Memories of the Quarry: Marion Kilcup
Left Photo: Charlie and Marion Downing
1922
Source: Marion Kilcup, The Descendants of Thomas Downing Sr., Charlie Downing and Marion Downing
Right Photo: Gypsum Lime and Alabastine conveyor workers
Circa 1941
Source: Mr. T.F. Robinson, Beachville District Museum collection – 1995.20.06, Workers at a Gypsum Lime and Alabastine company conveyor
Audio: An interview with Marion Kilcup, daughter of Charlie Downing
Duration: 47 seconds
In this audio clip, Kilcup discusses childhood memories of growing up around the Beachville quarries at a public presentation circa 1975. This audio clip is property of the Beachville District Museum Reference Library.
Marion Kilcup: “When I was small, my father used to take me every Saturday morning down to the quarry, and there I stayed until it was time to come back up at noon to my grandmother’s for dinner. One of the great joys of my life was to ride on the conveyor belt from the crusher up to the screenings. And it was necessary for one chap to put me on and another chap at the top to take me off.
As well, in the summer, my cousin and I would swim in the river and we weren’t the least bit afraid. When blasting would occur we’d just lay down flat in the river and let the rock fly around us. Never thought of the danger, whatsoever.”