Flint Mills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Flint Mills
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Flint Mill #2 on right, with connector mill on left.
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fall River, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1883 |
| MPS | Fall River MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000669 |
| Added to NRHP | February 16, 1983 |
Flint Mills is a historic factory complex located on Alden Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. It sits close to the Quequechan River. This company started in 1872. It was named to honor John D. Flint, who was its first president. The first factory building from 1872 burned down in 1882. But it was quickly rebuilt in 1883. The complex grew with a second factory and a large addition in 1909. There is also a separate stone office building. The area around the factory became known as "Flint Village." This important site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Contents
History of Flint Mills
Starting the Factory
The Flint Mills company officially began on February 28, 1872. This was a time when the city of Fall River was growing very fast. About 200 people invested money, starting with $500,000. John D. Flint was the first president of the company. Other important founders included Samuel C. Wrightington and Simeon Borden.
The First Mill Building
The first factory building was designed by D.H. Dyer in 1872. It was built using strong stone from Fall River. This building was 300 feet long and 94 feet wide. It had five stories and a fancy tower. It was wider than most other factories at that time.
This new factory had 45,360 spindles and 1,008 looms. These machines were used to make print cloths, a type of fabric. About 500 people worked there. A powerful 650-horsepower engine ran the factory. This engine got its power from steam, made by five large boilers. Water for the steam came from a canal dug to the nearby Quequechan River.
Flint Village Develops
The company also bought about 62 acres of land around the factory. At that time, this land was mostly farms. As the factory grew, more people moved to the area. Because of the factory, the part of Fall River around it became known as "Flint Village."
Fire and Expansion
On October 28, 1882, a huge fire destroyed the first factory. The fire started in the engine room. Mill #1 was rebuilt in 1883, but without the original fancy tower. A second factory was added to the east in 1909. A large new section then connected the two factories. By 1911, Flint Mills had grown even more. Its capital had increased to $1,160,000. It could now operate 107,000 spindles.
Later Years and Modern Use
The company continued to make textiles until 1930. After that, different small businesses used the buildings. Many garment manufacturers, who make clothes, worked there for years. Today, Mill #1 is home to Klear-Vu Shipping Corporation. It also houses the New England Shirt Company, which is still a clothing maker. In 2010, a fire started by someone on purpose caused only minor damage to the mill.
