The block quarrying operation is known as Barton Quarries, and it is a division of Barton Mines Co., the roots of which date back to 1876, when founder Henry Hudson Barton opened a sandpaper supply shop in Philadelphia, PA. Searching for a better sandpaper abrasive, he discovered garnet and began mining operations near North Creek, NY, in 1878, and this venture prospered for over a century. In 1983, mining operations were re-located from Gore Mountain to nearby Ruby Mountain, and this is also where the dimensional stone is quarried today.