Braen Stone History
Braen Stone celebrates 110 years!
In 2013, Braen Stone Industries celebrated 110 years. See what the Braen family and employees have to say about their journey and how they built their business over the years.
About Us
For five generations and more than 100 years, the Braen Family has been involved in the construction materials industry. The Braen story has always been one of perseverance through adversity, and strong ties to family and faith. From producing hot mix asphalt and crushed stone to mining sand and gravel pits, our journey would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our family members and employees over the years.
The History of Braen Stone
1890s
Legend has it that Samuel Braen receives property along the Totowa/Paterson, NJ border known as “The Valley of the Rocks” as payment for a gambling debt owed to him.
1904
Samuel Braen Inc. is founded as the need for construction materials grows amid the construction of the factory and infrastructure network of northern New Jersey. Dow Drukker of Union Building and Construction Co. were among his most well-known customers.
1920s
The name of the company becomes Samuel Braen’s Sons, as Abram’s sons John and Sam join the business. The main headquarters is established in Hawthorne, NJ. From Samuel Braen, the business is passed to his son, Abram, and then to Abram’s two sons, Samuel Jr. and John.
1930s - 1960s
Braen grows to more than 20 locations throughout northern New Jersey and New York, by establishing quarry and sand and gravel locations in Paterson, Hawthorne, Wyckoff, Riverdale, Hamburg, and Suffern. Business grows dramatically as the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System requires vast construction materials.
1973
Samuel Braen’s Sons is sold to Fred Wehran by Samuel Braen Sr. The only remaining business asset is the Haledon, NJ quarry.
1977
With his mother, Frances, and wife, Janet, Samuel Jr. established Stone Industries, Inc. in Haledon, NJ. This remaining Braen quarry would serve as the gateway to the fifth generation being actively involved in the business.
1990
As the American economy is put back on track by the Reagan administration, Stone Industries, Inc. purchases Van Orden Sand & Gravel in Ringwood, NJ. This acquisition yields reserves of both sand and gravel and granite-gneiss.
2000
Braen Supply, Inc. is formed as a subsidiary of Stone Industries, Inc. to meet the demands of a growing customer base. Braen Supply, Inc. diversified our product offering by adding landscape, masonry and hardware building supplies.
2006
Braen Supply, Inc. acquires Wanaque Supply, providing retail space to build a 6,300-square-foot showroom for stone and paver displays. Braen acquires the Franklin limestone quarry, expanding the geographic scope of the business back into Sussex County.
2012
Braen acquires the historic Limecrest Quarry in Sparta, NJ. The quarry contains both limestone and granite reserves.
Today
Today, Braen Stone owns and operates 4 quarries in northern New Jersey. They pride themselves for being the leading supplier of construction materials in the Tri-State area and having a strong presence in multiple organizations to help the community.