The Textile Industry in Connecticut:

Diversity of Textiles

In the second half of the 19th century Connecticut developed all areas of its textile industry. Textiles as diverse as linen, velvets, wool, cashmere, cotton, and varieties of yarn and thread were all manufactured in its factories. Not only were there many kinds of textiles, but the quality and intricacies of the weaves used varied as well. This section offers you only a glimpse of the types of cloth created in Connecticut.

< In Mystic alone there were two large textile manufacturers. The Rossie Velvet Mill manufactured velvet while the Mystic Manufacturing Co. manufactured woolens and worsteds. The textile industry was so diverse and such a variety of products were in demand that it was possible for two large companies to thrive and grow without interfering with one another.

Old Spool Shop, Willimantic Linen Co., Main Street
Willimantic, ca. 1890
Photo CD: 0539
File: Img0091.pcd

< The Willimantic Linen Company was an example of a manufacturer who changed their product according to the demand. When the coarse linen goods that they manufactured became unprofitable they converted their factory to the production of cotton thread. The factory buildings themselves were very versatile and often were used for a variety of businesses.

Cotton Hollow Mill, South Glastonbury
Glastonbury, ca. 1880s
Photo CD: 0540
File: Img0034.pcd

< The Cotton Hollow Mill is one example of a textile factory that was transformed from another type of mill. Originally it was a gunpowder mill until it was converted to produce cotton sheeting in 1814. This picture illustrates a classic small town mill with worker housing surrounding it.

Link to other essays in this Journey:

>> Introduction: The Textile Industry in Connecticut
>> Early History of Textiles in Connecticut
>> Child Labor
>> Immigrant Workers
>> Housing for Factory Workers
>> Stages of Textile Processing

>> Guideposts
>> Suggestions for further reading