A VISION OF BUILDING #25
Picture the Naugatuck Heritage Museum.

• Four display rooms, showing the varied culture and industry of Naugatuck.
• Large gallery hung with historical pictures and maps, big enough for receptions, dances, art exhibits, community theater, town meetings.
• Museum store offering books, videos, gifts, pictures, etc.
• Research library, with picture files, yearbooks, city directories, manuscripts, and family history information.
• Meeting room for community organizations.
• Classroom for use by local groups.
• A permanent home for the historical society.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society Newsletter, January 1996

PARCEL C COMMITTEE CONVENES
Chairman Bob Hill called the first active meeting of the Parcel C Committee, on March 6th. Burgess Kevin DelGabbo spoke about forming clear objectives and goals. Ann Simons gave a presentation on historic preservation, relating to all of downtown, as well as the restoration of Building 25. She presented statistics in support of preservation and the positive impact it can bring to a town. Building 25 was discussed, including estimated costs. A floor plan, showing room sizes, was displayed. The committee will tour the building soon.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, March 1996

STRONG SUPPORT FOR BUILDING
Building 25, the former Uniroyal Central Office, is receiving a good deal of thought and support as the Parcel C Committee and the Borough Board contemplate how to develop the parcel. Many groups and individuals have expressed interest in seeing that the Office Building is preserved to become the Naugatuck Heritage Museum. It will be a place where children will learn about the many diverse people who came to Naugatuck in the last 150 years, to work toward a better life for their families. Many of these people were the grandparents of the children who live in town today.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, April 1996

PLANS DRAWN FOR BUILDING
The Parcel C Committee and the Historical Society have engaged Mr. Roy Gilley, of Gilley - Hinkel Architects, Bristol, to do a preliminary report and feasibility study on the Goodyear India Rubber Co. Building.
Mr. Gilley has a great deal of experience in historic preservation and he feels that the Goodyear Building is not a difficult project. A Goodyear Building Restoration Committee has been formed and has met with Mr. Gilley to discuss the best uses for the building. When Mr. Gilley has completed his report, the committee will confer with the Parcel C Committee, Mayor Rado and the Borough Board.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, June 1996

NEW NAME FOR BUILDING
It has been decided to revise the name of the remaining Rubber Company building in downtown. In the basement of the building there is a large metal door on a room which once was the vault. The lettering on the door reads "G.I.R.G.M. Co.", standing for Goodyear India Rubber Glove Manufacturing Company. Dana Blackwell, our Town Historian, and Albert Meyers, both remember when that name was on a large sign painted on the building. The building has been variously known as the Uniroyal Office Building, United States Rubber Co. Central Office and Building 25, to list some of its names. We think it is more appropriate to begin calling it by its original name and to remember that it was Charles Goodyear, who was responsible for Naugatuck becoming the first "Rubber Town".

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, June 1996

BUILDING TO BE PROTECTED
Rico Manna, a local contractor and Hank Witkoski, Superintendent of Public Works, have met with Mr. Roy Gilley, architect, to discuss how to protect the one-story addition on the Goodyear Building from further damage this winter. Mr. Manna will donate his labor and scraps from the Public works Department will be used to shore up the roof and cover it temporarily. The broken windows will be covered and the building made secure from the weather and vandalism. We are delighted!

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, November 1996

ANNUAL DINNER A GREAT SUCCESS
Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni, State Archaeologist, was very entertaining and inspired all of us to be more concerned about what may be buried in our back yards. He brought the word "archaeology" to life for us. Eighty-two people were in attendance, the most ever for our annual dinner. Mr. Roy Gilley, architect for the Goodyear Building restoration project, spoke about its feasibility and told us about a little animal called a "Nauga". Mr. Bob Hill, Chairman of the Parcel C Committee, also spoke and told us about his vision for the lot. He envisions a clock tower on the pumping station, as well as the Naugatuck Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in the Goodyear Building.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, November 1996

OPEN DISCUSSION ON BUILDING
The Restoration Committee of the Naugatuck Historical Society has begun open discussion on the development of the Goodyear Building, including the floor plans and possible uses for the facility. Reduced plans were sent to the historical society Board of Directors, the members of the Restoration Committee, the Board of Mayor and Burgesses and several other people who have expressed an interest in preserving the building. A very productive meeting was held on Dec. 19th, which generated many innovative ideas for consideration. It was decided to meet again on Thursday, January 30, 1997, at 7:30 PM, in the Community Room at the Naugatuck Savings Bank. Anyone who would like to become involved with the restoration of this very important historical building may come to the meeting.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, January 1997

