In 1883, Swenson Granite Works, a Polycor Inc. company, was first established by John Swenson and since that time it has experienced many transitions.

14-year-old Thomas wanted to get a job, but no one would hire him, because of his age and small stature. So he and his younger brother, Evan, chose to quarry the site their father had originally staked out in Idaho, calling themselves Star Stone Quarries.

Originally based in Phenix, MO, the Phenix Marble Co. first opened in the early 20th century. At the time, it was one of the largest producers of stone and marble in the country, employing 250 workers.

Natural stone quarrying in southern Found du Lac County, WI, has an extensive history that dates back to the early 1800s. Hamilton Lime & Stone, which was originally incorporated on October 30, 1935, was first owned by a local stone craftsman by the name of Torson Johnson.