Lighting and Machinery

By the early 19th century, Winsted had a diverse economy and many small manufacturing concerns. Over the following decade, these shops gave way to large-scale manufacturing that would make the town one of the most prosperous regions in the state and country. Lighting fixtures and machinery played an important role in this industrial history. 

Goodwin & Kintz began in Shelton, Connecticut and manufactured fine metal art goods, including clocks and clock cases.  It was incorporated in 1897 with a capital of $12,000. The company moved its operation from Shelton to the former clock factory on 217 North Main Street, in Winsted, in 1899. 

Goodwin & Kintz quickly became one of the leading industries in the borough and expanded its product line into a wide range of both residential and commercial gas and electric lighting fixtures. In 1903, the company relocated to the former Winsted Shoe factory on 20 Rowley Street. The 33,000-square-foot plant adjoined two aces of land, so a plating room and casting shop were added. As a result, the concern nearly doubled its capital from $24,000 to $50,000, by 1904, and was employing an average of 135 skilled workers. 

By 1911 Goodwin & Kintz was flourishing, with its capital stock doubled to $100,000. The company’s long-standing officers included James G. Woodruff as president, Winslow Goodwin as treasurer and manager, and Clemens Kintz as secretary. Like many Winsted businessmen, they were all involved in community affairs. Woodruff served as president of Gilbert Clock Company, Goodwin was president of the local Y.M.C.A., and Kintz was a Winsted burgess.  

Despite its steady growth, in 1914, attachments were placed on Goodwin & Kintz and it went into receivership under Gilbert L. Hart, a local grocer and member of the town’s first school board, and the business was wound down. 

As with many local factories that lacked adequate fire protection, the building which Goodwin & Kintz occupied was plagued by fire over the years. In 1915, a fire burned through the top two stories of the structure, and, in 1924, while occupied by the Universal Bearing & Bronze Company, another fire destroyed the third story. The site eventually became the headquarters of Standard Cycle.

Carter & Hakes was another successful Winsted business that milled parts for machinery. It was organized, in 1899, by T.J. Carter and Curtis Hakes, with a capital of $50,000. The two men brought much experience to the company, both having been employed by Pratt & Whitney of Hartford for many years.  

Carter & Hakes showed a steady increase in growth from the time it was established. The concern began in the old machine shop formerly used by F.L. Wooster, on Main Street across from the Y.M.C.A., until it burned down in 1905. With an enterprising spirit, Carter & Hakes rose from the ashes and opened a plant in the old Kellogg & Wakefield factory on Lake Street. After two years, the large tract of land that it occupied was purchased by Henry Gay, a local entrepreneur who often purchased abandoned properties, and a new three-story factory was erected that had 18,000 square feet. The company employed around 35 workers, and its modern facility produced high grade machinery that milled parts for automobiles, bicycles, guns, sewing machines, and typewriters.  Like many other local concerns, it distributed its products internationally. 

Despite a long and successful run, following the death of the company’s president, Franklin P. Carter, in 1923, the factory was put up for sale. The building was later occupied by the Manchester Romper Company, makers of clothing for children, Willhite-Squires Chair Company, and Jewel Manufacturing, makers of watch jewels. 

Taken from: “Brains, Money & Pluck: Profiles of Early Industries” by Verna Gilson, genealogy and local history research assistant, Beardsley and  Memorial Library, Winsted.