Kraus Corset Factory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kraus Corset Factory
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Kraus Corset Factory in 2008
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roosevelt Drive and Third Street, Derby, Connecticut |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1879 |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000128 |
| Added to NRHP | February 12, 1987 |
The Kraus Corset Factory is a historic building located in Derby, Connecticut. It was built in 1879 and was once a busy factory. This building is special because it's one of the only large factories left from a time when Derby was well-known for making corsets. Today, this old factory has been changed into apartments where people live.
What Was the Kraus Corset Factory?
The Kraus Corset Factory started its life in 1879. It was built by Sidney Downs, a very important businessman in Derby at that time. He rented the factory to a company owned by Leopold Kraus. This company made corsets, which were a type of stiff garment worn to shape the body. About a quarter of all the corset makers in Derby worked at this factory.
Making Corsets and More
Leopold Kraus's corset business did well for a while, but by the mid-1890s, other companies became too strong. His business eventually closed down. After that, the factory was used by different companies that made metal parts for corsets.
In 1907, a company called Sterling Pin bought the factory. Pinmaking was another big industry in Derby. Sterling Pin used the factory to make many small metal items. These included pins, hairpins, and other tiny wire products. The factory continued to operate under Sterling Pin until the 1970s.
The Factory's Design
The Kraus Corset Factory is next to downtown Derby, along Roosevelt Drive. The factory is made up of two main parts. The oldest part was built in 1879. It is made of brick and has three floors. This part faces Third Street and Roosevelt Drive.
The windows on this older section have rounded tops and stone sills. There are also small windows that stick out from the roof. A newer part was added around 1910. This section is made of wood and also has three floors. It has a basement level that can be seen from the street.
