Mansfield Hollow Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mansfield Hollow Historic District
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Kirby's Mill
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 86-127 Mansfield Hollow Rd., Mansfield, Connecticut |
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| Area | 18 acres (7.3 ha) |
| Built | 1800 |
| Architect | Fitch, Edwin; Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002667 |
| Added to NRHP | May 21, 1979 |
The Mansfield Hollow Historic District is a special place in Mansfield, Connecticut. It shows us what's left of an old factory town from the 1800s. This area started with mills that cut wood and ground grain. Later, in 1838, a silk mill was added, and the town really started to grow. The stone mill you can still see today was built in 1882. Many old houses from that time are also still standing nearby. This historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Contents
Discovering Mansfield Hollow's Past
The town of Mansfield in central Connecticut is now famous for being home to the University of Connecticut in Storrs. But in the 1800s, it had many small factory towns. Mansfield Hollow is one of these places where factories grew. It is located on the north side of the Natchaug River, not far from Mansfield Hollow State Park.
How Mansfield Hollow Began
The history of factories in this area started in the 1700s. A man named Barzillai Swift gained the right to use the river's water power. He then built mills to cut wood (sawmills) and grind grain (grist mills). His sons, George and Fearing, continued the family business. They also let Oliver Bingham use part of the water power. You can still see the houses of all three of these men in the area today.
From Silk to Brass: The Mills' Story
In 1838, Zalman Storrs built a silk mill. This was the start of textile (fabric) making in the area. More homes were built for the workers who came to live there. The silk mill operated for many years under different owners.
Then, in 1882, Marcus Johnson built the stone mill that is still standing today. He used it to finish cotton thread. In 1902, George Kirby bought the mill. People often call it "Kirby's Mill" now. George Kirby made items out of brass there until after World War II.
Old Homes and Buildings to See
The Mansfield Hollow Historic District mainly stretches along Mansfield Hollow Road. The most important building to see is the 1882 stone mill. It has a tall tower that is about 75-foot (23 m) high.
The district also includes many homes between 86 and 127 Mansfield Hollow Road. Most of these houses are very old and important to the area's history. Some notable ones include:
- The Fearing Swift House at 103 Mansfield Hollow Road, built in 1815.
- The George Swift House at 100 Mansfield Hollow Road, built in 1804.
- The Oliver Bingham House at 88 Mansfield Hollow Road, which is probably the oldest house in the district, built in 1800.
