Mill Record Chester

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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)
C.J. Bates and Son
Complex Name (Historic)
  • C.J. Bates and Son
Address or Location
33 North Main Street, Chester
County
Middlesex
Historic Designation
Associated Mill Community
n/a
What can you do at this mill?
Historic Information

Companies Associated w/Complex

  • C.J. Bates and Son 1905-c.1980s

Use (Historic)

Largest Documented Workforce

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Historic Narrative

The firm that became C. J. Bates and Son originated in 1860 as a producer of Yankee notions -- crochet hooks, collar studs, cufflinks, cribbage pegs, tiddlywinks--made from scraps of ivory obtained at the nearby piano key factories. The surviving plant was built in the early 20th century, by which time the firm had turned to fabrication of sewing and manicure implements from steel. In 1905 the company bought this water privilege on the North Branch of Pattaconk Brook; it had been occupied previously by a small shop that made inkwells. In 1971 C. J. Bates and Son moved to a modern factory in Chester. The firm uses the older plant for storage. (Roth) now the Norma Terris Theatre

Architectural Information

Number of Existing Buildings

Four (4) blocks.

Dates of Construction

1914, 1916, 1921, 1928

Architect

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Builder

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Building Type

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Architectural Description

The 2-story brick factory, 100' X 40', was erected in 1914, and was followed by a 2-story, 80' x 41' reinforced concrete factory in 1916. Reinforced concrete storehouses were built in 1921 and 1928. The earliest structure here is the c.1875 rubble-masonry dam, about 15' high and 90' long, that was built by the inkwell producer. The dam was partially rebuilt in the 1930s, when its eastern half was capped with concrete. Headgate, trash rack and penstock were also replaced at that time, although the Model 750 Fairbanks turbine was installed in the wheelpit c.19l5. (Roth)

Exterior Material(s)

Structural System(s)

Roof Form

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Roof Material

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Power Source

Condition

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Condition Notes

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Property Information

Specific Location

One 4.85 acre parcel on the west side of North Main Street north of intersection with Goose Hill Road

Adjacent To

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

Acreage

4.85

Use (Present)

Sources

Form Completed By

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Date

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Bibliography

  1. Roth, Matthew, et al, Connecticut: An Inventory of Historic Engineering and Industrial Sites (Washington DC: SIA, 1981).
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Photographer

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Photography Date

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