The Hitching Post Winter 2012 Edition

Now available online

LaFarge - "Fifty Years Making Cement in Ravena"         

       In early 1961, Newmont Mining Corporation together with Cerro Corporation made the announcement that they would build one of the largest cement manufacturing facilities in the world on property in the Town of Coeymans just north of the Village of Ravena. At 12 noon on May 19th of that same year, over twelve hundred dignitaries, company officials and community residents gathered to witness Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, Ravena Mayor Harley Townsend and Town of Coeymans Supervisor George Boehlke turn the first shovels of earth which began the largest construction project ever taken place in this community. The following year, 1962 Atlantic Cement began its first production of Portland cement at the new facility.

       To mark the 50th anniversary of production at the Lafarge Cement plant the Ravena Coeymans Historical Society will present a special program "Fifty Years Making Cement in Ravena" at their next meeting on March 11, at 2 PM.

       Speakers will include Mr. Peter E. Buttiker, former operations manager during the Blue Circle ownership of the facility and Mr. John Reagan, Lafarge Ravena plant environmental manager. Mr Buttiker held various positions from, 1962 until 1996, with both Atlantic Cement and Blue Circle, he was the operations manager at the time of his retirement. He will speak on the history of the facility from its beginning in 1962 through the 1990's.   Mr. John Reagan will speak about the plant as it is today and the new Plant Modernization project which is currently underway.

       The Presentation will take place 2 p.m on March 11, 2012. at the Ravena village Hall, Mountain Road, Ravena. Refreshments will be served after the presentation.