The Ridge Historical Society
The End of “Joliet Limestone”
By Carol Flynn
The Givins Beverly Castle, the Robert C. Givins House, located at the corner of 103rd Street and Longwood Drive, is Beverly’s best-known landmark. The Castle was built in 1887-88, which makes it over 130 years old.
But really, the Castle is millions of years old – it was constructed of “Joliet limestone.” The proper name for the stone is Joliet – Lemont dolomite, and its chemical composition gives it a yellowish or buff color not found in limestone which is usually more gray in color.
This material was quarried in the Joliet area and used for many buildings throughout the area, from the Water Tower and Holy Name Cathedral in downtown Chicago to the Joliet prison – and the Beverly Castle. The last documented building made of this stone was constructed in the 1940s – the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church of Joliet.
Last month, the last quarry in Joliet announced it was closing. This means it is more important than ever to preserve these buildings. The Beverly Unitarian Church, which owns and uses the Castle, completed restoration of its turrets in recent years.