Historic Mills of Connecticut

Companies Associated w/Complex

• Breakfast Woodworks, Inc. Present (2016)
• Charles H. Hill Foundry 1901-early 20th c.

Use (Historic)

• Fabricated Metal Products
• Paper & Wood Products

Largest Documented Workforce

Unknown.

Historic Narrative

Although this plant does not appear on historic Sanborn maps, local records indicate that it was originally built as a brass foundry by Charles Hill between 1901 and 1902. The 1910 Federal Census lists Hill as a farmer, however, the 1920 and 1930 surveys indicate that he worked in a brass foundry. By the time of the 1940 Federal Census, Hill was 77 years old and appears to have retired. It is unclear what type of business occupied the plant after Hill’s foundry ceased operation, although it is presently occupied by a woodworking and architectural shop, Breakfast Woodworks, Inc.

Number of Existing Buildings

Roughly eight (8) adjoining primary blocks.

Dates of Construction

1901-1902, ca. 1938, ca. 1960.

Architect

n/a

Builder

n/a

Building Type

• Mill
• Warehouse / Production Shed

Architectural Description

The former Charles Hill foundry consists of roughly eight adjoining primary buildings located on the north side of Leetes Island Road, roughly 0.25-mile southwest of Leetes Island Road’s intersection with Sachem Head Road. It appears that the components of the original mill, built between 1901 and 1902, have been enveloped and obscured by later additions. The core of the mill consists of a one-story, 38’ x 85’ concrete block structure that fronts on Leetes Island Road. The building has rectangular window openings with multipane metal windows, and a front-facing gable roof. This is likely the portion of the building that local records identify as having been constructed around 1938. Various ells adjoin the main block’s east and west (side), and north (rear) elevations. All are of concrete block construction and stand one story in height. The blocks on the east side of the central block – from south to north – measure 28’ x 28’, 10’ x 18’, 50’ x 22’, 50’ x 20’, and 56’ x 36’, respectively. The northern ell measures 38’ x 20’, while the eastern ell measures 32’ x 50’. The ells have a mix of hipped, shed, flat, and gable roofs and most appear to have been built around 1960.

Exterior Material(s)

• Brick
• Concrete Block

Structural System(s)

• Load Bearing Masonry

Roof Form

• Flat
• Gable
• Hip Minor
• Shed

Roof Material

• Asphalt

Power Source

• Electricity
• Steam

Condition

Fair

Condition Notes

The plant is in fair condition. The various blocks appear to retain their original windows and are well maintained.

Specific Location

One 0.48-acre parcel (135 Leetes Island Rd.) located on the north side of Leetes Island Road, roughly 0.25-mile southwest of Leetes Island Road’s intersection with Sachem Head Road.

Adjacent To

n/a

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

• #021029 / Link →

Acreage

0.48

Use (Present)

• Commercial

Form Completed By

Lucas A. Karmazinas

Date

04/28/2016

Bibliography

1. List of Connecticut Manufacturers, 1922, 1924, 1930, 1932.
2. Directory of Connecticut State Manufacturers, 1936, 1939.
3. Industrial Directory of Connecticut, 1947.
4. Register of War Production Facilities in Connecticut, 1951.
5. Sanborn Map Company, 1884, 1889, 1895, 1901, 1908, 1925, 1960.
6. Aerial Survey of Connecticut, 1934, 1951, 1965, 1970, 1985.
7. Illustrated Historic Survey of Guilford, Connecticut; Guilford Preservation Alliance, 1981.