Editing Medina, New York (section)

==== Medina Sandstone ====
Medina is known for its [[Medina sandstone|Medina Sandstone]], a stone used widely in buildings across the region.<ref>[http://www.eriecanalmedina.com/medina_sandstone.html Medina Sandstone] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613091251/http://www.eriecanalmedina.com/medina_sandstone.html |date=June 13, 2008 }}, on ErieCanalMedina.com</ref> Some local examples include the "million dollar staircase" at the [[New York State Capitol]] in Albany,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Rethinking of Old Orleans|last=Lattin|first=C.W.|date=April 20, 1983|work=The Journal-Register}}</ref> the [[Richardson Olmsted Complex]] in Buffalo,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Medina Sandstone in Buffalo Spotlight|last=Rivers|first=Tom|date=February 23, 2013|work=The Daily News}}</ref> and in buildings at the [[University of Rochester]] and [[Cornell University]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Prospectus...Medina Sandstone Quarries|year=1899|publisher=Publisher unknown|location=Medina, NY|pages=6}}</ref> Sandstone varies in color from light grey to a deep reddish brown.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Landmarks of Orleans County|publisher=Signor|year=1894|pages=153}}</ref>

The first commercial sandstone quarry was opened in 1837 by John Ryan.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|title=Only Memories Remain Of Sandstone Industry|last=Hudnut|first=Jim|date=February 8, 1985|work=The Journal-Register}}</ref> At their peak, sandstone quarries were one of the largest employers in the county with upwards of 2,000 employees.<ref name=":4" /> With the discovery of cheaper alternatives, Medina Sandstone's popularity began to decline around World War 1.<ref name=":4" />