Athens, Kentucky – On a rainy Friday morning, 25-year-old Will Gerrow, a student at the University of Kentucky, is hard at work repairing a collapsed section of an old stone fence along Athens Boonesboro Road. Utilizing tools such as chisels and hammers, Gerrow is practicing the art of dry-laid stone masonry, a craft that dates back to the early 1800s in Central Kentucky.
Dry-laid masonry involves arranging stones without the use of mortar, allowing water to pass freely through the wall. This method not only facilitates drainage but also makes the structure more resilient to ground movement, with properly built walls lasting up to a century with minimal maintenance.
Working as an apprentice with the Dry Stone Conservancy, a non-profit organization based in Lexington, Gerrow is honing a skill that could serve as a trade or a fulfilling hobby in the future. “It’s a lot like a puzzle,” he explained. “You need to discern which stone fits best, and that takes practice.” His long-term aspirations include creating stonework for his future property.
The Dry Stone Conservancy is dedicated to preserving Kentucky’s historical stone structures. Executive Director Russell Waddell pointed out that the number of existing dry stone fences has drastically declined due to urban development and agricultural expansion, with only an estimated five to ten percent remaining from the original 1800s. “All these walls are being threatened by developments,” Waddell stated, lamenting the loss of hundreds of feet of stone walls for new constructions.
The Conservancy also conducts workshops aimed at sharing the skills required for dry stone masonry. These training sessions attract a mix of participants, from homeowners seeking to maintain their property to contractors interested in mastering the craft.
One workshop instructor, Neil Rippingale, a master stone mason from Scotland, emphasized the cultural heritage of stone masonry in the region. He explained that Scottish and Irish immigrants brought this craft to America in the mid-1800s, profoundly influencing the architectural landscape in Kentucky.
Waddell clarifies a common misconception that enslaved labor was primarily responsible for building the stone fences. While there were some instances of enslaved individuals participating in the work, the majority of these structures were built by Scottish and Irish masons. After the Civil War, freed individuals learned the craft and contributed to its continuation into the 20th century.
As Gerrow experiences this rich history firsthand, he reflects on his work’s significance. “The walls tell a story,” he stated. “It’s fascinating to think about who built them and their experiences.” The initiative by the Dry Stone Conservancy aims not only to preserve these structures but also to inspire a new generation of craftsmen in the art of dry stone masonry.
