The Stanley Works: The Community of Factory Life in New Britain
Factory life in the 20th century is known best for its poor working conditions, casualties, long hours, and dispensable treatment of workers….
National Spring Bed Co. Burns… Again!
As many of you know, there was a massive fire Tuesday night on the corner of Columbus and High Street. Popularly known as the Polar Building today, and remembered variously as the location of Superior Ball Bearing, Connecticut Photo Engraving Company, and more...
The Patent King of the United States
Justus A. Traut was a prominent inventor and contractor at the Stanley Rule & Level Company. His extensive collection of patents earned him the title “The Patent King of the United States” or the “King of Inventors”...
Connecticut Coming to Stanley’s Defense
The Stanley Works has been a New Britain institution since its founding. While it expanded and established plants outside of the city, its headquarters remained rooted in New Britain, contributing to the city’s nickname of the “Hardware City.”...
New Britain’s Notable Women: Lena Candee Bassette, Suffragette and Political Leader
Best known for her work as a suffragette and local political leader, Lena Candee Bassette (1872-1957) was born in Oran, New York on June 18, 1872. She was one of five children of Ralph Candee and Anne Sarah Housley, and from the age of eleven was raised in Houston, Texas by her aunt and uncle...