Bluestem Quarry and Stoneworks

04/25/2026

All of these photos are part of a start to finish stone house relocation project by Bluestem Quarry and Stoneworks. Please also view the note/article titled "Saving Old Craftsmanship or the Art of Smashing Fingers and Aching Backs". As is often the case with these old houses it had become a liability to the owner and was slated to be pushed into a hole and buried. We were able match it with a client that wanted to give it a new life in another location.

04/23/2026

The fruits of our labor installed. One down quite a few to go.

04/18/2026

Making some very large lintels for a project in Edmond OK. The gauge of the material is so thick that I have to do my part old school. We had the slabs cut out of a quarry block of Silverdale. The saw that we utilized is an 11.5' Wilson block saw. It's a monster. I'm a fortunate guy to have access to such great equipment and I have developed some wonderful working relationships with people who are now among those people I consider friends. This trade is reliant upon good relationships. I have met some wonderful people over the years and I try to learn from everyone of them. They all have something to contribute to my education and I am grateful.

04/09/2026

Progress is being made in Overland Park as we close in on the deadline. The boss showed up to inspect the site. I think she approved but like the rest of us is ready to put this one behind us.

04/02/2026

The job foreman sent me this yesterday. The Overland Park Farmers Market is coming to a close. A lot of changes last minute. We're running to make the last pieces.

04/02/2026

St. John the Baptist Church in Hanover, KS. We completed the stone work there last autumn. Dean Lukeroth. Lukeroth Masonry installed this and did a great job. I wish I had taken a few more pictures. I don't get out that way very often.

01/24/2026

A progress report from the Overland Park Farmers market. I had to run over there the other day before the storm to clarify and field check a few dimensions and elements we are responsible for. It's going to be a beautiful structure once it is completed. The duration for this is quite rushed unfortunately and our colleagues are struggling to get in and get their work done. I am certain that once everyone gets out of the way we will be moving quickly to complete on time. The only advantage for me is that the cold is not keeping me from missing many workable days and I have been able to get processes worked out with little pressure. The downside of course is the pace of recompense. In the end however we will have participated in the construction of a beautiful landmark in Overland Park. Maybe my grandchildren will be there one day and think about me. That is an encouraging thought.

" Give us, oh give us the man who sings at his work! Be his occupation what it may be, he is equal to any of those who follow the same pursuit in silent sullenness. He will do more in the same time - he will do it better - he will persevere longer."

Thomas Carlyle

01/15/2026

I have been trying to get this installed for three years. This winter I decided that it's now or never. Special thanks to Eric and Issac Hennen at Rock Solid Mechanics, St.Cloud, Minnesota. A dream has been realized.

12/16/2025

11/21/2025

We continue to work on the Overland Park Farmers market. Johnny Carder aka the quarry monster cutting slabs to process at the shop. Meanwhile I am dreaming of the day I can afford a large Tonka toy.

11/19/2025

There are friends and then there are incredible friends! Like WOW! I am one blessed man to have friends like this. Doug P***n you are on the wow scale. Maybe even off the Wow scale. Thanks for your kindness and generous support. I will never forget that.

11/08/2025

At the shop we charge on with work for the new Farmers market in Overland Park Kansas. Meanwhile over in Prairie Village Kansas MOJO built custom Homes is installing some of our thin Veneer. We seldom cut thin veneer. I find the way most companies go about it offensive. We take our time and do it right. Personally I prefer full bed depth stone but in some circumstances I guess it can be appropriate to use a thinner material. I don't think anyone comparing our finished and installed products could tell the difference.
What do you think?