1 Spring Street

  Historic Name or Use   

Mineral Springs Manufacturing Company

  Current Name or Use   

​American Sleeve Bearing

​​ Address  

Address: 1 Spring Street, Stafford Springs

​

 About This History of 1 Spring Street

The first woolen mill in Stafford Springs, The Mineral Springs Manufacturing Company, was built on this site in 1839 by Solva Converse.  After a serious fire and rebuilding of the mill in 1848, Solva and his brother, Parley Converse, became partners.  In 1854, Parley sold his interest in the business to his brother, making Solva the singular owner of the firm.  Over the next decade, the manufacturing process was extensively changed from satinets to woolen goods.  

​

In the 1850’s, Solva’s son, Julius, began working in the manufacturing department of the mill.  He was later promoted to a position in the office, and in 1866 he became the company’s treasurer and agent.  Over the following years he became the largest stockholder in the firm, and in 1885, he became its sole proprietor, continuing until his death in 1892.

​

In the year 1899, the plant was sold to the Middle River Woolen Company, a small local holding company.  This concern leased the buildings to Frederick Faulkner of Lowell for the manufacture of dress goods.  The operation shortly became known as Frederick Faulkner and Company.  In 1913, Stafford lost this anchor industry when the plant was completely destroyed by fire.  

​

In 1916, a completely new factory was built on the same site and was occupied by the Stafford Worsted Company.  They produced worsted yarn which was shipped to Dunn Worsted in Woonsocket, R.I. to be woven into cloth.   The Stafford Worsted Company closed its doors in July of 1957 after 41 years in operation as the market for worsted textiles declined.

​

Linatex Corp., a manufacturer of mechanical rubber products, purchased the facility in December of 1957 and quickly set up its production operations on the ground floor.  Starting in March of 1960, Stafford Manufacturing Co., a producer of children’s garments leased space on the second floor.  They were replaced in September of 1964 by Uniform Printing and Supply, a company which manufactured printed insurance forms and policies. 

​

In January of 1994, Linatex Corp. sold the building to Howard Buckland, owner of American Sleeve Bearing Co. of Tolland, who was seeking a larger facility for his business.  The structure was renovated and American Sleeve Bearing was relocated to Stafford Springs and began production in June of that same year.  Thirty years later, they remain a leading manufacturer of inch and metric sleeve bearings and bushings in the world.


Timeline

1839 – Mineral Springs Manufacturing Co. built by Solva Converse

1848 - Mineral Springs Manufacturing Co. destroyed by fire and rebuilt

1899 – Sold to Middle River Woolen Co.

1899 – Leased to Frederick Faulkner and Co.

1913 – Mill destroyed by fire

1916 – New factory built by Stafford Worsted Co.

1957 - Stafford Worsted Co. closes

1957 – Plant purchased by Linatex Corp. of America

1960 – Stafford Manufacturing Co. leases 2nd floor

1964 – Uniform Printing & Supply leases 2nd floor

1991 - Linatex moves to Tennessee

1994 – Building purchased by American Sleeve Bearing Co.

​