property is owned by Hanson Aggregates, the company that once operated the nearby quarry. There is very little space to pull off along the road, so please use caution if taking photos. Please do not trespass.


Author’s Note: The kiln represents a very poignant reminder for our historical past. Never assume that historic structures will always be around. Their survival into the future is completely dependent on those who care. 

Information Retrieved From:

Bowman,S.(2012). Lime a staple of life in earlier times. Lancaster Farming. Retrieved from https://www.lancasterfarming.com/news/main_edition/lime-a-staple-of-life-in-earlier-times/article_c793e64c-b02b-5bd9-bbf0-49da8ff4bfca.html

 Centre Democrat.(Bellefonte, Pa.), 22 Dec. 1881.Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84009409/1881-12-22/ed-1/seq-4

Leiser,A. (2010). History of lime kilns in Monroe County. Monroe County Historical Association. Retrieved from https://www.monroehistorical.org/articles_files/1010_limekilns.html

Nichols, B. & A. Pomeroy & Co. (1874) Atlas of Centre County, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: A. Pomeroy. [Map] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/93232571/.