Yankee Ingenuity

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, Naugatuck was home to bustling workshops where skilled craftsmen produced a wide range of goods—needles, pins, combs, buttons, knives, forks, and kitchen essentials like pots and pans. These items, known as "notions," were distributed far and wide by Yankee Peddlers, itinerant salesmen who carried their wares in bags as they traveled to surrounding communities. These peddlers played a vital role in connecting rural areas with the everyday necessities crafted by Naugatuck's artisans.

Salem Bridge Clocks

Produced between 1830 and 1845 in Salem Bridge, an area that became part of Naugatuck in 1844, these clocks were known for their innovation in craftsmanship. Unlike earlier clocks, which often had wooden movements, Salem Bridge Clocks featured brass works, offering improved durability and precision. They also employed a distinctive rack and snail striking movement, a mechanism that enhanced their functionality and made them a sought-after item in their time.

Charles Goodyear

Naugatuck’s most renowned inventor and industrialist, Charles Goodyear, revolutionized the rubber industry with his invention of vulcanized rubber, a process that significantly improved the durability and lifespan of rubber products. Goodyear’s innovation laid the groundwork for the establishment of the U.S. Rubber Company, which played a central role in Naugatuck's industrial growth and helped put the town on the map as a hub of manufacturing excellence.

The Rise of the Rubber Industry

The outbreak of the Civil War created an urgent demand for rubber goods, such as ponchos and boots, for the Union Army. By the 1880s, Naugatuck's rubber factories had expanded significantly, producing thousands of boots and shoes each day. This rapid growth earned the town its reputation as the “first rubber town in America,” cementing Naugatuck's place in industrial history as a leading center for rubber manufacturing.

Manufacturing Growth in Naugatuck

In addition to the thriving rubber industry, other sectors of manufacturing flourished in Naugatuck. The malleable iron industry became a major force, with Bronson Tuttle partnering with John H. Whittemore to form the Naugatuck Malleable Iron Company. The company saw rapid growth, with its workforce expanding from just 40 employees in 1860 to 368 employees by 1883. Further boosting the town’s industrial landscape, the Naugatuck Chemical Company was founded in 1904, and Risdon Manufacturing, known for producing safety pins, also contributed to Naugatuck’s reputation as a hub for innovation and manufacturing excellence.

The Naugatuck Railroad Line

In 1849, a railroad line was constructed along the Naugatuck River, revolutionizing local industry by enabling manufacturers to efficiently receive coal and raw materials while transporting finished goods to the Connecticut coast for global shipment. This vital connection bolstered Naugatuck's industrial growth and eventually led to the opening of the Naugatuck Railroad Station in 1908, further cementing the town’s role as a transportation and manufacturing hub.

Generosity of Naugatuck’s Wealthy Industrialists

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many wealthy industrialists moved to Naugatuck, building grand mansions in the hills overlooking the Naugatuck Valley. These families were not only known for their industrial success but also for their remarkable generosity, which continues to enrich the community today.

John H. Whittemore was one of the most prominent benefactors. In 1888, he built the Howard Whittemore Memorial Library with a $12,000 endowment in memory of his son, Howard, who passed away on May 28, 1888. Whittemore’s contributions didn’t stop there. In 1894, he donated Salem School to the town, followed by the gift of Naugatuck High School in 1901, which today serves as Hillside Intermediate School.

His son, Harris Whittemore, continued the family’s legacy of giving, donating Hop Brook School to Naugatuck in 1916. The next major educational building came from the Bronson B. Tuttle family, who donated their homestead to the town. In 1938, the former mansion was converted into a high school annex, further supporting the community’s educational infrastructure.

An Industrial Hub

Naugatuck’s prosperity as an industrial center can be attributed to several key factors. The town offered a stable workforce and benefitted from strong rivers and streams, which provided the necessary power to drive its mills and factories. Additionally, the construction of the railroad line in 1849 played a crucial role, bringing in raw materials and coal while efficiently transporting finished products to broader markets. These combined elements helped solidify Naugatuck’s place as a thriving hub of industry.