Historic Mills of Connecticut

Companies Associated w/Complex

• Russell Hall Company

Use (Historic)

• Food, Beverage, Tobacco
• Paper & Wood Products

Largest Documented Workforce

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Historic Narrative

In 1854, at the age of 18, Russell Hall began to engage in the making of tinware, and was considered to be one of the well known Yankee Tin Peddlers throughout the area. The company was operated out of a barn behind Russell Hall's house at 469 East Main St. in Meriden, Connecticut. In the 1860's Russell Hall branched out and began dealing as a wholesaler of grocers supplies. Russell Hall developed a reputation throughout the state as a businessman who practiced legitimate and square methods only, and his business grew as one of the largest of its kind in the state. Russell Hall died in 1922, and the business was carried on by his son, Howard B. Hall. The product line expanded, including such items as fine papers, wrapping papers, paper towels, canned goods, grocery supplies, and toys (wagons, scooters, sleds). The Russell Hall Co. became a distributor of general merchandise of all kinds. In 1923 the company moved to its present location, 19-23 No. George Street. Trucks were gradually replacing the horse and mule teams and in 1938 the company discontinued groceries and concentrated strictly on paper products and janitorial supplies. Howard B. Hall died in 1945, and his son Philip H. Hall took over the company in 1946. Under the leadership of Philip Hall the company expanded its product line to over 2,500 items, specializing in paper products and janitorial supplies. Philip Hall died in 2002 and the company was sold to its President and current owner, Bill Rosa. Today, the Russell Hall Co. employs over 30 people and deliver goods to over 2000 accounts throughout Connecticut. (from company website) The site was occupied by HC Hull, carpenters/builders in 1891.

Number of Existing Buildings

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Dates of Construction

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Architect

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Builder

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Building Type

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Architectural Description

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Exterior Material(s)

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Structural System(s)

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Roof Form

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Roof Material

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Power Source

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Condition

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Condition Notes

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Specific Location

0.46 acres off Camp St

Adjacent To

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Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

• 506/136A/25/27 / Link →

Acreage

0.46

Use (Present)

• Commercial

Form Completed By

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Date

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Bibliography

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