Starr Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Starr Mill
|
|
 |
|
| Location | Jct. of Middlefield St. and Beverly Heights Middletown, Connecticut |
|---|---|
| NRHP reference No. | 93001379 |
| Added to NRHP | December 14, 1993 |
Imagine two old factory buildings from the 1800s. They sit right next to the pretty Starr Mill pond in Middletown, Connecticut. These buildings are about three and a half stories tall. They look out over the pond and woods. Nearby, you can see a parking lot and some old houses.
Contents
Starr Mill: A Historic Factory
Early Days: Making Weapons
The story of Starr Mill began in 1799. That's when Nathan Starr, Sr., who made tools like scythes, bought land here. His son, Nathan Jr., joined him in 1812. Together, they started making weapons for the government.
Their first factory building was built around 1812. It's probably the building closest to the pond. They made many things, including swords, pistols, and later, rifles.
After Nathan Sr. passed away in 1821, his son Nathan Jr. kept the business going until 1845. During this time, they produced about 70,000 weapons! They also made special swords for famous people, like Andrew Jackson.
New Owners, New Uses
From 1845 to 1864, the factory was mostly quiet. Then, in 1864, the Russell Manufacturing Company bought the property. They built another building right next to the first one in 1865. It was similar in size and style.
This new building helped the main Russell factories nearby. The company used these buildings for manufacturing for about 90 years. After that, other companies used the space for things like plumbing products and lighting.
By the late 1960s, the buildings were empty. In 1971, Joseph J. Vinci bought the property. Today, several small businesses use the space. You might find a cabinetmaker, a clothing shop, or a welding business there.
What Does Starr Mill Look Like?
Starr Mill is a great example of a 19th-century factory. It's a tall brick building with many windows, sitting by a pond. It hasn't changed much on the outside over the years.
Underneath the building, there were once stone channels called sluiceways. These would have directed water to power the mill. They are now filled in with bricks. At each end of the building, there are three chimney stacks.
You can still find old pieces from the mill's past. For example, a turbine from the late 1800s lies in the water near one of the older buildings. A turbine is like a big wheel that water would spin to create power.
A Well-Preserved Landmark
The Starr Mill complex is an important historical site. It shows how factories used to look and work. It's been well-cared for and is now used for many different things.
Today, the buildings house shops, offices, art studios, and storage. They are kept in good condition.
