Mill Record East Windsor

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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)
Broad Brook Co.
Complex Name (Historic)
  • Broad Brook Co.
Address or Location
8 Mill Street, East Windsor
County
Hartford
Historic Designation
Associated Mill Community
Historic Information

Companies Associated w/Complex

  • Broad Brook Co. 1848-
  • Phelps c.1840

Use (Historic)

Largest Documented Workforce

n/a

Historic Narrative

For historical significance see National Register nomination: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/85000950_text Epaphroditus and Bethuel Phelps erected the first mill in this woolen manufacturing complex in 1840-43. The Phelps brothers defaulted on their loans in 1848 and the property was deeded to the Broad Brook Co., which was organized by the Phelps' creditors to operate the plant. The mill was extended in 1867 and again in in 1880. Broad Brook Co. was in business until after World War II, when an aircraft parts manufacturing firm bought the plant. (Roth)

Architectural Information

Number of Existing Buildings

n/a

Dates of Construction

c.1840, 1867, 1880, 1882, 1929

Architect

n/a

Builder

n/a

Building Type

Architectural Description

For description see National Register application: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/85000950_text The 1840-43 gable-roofed mill, 4 1/2-story and 169' x 44', has walls of random-coursed brownstone blocks. The mill was extended in 1867 with a 4 1/2-story gable-roofed wing, 106' x 44', also with random-coursed brownstone walls. A brick extension, 58' x 44' with dormered gable roof, was built in 1880. Other extant structures include the 1878 brick office, 2 1/2-story and 55' x 39' with gable roof; the 1882 brick storehouse, 2-story and 119' x 33' with hip roof; and several dwellings along both sides of Main St., east of the mills. The present dam and headgates were built in 1892, when 4,100' of underground penstock, also extant, were laid. The major extant 20th-century wool-process building is the 1929 brick spinning mill, 3-story and 142' x 42' with a 2-story ell, 107' x 77'. (Roth)

Exterior Material(s)

Structural System(s)

Roof Form

Roof Material

Power Source

Condition

n/a

Condition Notes

n/a

Property Information

Specific Location

west side of Main Street (route 191) opposite Depot Street

Adjacent To

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

Acreage

15.25

Use (Present)

  • Other: Building 11 had been converted to residential in 1990s but evacuated due to contamination concerns. Town established Broad Brook Mill Site Remediation Committee, and has been exploring alternatives for clean-up/reuse.
  • Vacant
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. Ransom, David F. 1985. Broad Brook Company National Register Nomination No. 85000950. National Park Service.
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Photographer

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Photography Date

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