Mill Record Middletown

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Disclaimer: Content for these properties was compiled in 2014-2017 from a variety of sources and is subject to change. Updates are occasionally made under Property Information, however the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation (dba Preservation Connecticut) makes no representation or warranty that the information is complete or up-to-date.

Complex Name (Common)
Russell Mfg. Co. (Starr Mill)
Complex Name (Historic)
  • Russell Mfg. Co. (Starr Mill)
Address or Location
88-91 Beverly Heights, Middletown
County
Middlesex
Historic Designation
Associated Mill Community
What can you do at this mill?
Historic Information

Companies Associated w/Complex

  • Nathan Starr c.1813-1864
  • Russell Manufacturing Co. 1865-1940s

Use (Historic)

Largest Documented Workforce

n/a

Historic Narrative

For historical significance see National Register nomination: http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NRHP/Text/93001379.pdf Nathan Starr received his first U. S. Government contract for sabers in 1808. After winning a substantial War Department contract in 1813 he built a new factory on the West River (now known as the Coginchaug) in the Staddle Hill district of Middletown. His business, carried on by son Nathan, Jr., operated continuously under government contracts until 1845, manufacturing swords, cutlasses, pikes, pistols and muskets. After government work ceased in 1845 the factory was leased to industrial tenants until 1864, when it was purchased by Russell Manufacturing Co. (Roth) See also Today in Connecticut History: Middletown’s Nathan Starr Arms the Nation @ https://todayincthistory.com/2018/12/31/december-31-middletowns-nathan-starr-arms-the-nation/

Architectural Information

Number of Existing Buildings

n/a

Dates of Construction

1865, late 1860s

Architect

n/a

Builder

n/a

Building Type

Architectural Description

For description see National Register nomination: http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NRHP/Text/93001379.pdf All that remains of Starr's 1813 mill is the brownstone foundation, upon which Russell erected a new brick mill in 1865. The 3 1/2-story mill is 81' x 33' with a 40' x 40' ell. A 30'-wide arched headrace opening, now sealed shut, remains in the west wall of the foundation and there are three tailrace openings in the south wall. The masonry dam, about 13' high, was rebuilt by Russell, which also installed a Leffel turbine (date unknown) that remains in place just below the dam and outside of the 1813 foundation. Russell built the adjacent gable-roofed brick mill, 4 1/2-story and 85' x 40' with central stair tower, in the late 1860s. Both mills feature segmental arch lintels and wood sills. Four frame tenements built by Russell stand on a small hill just north of the mill pond. Russell occupied the mills until the late 1940s. Industrial tenants use them today. About 60' downstream from the dam the one-lane entry road crosses the river on a steel, rivet-connected pony truss bridge built by Berlin Construction Co. in 1927. (Roth)

Exterior Material(s)

Structural System(s)

Roof Form

Roof Material

n/a

Power Source

Condition

n/a

Condition Notes

n/a

Property Information

Specific Location

South of Washington St. (Route 66) between Boston Rd. and Middlefield St.
1.38 acres; three parcels
Individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 1993.

Adjacent To

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

Acreage

1.38

Use (Present)

Sources

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. 1993. Starr-Russell Mill National Register Nomination No. 93001379. National Park Service.
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Photographer

CTHP

Photography Date

n/a