Waterbury Clock Company
Almost seventy years after the last watches were produced along Cherry Street in Waterbury, the towering facade of the Waterbury Clock Company is nearing demolition. Using funds from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and under the guidance of the Waterbury Development Corporation, the building is being dismantled, and the soil will be remediated. There are plans currently being developed by New Opportunities of Waterbury Inc. to develop the site into hydroponic growing operations fertilized by farmed fish. Time, indeed, has changed. Photograph by John Murray
Brass Beginnings
Story By Raechel Guest
Waterbury has been referred to as "The Brass City" and "The Brass Capitol of The World". This article is the first in a four part series written by Raechel Guest exploring the history and legacy of the brass industry in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc (differing from bronze, which is alloy of copper and tin), and it is both durable and reasonably resistant to tarnishing. Adjusting the ratio of zinc to copper changes the color of the brass, adding to its decorative qualities. In ancient Rome, it was known as Aurichalem and was often used for making jewelry. Its popularity increased during the Renaissance, and by the 19th century, brass was used to make just about everything.
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