Dixon Mills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dixon Mills
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | Eastern (EDT) |
Dixon Mills is a cool place to live in Jersey City, New Jersey. It's not a brand-new building. Instead, it uses the old buildings of the Joseph Dixon Crucible Company. This company was very busy there between 1847 and 1895.
Today, Dixon Mills is a modern home complex. But it still keeps its history alive! You can even find a small museum in the lobby. It shows off old items and tells the story of the building.
Contents
Discovering Dixon Mills: A Historic Home
Dixon Mills is a unique residential area. It's located in the heart of Jersey City, New Jersey. What makes it special is that it was once a big factory. Now, these old factory buildings have been turned into homes.
This complex is a great example of how old buildings can get a new life. It mixes history with modern living.
A Look Back: The Joseph Dixon Company
The story of Dixon Mills begins with Joseph Dixon. He was an inventor and businessman. His company, the Joseph Dixon Crucible Company, started in Salem, Massachusetts.
In 1847, Joseph Dixon moved his factory. He chose a spot in what is now the Van Vorst Park neighborhood. This area is part of Historic Downtown, Jersey City.
What Did the Factory Make?
For many years, the Dixon factory was very busy. It made many different products. Some of the main things they produced were:
- Crucibles: These are special pots used for melting metals at high heat.
- Pencils: Yes, the kind you use for writing and drawing!
- Crayons: Colorful tools for artists.
- Stove polish: Used to make stoves shiny.
- Lubricants: Slippery substances to make machines run smoothly.
The company was a big part of Jersey City's history. It provided many jobs and made useful products.
From Factory to Modern Homes
In the mid-1980s, the old factory buildings got a big makeover. They were turned into homes. This project was carefully done to keep the original look of the buildings.
Even the bridges that connected different parts of the factory were saved. They are still there today. This helps keep the historic feel of the place.
The Dixon Mills Museum
As mentioned, there's a small museum right in the lobby. It's like a time capsule! The museum has many artifacts from the old factory. These items help tell the story of the building. They show what life was like when it was a busy industrial site. It's a cool way to learn about the past.
See also
- Jersey Glass Company
- Whitlock Cordage
- The Beacon
- Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse
