Donation of the Month

Lime Works Stock Certificate
Donor: Richard Felker
2005.77.5

According to geologists Northwest Arkansas was part of the ocean at least twice in the earth’s long history. This fact led to large deposits of calcium carbonate found throughout Northwest Arkansas. Calcium carbonate is the main component of seashells, snails, pearl and eggshells left behind from the retreating oceans. Due to these conditions, three to four lime companies operated in Northwest Arkansas between the 1890s and 1930s, and produced a high grade of lime for construction, road beds, and agricultural uses.

The largest company was the Rogers White Lime Company operated by Fleming Freeman. Opened in 1893 at Diamond Springs, the increased demand allowed the company to move to Cross Hollows in 1902 and operate 3 kilns twenty-four hours a day. The lime quarried by the Rogers White Lime Company was advertised as being 99.4% purity and sold primarily for stone and brick works, plastering and whitewashing, disinfecting and water purifying. In 1913 Freeman purchased a crusher to pulverize the lime for agricultural use. The use of lime in the soil allowed farmers to grow more and better crops adding to the demand of the Rogers White Lime Company. Despite continued growth and increased demand the company entered bankruptcy in 1918.

The stock certificate pictured here is for the Rogers Lime and Water Works Company. While not much is known about this company the popularity of this type of business and its potential drove many local individuals to invest. Unlike the agricultural business the lime companies offered stability and longevity.

Today, one lime company remains in Northwest Arkansas operating in Batesville. However, there is still plenty of lime to be found in the area as anyone who has experienced the hard water can attest to.