INTRODUCTION

In a quote from The Slate Roof Bible, (Jenkins, 1997) a Professor Agassiz in the late 1800's remarked to a quarryman, Mr. Humphrey, "The Almighty might have made more perfect fish than the trout, but He never did."  In reply, the quarryman said, "I say the same for Peach Bottom slates."

Anyone who has transversed the slate walkways on Main Street through Cardiff, Maryland and Delta, Pennsylvania, and seen the slate roofs on so many buildings throughout the area including the Harkins Funeral Home would have to agree with Mr. Humphrey.  In many references, Peach Bottom slate is considered to be of the highest quality, lasting hundreds of years.  The foundations, roofs and walkways are proof of its durability.

When compared to the harder slates from Vermont, Maine, Virginia, and New York, the slate from Pennsylvania's soft slate beds was usually inferior.  However, the Peach Bottom slate, first used in 1734, was so hard and durable that it was judged "best slate in the world" at London Crystal Palace Exposition in 1850.  One of the most striking characteristics of the Peach Bottom slate is the shiny, dark appearance.  Although quarries have been closed since 1956, there is much evidence of this dynamic and rich resource.  Peach Bottom slate put Cardiff/Delta on the map and provided many jobs.

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