Pitkin Glassworks Ruin

Pitkin Glassworks Ruin
Ruins, c. 1892
Location Manchester, Connecticut
Coordinates 41°46′36″N 72°30′15″W / 41.77667°N 72.50417°WCoordinates: 41°46′36″N 72°30′15″W / 41.77667°N 72.50417°W
Governing body Private
NRHP Reference # 79002628[1]
Added to NRHP May 9, 1979

The Pitkin Glassworks Ruin is a historic industrial archaeological site in Manchester, Connecticut. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.[1]

History

The Pitkin Glass Factory was established in 1783, after the Pitkin family (Captain Richard Pitkin and his sons) worked from 1775–1781 supplying gunpowder to the Continental Army at a loss to them. The factory produced items mostly made of green glass, including demijohns for trade with the West Indies.

Current use

The ruins of the structure of the factory are located on what was once the Pitkin Farm, and what is currently the corner of Putnam and Parker Streets. Between the two streets is a grassy plot of land with a sign that identifies it as the former site of the Pitkin Tavern.

In 1977, when the property was in danger of being sold for commercial use, a committee of citizens formed to save it. They include members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Manchester Historical Society.[2]

Several archaeological digs have taken place on the site, including one done by students at Central Connecticut State University.

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2010-07-09.
  2. http://www.manchesterhistory.org/MHS3_Pitkin_Glass.html Manchester Historical Society: Pitkin Glassworks