Fry Rock

Granite is a light-colored, hard igneous rock commonly used in constructing monuments and  buildings. It’s a rock that is not common to Illinois. Most granite found in the state probably was deposited by glaciers moving from the north. Granite has special meaning for Fry Elementary School – it’s the substance of which “The Fry Rock,” which sits at the school’s entrance, is made.

The word “granite” often is associated with words such as endurance, steadfastness and firmness, traits for which the Fry family is well known. The rock, which weighs an estimated 10,000 pounds, was relocated to the school from the Fry family homestead on Book Road. It had been placed there when the family was developing one of the neighborhoods in Wheatland Township.

Matthew Fry, a son of Gordon and Debbie Fry, came up with the thought of giving the rock to the school as a symbol of strength, character and integrity for the students and staff. A plaque with words expressing those qualities will be placed on the rock.

Moving the rock to the school began as a family undertaking. But it turned out to be part of the Eagle Scout project for Matt, a Neuqua Valley High School senior. With help from his friends and family members and assistance from heavy equipment, Matt completed the project on August 19, 2001. Later, he built the wooden benches that sit on each side of the rock. The rock and the benches help solidify the connection between the school and the Fry family.

By Penny Catour