Historic Mills of Connecticut

Companies Associated w/Complex

• Russell Division of Fenner America Ltd.
• Russell Manufacturing Co. 1834

Use (Historic)

• Textiles
• Other: elastic webbing

Largest Documented Workforce

n/a

Historic Narrative

For historical significance see National Register nomination: http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NRHP/Text/86000150.pdf Samuel Russell capitalized the Russell Manufacturing Co. in 1834 with part of the fortune he made in the China trade. The firm began in a small brick mill (not extant) in the South Farms section of Middletown, making cotton webbing for suspenders and harness tack. The firm nearly failed in 1837, after which Henry Hubbard, nephew of one of Russell's partners, assumed control. His first project was an attempt to develop water-powered machinery for making elastic webbing; he was unsuccessful until he brought in a Scottish weaver to help. They succeeded after devising heated calendar rolls to contract the web, rather than the hand-held flatirons used previously; the flatirons had caused uneven tension in the webs, resulting in excessive breakage. Elastic webbing made on adapted looms formed the basis for an enormously profitable enterprise. By the end of the 19th century Russell Manufacturing Co. operated seven plants in and around Middletown. The largest complex grew around the original mill. Starting in the early 1850s Russell Manufacturing Co. transferred weaving operations to this complex several hundred yards upstream on the Sanseer River (now known as Sumner Brook). (Roth)

Number of Existing Buildings

Three (3) primary blocks.

Dates of Construction

c.1850, c.1870

Architect

n/a

Builder

n/a

Building Type

• Loft

Architectural Description

For description see National Register nomination: http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NRHP/Text/86000150.pdf The c.1850 brick mill, 3 1/2-story and 100' x 40', has a gable roof. Two brick, mansard roofed wings were added c.1870; both are 3-story plus mansard attic and about 60' x 35'. All floors of all sections held looms, except for the attics which housed beaming. The c.1870 masonry dam and headrace are in good condition. (Roth)

Exterior Material(s)

• Brick

Structural System(s)

n/a

Roof Form

• Gable
• Mansard

Roof Material

n/a

Power Source

• Steam
• Water (Wheel)

Condition

n/a

Condition Notes

n/a

Specific Location

Corner of East Main Street and Russell Road. Summerbrook Condominiums (formerly 475 East Main Street)

Adjacent To

n/a

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

• 36/ / 0363 / Link →

Acreage

n/a

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).
2. Cunningham, Jan. 1986. Russell Upper Mill National Register Nomination No. 86000150.