A slate belt story: Grateful Boomers head to Buckingham Slate

It’s time for another story of the Grateful Boomers and for this time around, let’s talk micro-adventures right here in Buckingham County. Did you know that Thomas Jefferson specified Buckingham Slate to replace the tin roofs of the original buildings at the then-new University of Virginia, constructed between 1819-1826? Today it is shipped by rail and truck to as far away as California, Washington State and New York.

During a visit in June to pick up almost a ton of crushed slate for a collaborative DIY home project, the Grateful Boomers had the wonderful opportunity to have an informative, personally guided tour of the now Boxley-owned quarry. Discovered by Welsh settlers more than 200 years ago, the Welsh built decorative slate roofs which can still be seen today on many old homes in Arvonia. At one time, there were about 750 residents — most of them employees — of Arvonia, named after a county in Wales. Now, most of the employees are residents spread out over Buckingham County and surrounds.

The slate belt that runs through our county in the town of Arvonia is approximately five miles long. Since the early 1800’s this unfading, blue-black stone, with hints of mica has been quarried and used on everything from courthouses and homes to hen houses and outhouses.

Because it has a longevity of 200 years or more, evidenced by the many buildings today all over the US that it may be seen roofing, the quality speaks for itself.

And, by the way, the hand-made, wood mold bricks edging the slate “step”, are over 200 years old and came from an old brick home in Buckingham County.

Who are the Grateful Boomers?

And if you’re wondering who the Grateful Boomers are, they’re a group of friends from Buckingham County, all over the age of 60, who want to enrich their lives through both meaningful friendships and challenging outdoor adventures.

They believe that aging gratefully with a high level of curiosity about everything, will create the best environment to remain mentally and physically active. Collectively, the group’s interests run from biking to hiking, kayaking and photography to reading, knitting, gardening and travel. They hope that by sharing their adventures, the group will inspire others to do the same.

To read about more of the Grateful Boomers’ trips, you can click here or here .

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