Historic Mills of Connecticut

Use (Historic)

• Other: Glass manufacturing

Largest Documented Workforce

n/a

Historic Narrative

For historical significance see National Register application: http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NRHP/Text/79002628.pdf This 1783 glass works was built by the same Pitkin family that ran several industries in Manchester: iron forge, powder, cotton and woolen mills. After initial difficulties, including the recruitment and subsequent dismissal of German workers, the Pitkins reaped substantial profits from bottle manufacture, especially from flasks, demijohns and large carboys used in the West Indian trade. Around 1830 the works closed, in part due to lack of wood for fuel. (Roth)

Number of Existing Buildings

None

Dates of Construction

n/a

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/79002628.pdf Original construction dates 1783-1830. Ruins of the glass house are the only structural remains of the works. These ruins reveal a square plan, 40' on a side. The 2' thick walls are a rubble of coarse, flat, grey granite stones. The east wall has four arched openings at ground level with rectangular windows above; the west wall has one arched opening with rectangular window above; the south wall has one rectangular doorway and three rectangular windows at ground level. Plans for the site include stabilization of the ruins, limited public access, and interpretive signs. (Roth)

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

At northeast corner of Putnam and Parker Streets.
Individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Adjacent To

n/a

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

• 109/4430/11 / Link →

Acreage

0.7

Use (Present)

• Abandoned
• Other: Park

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).
2. History of the Pitkin Glassworks, web page.
3. Pitkin Glassworks National Register nNomination No. 79002628. National Park Service.
4. Pitkin Glass Works. Manchester Historical Society web site.