One of the last operating stone lime kiln complexes in Wisconsin was located north of Mayville, Wisconsin at a place called Nasbro. These kilns continued in operation until the plant closed in the 1980’s. Five kilns were built by the Western Lime Company. A small town grew up around these kilns (Nasbro), but after the lime operations ceased, the small village was mostly leveled (except for one house). More images from this fascinating operation and history will be following over the next several posts. The image on the left (or top depending on your device) is the back side of the kilns looking south. The other is from the backside looking north. Notice the huge crack that has formed on one of the kilns. Originally, most (if not all) stone kilns had horizontal wooden braces that kept the structure stable. Without these braces these kilns are likely to fail. This one may be the first to go, the others could survive for several more decades.
Nasbro Kilns looking north
Nasbro Kilns Looking south.