BUILDING PROTECTED
Hank Witkoski, Superintendent of Public Works, has protected the Goodyear Building for the winter. The broken windows have been covered and the building made secure from the weather and vandalism. We are delighted! The one story roof section has yet to be stabilized, but we hope that work will be done soon.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, January 1997

COMMITTEE MAKING PROGRESS
The Goodyear Building Restoration Committee decided at their February meeting to become more aggressive in their efforts to preserve the building. Senator Tim Upson recently toured it and was very encouraging. “We must save this building,” he said. The committee decided to plan a special day in April for all of the burgesses to see the building and a day in May for the new mayor to view it. A program for the community about the building and the restoration process is also being planned. Permission is being sought to hold appropriate events at the building during the warmer months. The next meeting of the Restoration Committee will be on
Thursday, March 27, 1997, at 7:30 PM, in the Community Room at the Naugatuck Savings Bank.
Anyone who would like to become involved with the restoration of this very important historical building may come to the meeting.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, March–April 1997

BUILDING PROTECTED
Rico Manna, general contractor, helped to protect the Goodyear Building for the winter. He saw to it that the one story roof section was stabilized and patched. We are most grateful to him for his help.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, March–April 1997

BUILDING PROJECT APPROVED
At the May 8th meeting of the Joint Boards of Burgess and Finance the vote was unanimous to include $250,000 in the borough budget for the preservation of the Goodyear Building, also known as the US Rubber Co. Central Office. This was the first of three steps towards the final town approval of the historical society sponsored project to preserve the building to become The Naugatuck Heritage Museum and Cultural Center. On Thursday, May 15, at 7 PM, a meeting of the Finance Board will be held at City Hill Middle School for public comment on the proposed budget. Everyone who is in favor of the project should plan to attend this meeting to show their support. If attendance isn't possible, Letters To The Editor of the papers would be very helpful. The last step will be final approval of the budget by the Finance Board and the Board of Mayor & Burgess. This will pave the way for a grant from the State and also allow the Restoration Committee to actively solicit funds from related corporations in the rubber industry. The Committee will be planning a Capitol Campaign at its next meeting on Thursday, May 22, 1997, at 6:30 PM in the Community Room of the Naugatuck Savings Bank. Everyone interested in preserving this historic building is invited.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, May–June 1997

EARTH DAY FOCUS SUCCESSFUL
In keeping with the theme of Earth Day to clean up our environment, the historical society held an Open House at the Goodyear Building to show the possibilities of turning this deteriorating building into an active museum and cultural center, which the town sorely needs. At least 200 people took advantage of the opportunity to see the building, which represents the rubber industry that once flourished here. Many people reminisced about the building and their association with the rubber company. In preparation for the Open House, Mike Gosha, a preservation contractor, led members of the Environmental Commission and the historical society, in cleaning up the building. The Fire Department loaned a generator so that vacuuming could be done. The Arts Commission provided the First State Troubadour, Tom Calanon, who played historic songs and tunes for the occasion. The commission also had a small art exhibit in one of the rooms. Flowers were arranged by the Garden Club and they brightened the sunlit rooms. The historical society also had a tent on the Green, along with the other Earth Day participants.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, May–June 1997

R. R. STATION TO BE NEW HOME
The historical society is working closely with Mayor Timothy Barth on the formation of a Building Committee that will spearhead the restoration of our Henry Bacon designed train station. We are extremely delighted to be able to be a part of this wonderful restoration project and to redesign the station into our new home. State Representative Kevin DelGobbo secured a $250,000 state grant which will be used for the project. The grant stipulates that the project must be completed within one year from thirty days after the execution of the plan. We hope we will be in our new home by our Annual Dinner in October of 1998. The society is also actively raising funds for the preservation of the Goodyear Building. Mayor Barth has given us one year from June to raise sufficient funds and we are very confident that we will be able to do this. The historical interest in Naugatuck is very high and there are enough wonderful collections in town to fill both buildings. This is indeed an exciting and challenging time for the society.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, September–October 1997

