Historic Mills of Connecticut

Use (Historic)

• Consumer Products, Small Appliances
• Electrical Equipment

Largest Documented Workforce

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Historic Narrative

Iona Manufacturing was formed in 1947 by William H. Sleith (1909-1996), president and treasurer; the firm was named for Sleith's wife. Originally located in East Hartford, the operation was moved to Manchester in 1957 after construction of a 12,000 square foot facility on land purchased from the Orford Soap Co. At the time, Iona had 125 employees and made cake mixers and electric motors for appliances. By 1965, employment averaged 600 workers and the product line had grown to include stationary mixers, blenders and ice-crusher attachments, electric can openers and knife sharpeners, hair dryers, electric knives and shoe polishers. Iona was acquired by General Signal Corp in 1969. The plant was closed in 1974, as a result of operating losses. Sleith was awarded “Employer of the Year” by the National Association for Retarded Children (c.1965), as 30 percent of his 600 employees were mentally retarded, some graduates from Mansfield Training School.

Number of Existing Buildings

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Dates of Construction

1957

Architect

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Builder

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Building Type

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Architectural Description

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Exterior Material(s)

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Structural System(s)

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Roof Form

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Roof Material

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Power Source

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Condition

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Condition Notes

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Specific Location

east side of Regent Street north of Woodland Street

Adjacent To

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Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

• 75/ 4770/ 49 / Link →

Acreage

6.2

Use (Present)

• Other: 2021: Stevens Pipe & Steel

Form Completed By

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Date

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Bibliography

1. Manchester Historical Society (2015).