Mill Record Bridgeport

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Disclaimer: Content for these properties was compiled in 2014-2017 from a variety of sources and is subject to change. Updates are occasionally made under Property Information, however the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation (dba Preservation Connecticut) makes no representation or warranty that the information is complete or up-to-date.

Complex Name (Common)
Armstrong Mfg. Co.
Complex Name (Historic)
  • Armstrong Mfg. Co.
Address or Location
305 Knowlton Street, Bridgeport
County
Fairfield
Historic Designation
Associated Mill Community
What can you do at this mill?
Historic Information

Companies Associated w/Complex

  • Armstrong Mfg. Co. c.1928-1945

Use (Historic)

Largest Documented Workforce

50 (1890s)

Historic Narrative

Frank Armstrong and Henry House, who had both gained training and experience in Bridgeport's sewing machine factories, began making tools and hardware in 1870. Among their first products were steamfitter's tools and Armstrong's patented bit brace. In 1872 they built their first shop on Knowlton St. This frame structure held the firm for 11 years, during which time many new products were introduced, including the pipe-threading and cut-off machines that were the firm's most noted goods. Armstrong and House also made metal parts for garters and suspenders and did contract machining. In 1883 House left the firm and Armstrong built a new factory just south on Knowlton St. Armstrong employed about 50 workers in the 1890s. Armstrong Manufacturing Company illustrates the diversity in size of Connecticut's metal-working manufacturers, as it stood virtually in the shadows of the huge sewing machine works of Wheeler and Wilson (demolished) and Howe (mostly demolished). Armstrong also illustrates the central role of Connecticut firms in the manufacture of producer's durable goods; the market for Armstrong's major products--pipe-threading and cut-off machines, steamfitter's tools--was nationwide but comprised mostly companies and tradesmen, not consumers. Like Geometric Tool Co. in New Haven, Armstrong Manufacturing Co. made a limited line of goods with broad application in industrializing America. (Roth)

Architectural Information

Number of Existing Buildings

n/a

Dates of Construction

1872, 1883

Architect

n/a

Builder

n/a

Building Type

Architectural Description

The first shop on Knowlton St. was 2 1/2-story and 56' x 30' wood frame with gable roof [no longer standing]. In 1883 Armstrong built a new factory just south on Knowlton St.: 3 1/2-story, 150' x 40', brick-pier with gable roof. (Roth)

Exterior Material(s)

Structural System(s)

n/a

Roof Form

Roof Material

n/a

Power Source

n/a

Condition

n/a

Condition Notes

2016: Some flat-roofed buildings at the northwest part of the site have been demolished. The buildings facing Knowlton Street and extended west have undergone rehabilitation for commercial use, including a New Zealand-based architectural hardware company.

Property Information

Specific Location

west side of Knowlton Street north of East Washington Avenue.

Located in East Bridgeport National Register District (1979).
http://npgallery.nps.gov/nrhp/GetAsset?assetID=fc40e5d5-e31a-4b7a-8d95-dd40eeba7e17

Adjacent To

n/a

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

Acreage

0.69

Use (Present)

Sources

Form Completed By

n/a

Date

n/a

Bibliography

  1. Roth, Matthew, et al, Connecticut: An Inventory of Historic Engineering and Industrial Sites (Washington DC: SIA, 1981).
  2. Brilvitch, Charles W. 1979. East Bridgeport Historic District National Register Nomination No. 79002659. National.
  3. Park Service.
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Photographer

n/a

Photography Date

n/a