"KEEP ALIVE BUILDING 25"
The Fund Raising Committee of the Historical Society will formally open the campaign to raise funds needed to preserve the Goodyear Building with a Kick-Off Event on Nov. 19, at 7 PM.
The General Meeting originally planned for this evening will not be held to allow everyone to attend the Kick-Off. The event will be at the Goodyear Building and the Firehouse on Maple Street. The Official Goal Monitor will be unveiled and there will be Lights, Music, Balloons and Refreshments! Children are welcome. Mayor Timothy Barth has given us a letter stating his support for the project with July 1, 1998 as the deadline to raise $500,000 in cash, verifiable pledges, and in-kind donations for the restoration of the building. Monthly events are being planned, which include a Champagne Tasting Party on December 14 and a Gala Dinner Dance in the spring. A Car Raffle will continue until Earth Day, April 25, 1998, when a Lincoln Town Car will be given to the holder of the winning ticket. Tickets will be $100 each and there will be only 800 chances to win. Members wanting tickets can call 729-3235.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, November–December 1997

JAY CEE’S LEND SUPPORT
The Naugatuck Jay Cee’s have pledged part of their annual Christmas Poinsettia Sale to the campaign for the Goodyear Building. The profit from the sale of poinsettias to historical society members will be given to the fund to save the building. The Jay Cee’s are the first organization to sponsor a benefit for the Goodyear Building and we are very appreciative. We hope many other organizations will join with them in support of saving this important building.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, November–December 1997

THINK CHRISTMAS!
Tee shirts showing the Train Station are for sale at the museum, as well as at all upcoming events. They are $15 each, children’s sizes, $7. Sweatshirts will feature campaign logo, “Keep Alive Building 25”

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, November–December 1997

CAMPAIGN FOR BUILDING 25 HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN
November 19th was the Kick-Off event for the “Keep Alive Building 25” campaign. The Naugatuck High School award winning marching band provided wonderful entertainment. Edith Ribas introduced the Society president, Ann Simons, and Mayor Tim Barth, as they each spoke about their hopes for the historic building. State Rep. Kevin Del Gobbo then spoke about his support for the project; and he was followed by Roy Gilley, the architect for the Society. The concluding speaker was Art Maldonado, from the Connecticut Rubber Group. A very unique goal monitor was then unveiled and everyone was invited inside the firehouse to see exhibits of Building 25 and to enjoy refreshments. About 150 people attended the event.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, January/February 1998

SENATOR UPSON GOES TO BAT FOR BUILDING 25
Senator Tim Upson has submitted Bill #156, “AN ACT CONCERNING THE PRESERVATION OF THE GOODYEAR INDIA RUBBER GLOVE COMPANY’S CENTRAL OFFICE BUILDING.”
“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: That the State Bond Commission be empowered to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in accordance with section 3-20 of the general statutes, in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate five hundred thousand dollars, the proceeds of which shall be used for a grant to the Naugatuck Historical Society to be used for the preservation and rehabilitation of an historic building to house Historical Society collection and to provide office space and a suitable location for art exhibits, concerts and recitals.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To fund the preservation of an historical Naugatuck building to be used for the benefit of the town residents and the Naugatuck Historical Society.”

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, eleven members of the Society went to the State Capitol to testify on behalf of Building 25. We were very surprised and pleased when we were invited by Senator Upson’s office to attend the public hearing of the Commerce Committee. Senator Upson gave glowing testimony about the Goodyear Building at the beginning of the session. Then Rep. Kevin Del Gobbo spoke about the importance of the Goodyear Building, not only to Naugatuck, but to Connecticut and the world!
We greatly appreciate all the help both of these gentlemen have given us.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, March/April 1998

BUILDING 25 DONATED!
Borough officials and a private developer have agreed on the sale of Parcel C. At the time of closing, the developer will donate building 25 to the Naugatuck Historical Society, along with some adjacent land. Valerie Jablonowski will be on hand at the March 18 meeting to give us an overview and answer any specific questions.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, March/April 1998

BUILDING 25 GETS TELEVISED
The Society’s mission to save the Goodyear Building was spread to people around Connecticut on March 4, 1998, when it was broadcasted on television!

Reporter Grant Stinchfield, of Channel 61, toured Building 25 with president Ann Simons, along with Margaret Galvin, Alice MacDonald, Minda Scally, and Stella Pocoski, all of whom had worked in Building 25. Margaret Galvin had been secretary to the plant manager. Jack Matt also used the occasion to donate $2,500 to the fund, in honor of his late wife, Dorothy Thelma Matt. She had worked for U.S. Rubber for thirty six years, and for four years was Miss U.S. Rubber. Mr. Matt had worked for U.S. Rubber for thirty four years. Channel 61 did about a two minute piece on their 10 PM news that night.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, March/April 1998

CONNECTICUT RUBBER GROUP DONATES TO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Connecticut Rubber Group has pledged $50,000 for the restoration of Building 25. Chairman of the group, Art Maldonado, said “We want to help preserve the Goodyear Building. Part of our mission is to support causes in our industry, educate and preserve our history.” President Ann Simons said, “I think this is great. It’s the beginning of the corporate sponsorship. It’s appropriate that the Connecticut Rubber Group is the first to show their support for the preservation of the birthplace of the rubber industry.” The Historical Society plans to use the building as a museum honoring Charles Goodyear and the history of the rubber industry.

