Underwood Computing Machine Company Factory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Underwood Computing Machine Company Factory
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 56 Arbor St., Hartford, Connecticut |
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| Area | 2.9 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1917 |
| Architect | Oldershaw, Frank H. |
| NRHP reference No. | 10000895 |
| Added to NRHP | November 12, 2010 |
The Underwood Computing Machine Company Factory is an old building in Hartford, Connecticut. It's a special place because it used to make important machines. This factory was built in 1917 by the Underwood Typewriter Company. They used it to make, test, and improve their machines until 1969. Today, cool groups like Real Art Ways use the building for art and other activities. It became a protected historic site in 1989.
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What the Factory Looks Like
This old factory is in the Parkville neighborhood of Hartford. It covers about 2.9 acres, which is like two football fields. The main building is made of brick and has four floors. It's very long, about 325 feet!
Building Details
The factory has special stair towers at each end. These towers have cool brownstone corners. The building also has many windows in arched openings. The main doors are tucked into the bottom of the towers. One entrance even has a fancy Art Deco style.
History of the Underwood Factory
The Underwood Computing Machine Company started in New York City in 1909. It was founded by John T. Underwood, who also ran the Underwood Typewriter Company. This company made calculators and other machines for businesses.
Early Days and New Home
At first, they made machines in a building on Hawthorne Street in Hartford. But in 1916, they needed a new place. So, they built this factory starting in 1917. The company first leased the building, then bought it in 1927.
Changes Over Time
In 1928, another company called Elliot-Fisher bought Underwood. They moved the main production to a bigger factory. This building then became a place for training, research, and new ideas in 1936.
Later, in 1959, a company called Olivetti bought Underwood. Olivetti closed this factory in 1969. Since then, the building has been fixed up and given new life. Now, it's home to art groups like Real Art Ways and other organizations.
