Historic Mills of Connecticut

Use (Historic)

• Consumer Products, Small Appliances

Largest Documented Workforce

n/a

Historic Narrative

For historical significance see National Register application: http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NRHP/Text/97000275.pdf The Northfield Knife Company was established in 1858 and soon became prosperous, producing the first cast iron handled knives in 1862. In 1865 ownership control of the company passed to Franklin H. and J. Howard Catlin of Northfield. The success of the company led the Catlin brothers to expand through the purchase of several of the area's smaller knife companies. The American Knife Company of Plymouth Hollow was purchased in 1865 and the Excelsior Knife Company of Torrington was purchased in 1884. The company's sucess was evident at the 1901 Pan American Exposition where their exhibit displayed over one thousand different knife styles. In 1919 the Northfield Knife Company was sold to Clark Brothers Cutlery of St. Louis, Missouri, and the company was declared bankrupt in 1929 (Catlin).

Number of Existing Buildings

Dates of Construction

1858-1926

Architect

n/a

Builder

n/a

Building Type

• Archaeological site

Architectural Description

For description see National Register nomination: http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NRHP/Text/97000275.pdf

Exterior Material(s)

n/a

Structural System(s)

n/a

Roof Form

n/a

Roof Material

n/a

Power Source

n/a

Condition

n/a

Condition Notes

n/a

Specific Location

n/a

Adjacent To

• Water (for Power)

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

n/a

Acreage

n/a

Use (Present)

• Other: Archaeological site

Form Completed By

n/a

Date

n/a

Bibliography

1. Catlin, J. Howard, papers. Litchfield Historical Society. Collection overview.
2. Northfield Knife Company Site National Register Nomination No. 97000275. National Park Service. Address restricted.
3. Vermilyea, Peter. 2013. 'Hidden in Plain Sight' blog entry.