Source of the Stone? Quarry Woods Cache Traditional Geocache

The stone on Depot Street in Freeport, which was part of a stone box culvert installed in the latter part of the 19th century, was more than likely taken from E.B. Mallet’s nearby granite quarry.

E.B. Mallet Jr inherited the tremendous sum of $700,000 and set out to construct a shoe factory in what is now downtown Freeport. He was fortunate in finding a fine source of granite for the factory’s foundation nearby, putting him in the granite business as a result. Mr Mallet also opened a grist mill, brickyard and sawmill in town.

The remains of the quarry can be found in what is now called Quarry Woods, very close to downtown Freeport. Quarry Woods is owned by the Town of Freeport, overseen by the Freeport Conservation Commission and protected by an easement held by the Freeport Conservation Trust.

Quarry Woods is a ~35 acre property which, in addition to the quarry, contains trails, wetlands and a surprising array of flora and fauna. Of particular note are the vernal pools on the property which serve as breeding habitat for amphibians including the spotted salamander and tree frog. In the spring, you might be fortunate enough to see the egg masses along the edges of the pools. Please don’t touch them and, by all means, don’t walk through any standing water on the property.

There's good parking at the parking spot indicated during non business hours and there are trailheads off Bow Street (coordinates provided) and Lower Mast Landing Road (.3 miles in near the wood chips). Trail markings are limited, but useable and trail and signage improvements are planned for 2009.

One more thing: Do not attempt this cache at night.

The cache is a camouflaged medium sized Lock & Lock container which has been placed with the permission of both the Freeport Conservation Commission and the Freeport Conservation Trust. Please try to replace it as found.