A non-profit organization, the Rubber Group is made up of more than 30 local companies, including Uniroyal Chemical Co. Farrel Corp. of Ansonia and Art D. Vanderbilt in Norwalk. They raise awareness of rubber industry causes through symposiums and technical seminars.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, May/June 1998

President’s Corner
by Ann Simons

July 1st has come and gone, but the Goal Monitor on Building 25 still does not read $500,000. Some people may be wondering if this means Naugatuck will lose another historic landmark, or that the Historical Society has failed to keep its part of the agreement with Mayor Timothy Barth. As I look back over the last seven months and the monthly events sponsored by the Fund Raising Committee, chaired by Helen Wilmot, I know we have not failed in our commitment. The response to the “Keep Alive Building 25 Fund” has been so great that everyone knows the support is there. Even though the local Capital Campaign formally ended with our Gala a month ago, the donations continue to come in. The National Campaign will now be the emphasis, with State funding expected soon, as Senator Tim Upson and Rep. Kevin DelGobbo, work hard for it in Hartford. The Rubber Industry has shown its interest in saving the building, which will commemorate its beginnings, by the $50,000 pledge from the Connecticut Rubber Group. Hershey Corp. has donated $5,000, since its Peter Paul Company is here and because it believes the history of Naugatuck should be preserved. We know other corporate donations are forthcoming soon.

The plans for the restoration of the building are moving forward, as are the site plans for the division of Parcel C. Terrence Cooke, the developer whose proposal to buy the remainder of Parcel C will be before the Borough Board soon, is committed to the preservation of Building 25. He has offered to sell the building to the Historical Society for $1.00 at the closing, if sufficient funds have been raised to do the outside renovations. We commend him for his generosity, his civic-mindedness and his appreciation of history.

We also praise Mayor Barth, who now wants to “Keep Alive Building 25” as much as we do. We are indebted to him for our lovely train station, which the society has the privilege of helping to restore and develop into a town museum. The plans for landscaping the train station grounds will be developed soon with expert help from the Garden Club. Preliminary site work will begin this summer, with fall and spring planting to complete the design. Our architect, Roy Gilley, has drawn up the preliminary plans for the renovation and has met with the Building Inspector and Fire Marshall for their approval. The Mannweiler Foundation has contributed $5,000 for a Preservation Room, with proper climate control, shelving and acid free materials, which will allow us to perform our duty to the community to preserve the artifacts entrusted to our care. This is the heart of museum work.

I am so pleased to be a part of this time in the development of Naugatuck. I truly feel privileged to be able to watch as Naugatuck begins to live up to its potential. Our civic pride is growing with the work of the Garden Club and all the other organizations that work so hard to say this is a wonderful town. Soon we will have two buildings to point to with pride and say “This is our heritage. This is what Naugatuck has contributed to the world.”

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, July/August 1998

DOWN TOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT
Jan Cunningham, a Historic Register Consultant, addressed the Board at its June meeting about putting Building 25 on the National Register of Historic Buildings and developing a Historic District in Naugatuck. She explained the criteria for evaluation and the procedural guidelines for enrollment.

On Tuesday, June 16, she and John Herzan, the National Register Coordinator for Connecticut, met with local officials and toured the Green, the Whittemore Library, Tuttle House, walked up to Hillside School and continued down Church and Maple Sts. According to Ms. Cunningham, criteria to be considered are architecture, archaeology, history, engineering and culture. A special hearing and slide show are being planned for September for the Board of Mayor and Burgesses.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, July/August 1998

What's Going on With Building 25
By: Valerie Jablonowski, Vice President

The big question around town is “What’s going on with Building 25?”. The answer is that the necessary steps are proceeding with the planned renovation and restoration. The Historical Society has been busy behind the scenes working with corporate donors across the nation. The goal monitor is expected to be back on the move again by late September and early October.

We felt it was time to give our members and the community a summer break from our fundraising activities, but we are gearing up for fall and winter. The Society will be holding a raffle in November (see related article in this newsletter).

