Historic Mills of Connecticut

Companies Associated w/Complex

• Marlin Fire Arms Co. 1880-1916
• Marlin Firearms Co. 1921-1969
• Marlin Rockwell Corp. 1916-1921

Use (Historic)

• Firearms, Weapons, Explosives
• Transportation

Largest Documented Workforce

n/a

Historic Narrative

John Marlin began producing pistols, revolvers and rifles in 1870. He did not attempt to obtain government contracts, instead concentrating on civilian arms such as the Ballard target and sporting rifles. Several structures remain from Marlin's first decade of operation. In 1915 Marlin's sons sold the firm to a group of investors who ran it until 1923, when Frank Kenna bought the business. Kenna added several more factory buildings in the 1940s and 1950s. Marlin Firearms moved to a new plant in 1970 and the Willow St. complex is now tenanted. (Roth) As the Marlin-Rockwell Corp., the firm supplied arms for the US military during World War I. It also pursued industry diversification at this time, with divisions across Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware producing roller bearings, radiators, insulated wire and bombs, in addition to firearms. The company acquired Hopkins and Allen Arms Company of Norwich in 1917. The firm began to divest its holdings after the war, and was reorganized again as Marlin Firearms Corp.in 1921. During World War II, Marlin produced submachine guns as well as carbine barrels, stocks, handguards, triggers and hammers for the US government. For a complete history of the Marlin Firearms Company and product line, see William Brophy's 1989 book 'Marlin Firearms.'

Number of Existing Buildings

Roughly ten (10) blocks.

Dates of Construction

c.1875, 1911, c.1940s, c.1950s

Architect

n/a

Builder

n/a

Building Type

• Administration
• Mill

Architectural Description

Several structures remain from Marlin's first decade of operation, including the 2 1/2-story, 228' x 40' factory along Willow St. It has timber framing and brick walls; the attic under the gable roof is lit by rows of gabled dormers. The c.1875 office building (78' x 34') duplicates the features of the factory, except for the dormers. Three more brick-walled, timber-framed factories were added in the 19th century: 1-story, 179' x 36'; 3-story, 110' x 42'; 3-story, 72' x 34'. A 1-story, brick boiler house (73' x 36') was built in 1911. Several more factory buildings [were added] in the 1940s and 1950s. (Roth)

Exterior Material(s)

• Brick

Structural System(s)

• Wood Frame

Roof Form

• Gable

Roof Material

n/a

Power Source

• Electricity

Condition

n/a

Condition Notes

n/a

Specific Location

One 3.44 acre parcel between Nicoll Street and Mitchell Drive.

Adjacent To

n/a

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

• 197/442/100 / Link →

Acreage

3.44

Use (Present)

• Mixed-Use

Form Completed By

Renée Tribert

Date

December 2016

Bibliography

1. Roth, Matthew, et al, Connecticut: An Inventory of Historic Engineering and Industrial Sites (Washington DC: SIA, 1981).
2. Brophy, William S. Marlin Firearms: A History of the Guns and the Company That Made Them (Mechanicsburg PA: Stackpole Books, 1989).