Historic Mills of Connecticut

Companies Associated w/Complex

• Otis A. Smith Mfg. Co. 1881-c.1900

Use (Historic)

• Firearms, Weapons, Explosives

Largest Documented Workforce

n/a

Historic Narrative

Henry Aston, John North and others made pistols at this Coginchaug River water privilege before 1881, when Otis Smith bought the site and erected the present brick factory. Smith made the Savage and Smith pistol and other patent hardware products. Small metalworking businesses occupy the plant today. (Roth) Currently private residence. Former access called Old Pistol Shop Road.

Number of Existing Buildings

Two (2) primary blocks.

Dates of Construction

1881

Architect

n/a

Builder

n/a

Building Type

• Mill

Architectural Description

The 3 1/2-story, 100' x 30' factory has a 35' x 30' ell; both sections feature gable roofs. Only the 1881 masonry dam and 1904 concrete bulkhead remain from the water power system. (Roth)

Exterior Material(s)

• Brick

Structural System(s)

n/a

Roof Form

• Gable

Roof Material

n/a

Power Source

• Water (Wheel)

Condition

Good, Fair, Deteriorated

Condition Notes

All portions of the building are in generally good condition.

Specific Location

One 3.69 acre parcel set back from Main Street, just north of Wadsworth Brook, adjacent to dam, and west of railroad in Rockfall

Adjacent To

• Water (for Power)
• Railroad

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

• 9/ / 154 / Link →

Acreage

3.69

Use (Present)

• Residential

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).