The Historical Society also has plans to solicit donations for a Wall of Honor, a remembrance of those that worked in the rubber industry, and a Walk of Donors. Information regarding these programs will be released as soon as plans for their locations are finalized.

We have also been busy working on the specific details for the renovation of the building. The plans have been altered from the original concept to allow for more open space and a state of the art meeting room. The changes were requested by the corporations and businesses in the area to allow for functions and seminars to be held at the museum.

The Historical Society is a beneficiary of the agreement between Terrace Cooke and the Borough. When Mr. Cooke acquires his portion of Parcel C, Building 25 will be given to the Historical Society. Clean up of Parcel C must be complete before the agreement can proceed and the sale can be consummated.

Donations to the Keep Alive Building 25 Fund can be sent to The Naugatuck Historical Society, c/o Naugatuck Savings Bank, 87 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770.

Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, September/October 1998

We’re also pleased to share that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses unanimously voted to stabilize Building 25, helping ensure its preservation for the future. While this is just the beginning, it marks a crucial step in restoring the space for continued use by the Historical Society, the town, and the community.

Source
Naugatuck Historical Society Newsletter
Volume 12, Issue 1
January - February 2007

Building 25 Update
By Bridget Mariano

Building 25 looks different!
General Builders of Wethersfield completed the first phase of restoration in early March by stabilizing the structure. (The same team also completed the restoration of our Museum building.) While the project is not yet finished, the results are already visible—Building 25 looks much improved, and we are hopeful that additional phases of renovation will follow soon.

The Society’s Board of Directors has signed a non-binding agreement to explore future plans for turning the building into a vibrant community space. Partners include the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation, the Seven Angels Theatre, and other local organizations.

With support and collaboration, Building 25 has the potential to become a hub for history, theater, public meetings, and community activity—right in the heart of downtown Naugatuck.

Source
Naugatuck Historical Society Newsletter
Volume 12, Issue 3
May - June 2007

We welcome the good news about the restoration of Building 25 and its destination to become an integral part of the community. The Historical Society has signed agreements with the city of Naugatuck, Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation and Renaissance Place to work together to restore the building and convert it to a multi-use facility. The building will have a museum for the Society, a theatre, and a place for public meetings. Architect Tommie Thompson was chosen to complete the first phase of a schematic design for the use of the building. We continue to work together to bring this long-awaited project to completion.

Source
Naugatuck Historical Society Newsletter
Volume 13, Issue 2
March–April 2008

Mark Tuesday, May 6, as the day that Building 25 had a name change! The Board of Directors presented to the Board of Mayor and Burgesses a request for the name to be changed to The Charles Goodyear Cultural Center. The request was favorably received, and a motion was made to change the name immediately.

Because of the importance of Charles Goodyear in the history of our community, a significant building should carry the Goodyear name. Charles Goodyear is one of Connecticut’s most renowned inventors, and Naugatuck has been called the “Rubber Town” and “The Cradle of the Rubber Industry.” The new name, Charles Goodyear Cultural Center, identifies the uniqueness of the community.

No other important structure nor memorial to the inventor exists in Naugatuck. There is a small street named after the Goodyear family as well as a house at the High School named after his father, Amasa. Amasa donated land to the town for the use of a school.

The Naugatuck Historical Society Museum will be located in the building as well as a production facility for Seven Angels Theatre that will focus on theater for the youth of the community. There will be areas for community meetings and activities. The architect’s designs for the interior of the building, well under way, are available at the museum for members to see.

Source
Naugatuck Historical Society Newsletter
Volume 13, Issue 3
May - June 2008

Building 25 / Charles Goodyear Cultural Center Committee
By Charles Marino

2010 brings new faces and board members together, but with the same agenda that being to take Building 25 and create the Charles Goodyear Cultural Center. The committee members are Mary DiMaira, Russ Mazzeo, Wendy Murphy, Kevin Knowles, Chitta Lahiri, Arlene Schwartz Regan and Charles Marino. The first meeting took place in the Doback Room on the evening of February 22 it was a chance, for everyone to get together discuss where we have been, where we are, and in what direction we’d like to head in. Over the past month I have been in contact with OPM, DECD, Senators Joseph Crisco and Joan Hartley and Representatives David Labriola and Rosa Rebimbas’ offices, NEDC and the architect. I am pleased to confirm the $500,000.00 grant is still available.

Source
Naugatuck Historical Society Newsletter
Volume 15, Issue 2
March - April 2010