NUGGET #67
Brothers John W. and Francis A. Rockwell first operated in the building that was afterward part of Bailey Inn, then moved to Catoonah Street in a building which stood on the site of Sperry’s Livery Stable. That factory was destroyed by fire in April 1859, with a loss of $5,000. “More than 20 hands are thrown out of employment,” says the Hartford Times. Diary of Anna Ressiguie (April 15, 1859) says it was insured. Then was at Catoonah Hall, 1860-68. The factory chiefly made brass and tin candlesticks, but also produced newspaper holders used by libraries and special patented clamps to keep the covers fastened on a child’s bed.
