The Wicked Yard

Friendly. Family and community oriented. Up and coming.

Those are just a few of the things that come to mind for John Proulx when he thinks of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, where he manages one of Swenson Granite Works’ newest retail stores.

How do you prove just who is the world’s strongest man?

Some of the strongest men from around the world hoisted massive granite stones weighing hundreds of pounds at this year’s Arnold Strongman Classic, in a “Trial By Stone” medley that pitted the strongmen against the strongest stone in the world.

The five round lifting stones, weighing between 275 and 420 pounds, were fabricated by Swenson Granite Works from BETHEL WHITE® granite, of which four were used in the annual competition held in Columbus, Ohio and featuring strength athletes from all over the world.

We understand that responsibly hunkering down at home can be difficult. Why not give yourself a mental boost by envisioning all the improvements you’d like to make to turn your outside area into a place you never want to leave? There is no time like the present to get in touch with your area contractor to discuss your plans and work together to transform your yard into the space you have been daydreaming about. Many of your area contractors have adapted to the current situation and are offering videoconferencing to work with their clients.

Your local Swenson Granite Works store can not only provide you with granite and natural stone products to make your vision come to life, they can also connect you with a contractor in your area to get the job done.

Swenson Granite Works truck drivers are as hardworking as the natural stone products they deliver throughout the Northeast. Whether they’re installing classic granite steps, mailbox or lamp posts, these guys excel at getting the job done, and getting it done right.

From the moment she saw the historic Greek Revival home, built in the mid-1800s and set on an acre of property in charming Westport, Connecticut, actress, entrepreneur and lifestyle blogger Eva Amurri could see the potential. “We loved it from the second we saw it,” explained the mom of two young children with a third on the way, “but felt like its space was not utilized well and it lacked the grandness it deserved, given its historic location in town.

South Hadley native Dan Richard has come full circle. He grew up in this small town, not far from Springfield, and after working at the Medway Swenson Granite Works store in eastern Massachusetts, found his way back home in 2018 to manage the newest retail store.

The Swenson Granite Works South Hadley store, located on Granby Road on the site of an abandoned restaurant that had become “an eyesore,” brings locally-sourced, natural stone products to Western Massachusetts as a heartier — and more beautiful — alternative to wood and concrete products.

Photo credit: U.S. Army

In a continued sign that those who lost their lives on 9/11 will never be forgotten, a memorial to those who were killed during the attack on the Pentagon was recently unveiled at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

The memorial is in front of the new headquarters and reads, “PENTAGON … SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 … 09:37 … 184 HEROES.” The monument features a limestone slab from the original Pentagon building that survived the attack. WOODBURY GRAY® granite was used for the two outside, upright markers and the central block that the beam is resting on.

Within the last five years, residents in two small towns in Massachusetts have spearheaded the funding and construction of memorials that honor veterans and both feature WOODBURY GRAY™ granite, quarried in nearby Vermont.

In the same way a unique painting or statement chair can transform an entire room, ornamental features of all sizes can elevate an outdoor space. From handcrafted benches to custom-engraved millstones, Swenson Granite Works offers a range of granite ornamental products for every backyard style.