J. B. Crowell and Son Brick Mould Mill Complex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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J. B. Crowell and Son
Brick Mould Mill Complex |
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Main building of the complex, in 2007
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| Location | Wallkill, NY |
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| Nearest city | Newburgh |
| Built | 1872 |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001814 |
| Added to NRHP | 1983 |
The J. B. Crowell and Son Brick Mould Mill Complex is a group of historic buildings in Wallkill, New York. It was once a busy factory that made special wooden moulds for bricks. It also made other useful wooden items like wheelbarrows and even children's sleds! This important site was started in 1870 by James Burns Crowell. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 because of its history. The mill stopped working in 2020.
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What Was the Crowell Mill?
The Crowell Mill was a factory that made things out of wood. Its main product was "brick moulds." These were wooden frames used to shape wet clay into bricks. Imagine making a sandcastle; you use a bucket to shape the sand. Brick moulds worked in a similar way for bricks!
How Bricks Were Made
Before machines could make bricks easily, people used moulds. Workers would press wet clay into these wooden moulds. Once the clay was shaped, they would remove it from the mould. Then, the shaped clay bricks would be dried and baked in a hot oven called a kiln. This process turned the soft clay into hard, strong bricks.
More Than Just Bricks
The J. B. Crowell and Son Mill didn't just make brick moulds. They also made other wooden tools for farms. These included items like wheelbarrows, which help move heavy things, and "oxbows." An oxbow is a curved piece of wood that connects an ox to a plow or cart. The mill even made fun items like sleds for kids to use in the snow!
History of the Mill
The mill was started by James Burns Crowell. He first thought about becoming a teacher. But he changed his mind and decided to open this factory instead. He started the business in 1870.
Building the Complex
Just two years after starting, in 1872, many of the buildings you see today were built. This shows how quickly the business grew. The complex became a key part of the local community. It provided jobs and useful products.
A Historic Landmark
In 1983, the J. B. Crowell and Son Brick Mould Mill Complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States. It helps us remember how things were made in the past. It also shows us the types of businesses that helped build communities.
Location and Importance
The complex is located on Lippencott Road, near the small town of Wallkill. This area is part of Ulster County in New York. The mill was important for the local economy. It was a place where skilled workers crafted essential items. Even though it closed in 2020, its buildings still stand as a reminder of its past.
