Milton-Bradley Company (building) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Milton-Bradley Company
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Courtyard
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Park, Cross, Willow Sts., Springfield, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Built | 1880 |
| MPS | Downtown Springfield MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000756 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1983 |
The Milton-Bradley Company was once a huge factory complex in Springfield, Massachusetts. This historic building was where the famous Milton Bradley Company made many of its popular toys and games. The factory started being built around 1880. Over the years, it grew into a large group of brick buildings. Today, this old factory has been turned into apartments where people live. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 because of its importance.
The Milton-Bradley Company Building
The Milton-Bradley Company factory is located just south of downtown Springfield. It is a group of buildings shaped like a "U". The buildings are made of brick and range from two to six stories tall.
A Home for Games and Toys
Construction on the factory started around 1880. Over many years, more brick buildings were added. They were practical and strong. The land where the factory stands first belonged to George Tapley. He was a business owner and a childhood friend of Milton Bradley.
Milton Bradley started his toy business in the 1860s. In 1882, he moved his company to Tapley's buildings. Because his company became so successful, the factory grew and grew. Eventually, it took up a whole city block! Everything needed to make toys and games happened here. They even had a special print shop for game boards and boxes.
In the 1960s, the company moved its factories to East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. The old Springfield complex was then changed into homes in the late 1970s.
What the Factory Looked Like
The buildings are all made of brick. They have interesting features like windows with rounded tops. The bricks around the windows are decorative. The corners of the buildings have special brick patterns. The rooftops also have decorative walls called parapets.
