Historic Mills of Connecticut

Companies Associated w/Complex

• Ball and Socket Mfg. Co. 1901-1994
• Cheshire Manufacturing Co. 1850-1901

Use (Historic)

• Fabricated Metal Products

Largest Documented Workforce

60 in 1870

Historic Narrative

Twenty-four local investors formed Cheshire Manufacturing Co. in 1850. The firm manufactured stamped-metal goods, mostly brass buttons, though it also made combs and some plateware. Cheshire Manufacturing Co. bought sheet brass in narrow-width rolls and performed all the fabrication operations. The 1870 workforce included 15 men, 25 women and 20 children. Men were concentrated in supervisory and toolmaking jobs; women and children did most of the production work. Six power presses and five stamps made the blanks for buttons and impressed designs on the button fronts. The 120 foot presses were mostly for assembly of buttons, which generally had three component parts: back, front and wire-eye for attachment to the garment. The toolroom had six machine tools. A 35-horse-power steam engine powered the entire operation. In 1901 Cheshire Manufacturing Co. merged with Ball and Socket Fastener Co. of New Hampshire, forming the Ball and Socket Manufacturing Co. The new title referred to two-piece, resilient metal closures, known today as snaps. New brick buildings were constructed from 1907 to 1917, including lacquer and paint buildings, 2-story tumbling and plating building, and others for offices, storage and packing. An extension to the 1899 factory was for the eyelet presses that made snap fasteners. These progressive-die presses blanked and completely formed the pieces in a series of six or more operations. Ball and Socket Manufacturing Co. still operates here, with many machines that were probably acquired in the expansion of 1907-1917: 8 presses made by E. J. Manville Co. of Waterbury, 6 presses made by Waterbury's Draher Machine Co., several Waterbury-Farrel eyelet machines and 12 Baird presses. All are now fitted with individual electric motors, as all mechanical power transmission has been removed. The company also uses a substantial number of more recent machines. (Roth) Cheshire Manufacturing Company made buttons out of a variety of materials in addition to sheet metal: glass, fabric, vegetable ivory (Brazil nut). Ball and Socket supplied buttons for US military uniforms from the Civil War until the factory closed.

Number of Existing Buildings

Roughly twelve (12) blocks.

Dates of Construction

c.1850, 1899, 1907-1917

Architect

n/a

Builder

n/a

Building Type

• Mill
• Powerhouse

Architectural Description

The 1850 frame factory, 2-story and 145' x 30' with gable roof, originally extended some 30' longer. In 1899 the company built a brick production building, 1-story and 156' x 38'. New brick buildings were constructed from 1907 to 1917, including 2-story lacquer and paint buildings, each 65' x 40', 2-story tumbling and plating building, 115' x 38', and others for offices, storage and packing. An extension, 112' x 38', was added to the 1899 factory for the eyelet presses that made snap fasteners. (Roth)

Exterior Material(s)

• Brick
• Wood

Structural System(s)

• Concrete Slab
• Structural Steel or Iron

Roof Form

• Flat
• Gable

Roof Material

• Asphalt

Power Source

• Steam

Condition

Excellent, Good

Condition Notes

n/a

Specific Location

3.02 acres at southwest corner of West Main and Willow Streets, to east of Farmington Canal and former railroad bed.

Adjacent To

• Main Roads
• Railroad
• Water (for Transport)

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

• 49 2 / Link →

Acreage

3.02

Use (Present)

• Mixed-Use
• Other: Ball and Socket Arts occupies the complex. 11/2022 BASA received $625k for sprinkler system upgrade in Building 1 so that the space can be rehabbed as visitor center, gallery/performance space, museum, food court and a $925k brownfield grant from DECD for Building 1 remediation. The town has a $350k STEAP grant for sidewalks on Willow Street, and work is under way to connect the property to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. 2023: Building 2 has retail tenants.

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. State Register nomination on file at SHPO archives, Hartford Ct.