Main Street Business

Several years ago, our mason took us to an open field on Dugway Road between Lime Rock and Amesville piled with reclaimed curbs, New York City sidewalks, and cobblestones to pick out a hearth for our fireplace. There was no sign on the property, and since that time I had wondered about this business of selling old stones. For our environmental issue I tracked down the owner, Stephen Fitch, and interviewed him in the kitchen of his 1850 house just a mile from his stone yard.

When did you start dealing in reclaimed stone?

Honestly, I just kind of stumbled into it. I started my career in landscape design about 40 years ago. My stone collection grew to meet the demands of my customers, and eventually I ended up with a stone yard. 

Who are your clients?

Everybody from homeowners to contractors, architects, landscape designers, and masons who are searching for material with character. It ranges from someone looking for a single step up into a shed to someone seeking materials for a big project. I’d say the majority of my customers or clients are within a 30-mile radius. A few times I’ve shipped stone as far away as Texas and Idaho. Don’t ask how these people found me. 

Why do customers want previously installed stone?

People who seek out reclaimed stone understand the degree of charm and character it imparts to a landscape which is completely lacking in new, quarried stone. No two reclaimed stones are alike – they all have their own personality. I love meeting people here and helping them find the perfect one, like picking out a new puppy. Also, more and more, folks are telling me that they appreciate the environmental benefit of reusing material with local origins. Almost all the stones are purchased for exterior use. 

How do you buy stones?

Quite often the stone comes from demolition and construction sites where, for example, old sidewalks are being replaced or granite curbing is being removed. I have some good contacts with companies doing this work and they will call me if they think I might be interested. For stone walls that we build, I try to get local wall stones delivered directly to the job site.

What type of stone is in highest demand?

That changes a little bit from year to year, but granite for steps is consistently in demand. 

How do you evaluate the quality of reclaimed stones?

Quality is determined primarily by the size of the stone, but color, patina, and lack of defects also come into play. This area has a long history of producing really high-quality stone.

What is the most amazing stone you have found?

About 13 years ago we brought in about 100 bluestone slabs from a prison built in 1875. Each slab was 7’ by 9’ and about 4” to 5” thick. Each one was the entire floor of a single prison cell. Sometimes I wish these stones could speak.

Do you make anything from your stones?

Yes, we all enjoy getting creative with this material, so we fabricate objects like benches, tables, firepits, and outdoor grills.

Are prices going up?

Costs, especially on the transportation end, are rising just like everything else. Also, there’s less and less reclaimed stone available and more clients requesting it. During COVID, reclaimed stone became even more popular as people desired improved outdoor spaces. But I try to keep my prices reasonable and provide the best product at the best price.

What’s your most important task?

Probably it’s planning and preparing. I always need to stay one step ahead of my customers and clients with both materials and projects. And I have to make sure our equipment is working – this stuff is heavy. 

It was hard to find you. There’s no sign on the yard, and you don’t have a website. How do you market your company?

Honestly, I don’t think much about marketing – the stone and our work speak for themselves and fuel the power of word-of-mouth advertising. My reward for doing this work is the satisfaction of knowing I’ve done my best for each and every customer. 

What’s unusual about the stone business?

Reclaimed stones don’t depreciate, they do not rot, go out of fashion or become technologically obsolete. Nobody tries to steal them, you can store them outside and they are almost never returned.

What do you do for fun?

I like to fool around with cars – both to drive them and mechanically. I also enjoy taking my dogs for a walk, during which I try to eradicate invasive plants like bittersweet, barberry, and Russian olive. •

You can reach Fitch Landscaping at (860) 983-3934 or by email to stephen.h.fitch@gmail.com.