Waterbury CT Brass Capital of the World
By population, Waterbury CT is one of the top 5 cities in Connecticut. In heritage it could be the top city. Early settlements in the new world were established around farming as all needed to eat.
The core of the land between the two rivers, or the Indian name Mattatuck, later changed to Waterbury was not as suited to farming because of the hills and the flooding created by the rivers. The power generated by the water, however, was ideal for manufacturing and metalworking in particular.
It became a center for artisans, gifted in metalworking that spawned its growth.
The first products were brass buttons made by the Waterbury Button Company and were worn on the uniforms of the revolutionary soldiers.
Waterbury Clock Company was a huge complex, and at its height produced all manner of timepieces, some of the most noteworthy being the Mickey Mouse watch.
Timex Corp was also a Waterbury based company and produced millions of watches.
By the late 18th century, goods made in Waterbury were being used all over the country.
An early company in the town, Waterbury Clock made the first pocket watch and within a short sap of time, over 5,000,000 were sold at a dollar apiece.
Another company, Roger's and Hamilton were one of the exhibitors at the Chicago World's Fair in 1898. Their flatware products would become part of the International Silver Company in nearby Meriden CT.
The 3 largest brass manufacturers of the time were Scovill Mfg., American Brass and Chase Brass and Copper. and at their height collectively employed over 30,000 people
If it was made of brass or copper, it was made in Waterbury CT, and these companies were every expanding for their wartime products and continued to do so until the early 50's when plastics replaced so many metal goods.
These companies were responsible for so many smaller companies being started as well from the tool and die makers that they trained and educated and set out on their own to create their own companies, some of which still operate in the area today.
Changing the Landscape
A couple of natural disasters brought about the transformation of the town as well.
A massive flood in 1955 destroyed so many factory and residential buildings along the Naugatuck river from north of Winsted CT right down to long Island sound.
In early 1962, a tornado did considerable damage along the northwest end of town.
A landscape that was one adorned with factory buildings and their chimneys was no more.
The only landmark still seen in the town is the Clock Tower at the train station which is currently undergoing renovations for the commuter trains that still help people find their way into New York City.
While the town may no longer carry the pride in its manufacturing, which in this country as a whole is different, the appreciation of how it all began, it cannot be denied and is on display at the Mattatuck Museum in the center of town.
Waterbury CT Brass Capital of the World
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