Historic Mills of Connecticut

Companies Associated w/Complex

• Monohansett Manufacturing Co. 1872-c.1912
• Putnam Worsted Mills Inc.

Use (Historic)

• Textiles

Largest Documented Workforce

175 (1889)

Historic Narrative

Thomas Harris of Providence owned rights to half the water privilege at Pomfret Falls on the Quinebaug River in Putnam. Pomfret Manufacturing Co. owned the other half, which was applied at the most desirable mill site, next to the falls on the west bank. In mid-century Harris built a woolen mill (since demolished) immediately downstream from the Pomfret mills and used part of his privilege there. In the 1860s he built a 1,000'-long canal along the east bank to utilize the rest of the water. The canal ran parallel to the bank before taking a wide bend to rejoin the river. At this bend, in 1868, Harris built a 4-story, mansard-roofed brick mill. Harris never engaged in manufacturing here, intending rather to lease the mill and power, which he did in 1872 when the newly formed Monohansett Manufacturing Co. moved in. Monohansett ran 280 looms and employed 175 people in production of cotton sheetings. Superintendent George Holt was yet another of the Rhode Island men who supplied technical expertise as well as capital to Putnam's cotton manufacture; he had managed cotton mills in Forestdale, RI and in his native Slatersville, RI. Monohansett expanded into two more mills just south of the original plant. These 3-story brick-pier structures, built in 1885 and 1892 [and since demolished], also housed Hammond and Knowlton, a silk-thread manufacturer. The 1885 mill was the first in Putnam to use electricity for power transmission and lighting; the electrical apparatus was installed by the Mather Electric Co. of Manchester, CT. The canal has been paved over. (Roth)

Number of Existing Buildings

One (1) block with addition.

Dates of Construction

1868

Architect

n/a

Builder

n/a

Building Type

• Mill

Architectural Description

The 4-story, mansard-roofed brick mill, about 200' x 55' with central stair tower dates to 1868. Pairs of round-headed windows set in flat formers light the attic. On the three lower floors the windows have projecting segmental arch lintels and brick sills. West of the mill stands a smaller, 2 1/2-story gable-roofed brick building. Monohansett expanded into two more mills just south of the original plant: 3-story brick-pier structures, built in 1885 and 1892 [since demolished]. (Roth)

Exterior Material(s)

• Brick

Structural System(s)

n/a

Roof Form

• Gable
• Mansard

Roof Material

n/a

Power Source

n/a

Condition

n/a

Condition Notes

n/a

Specific Location

One 2.01 acre parcel between Kennedy Drive and Pomfret Street

Adjacent To

• Water (for Power)

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

• 15/140/000 / Link →

Acreage

2.01

Use (Present)

• Other: For sale 4/2024 for $1.6m.
• Vacant

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).