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"The purpose of the Pitkin Glass Incorporated, is to preserve, develop, exhibit and maintain this historic site in Manchester, Connecticut and to educate the public about the important historical significance of Connecticut's first glasshouse and one of America's first industries"
In 1783 Captain Richard Pitkin and his sons were granted a monopoly by the General Assembly of Connecticut for the manufacture of glass for twenty-five years as recompense for their providing gun powder, at a loss, to the Continental army, 1775-1781. The Pitkin Glass Works, the first successful glass factory in Connecticut, was built in Manchester (then the Orford Parish of East Hartford) on the Pitkin farm, now on the corner of Putnam and Parker streets. Remaining in operation until about 1830, they produced demijohns for the West Indian trade, and bottles, flasks, inkwells and other small items, mostly in shades of green glass. These were considered to be the best color and design in the country.
It is not known why the factory was closed down. Perhaps it was because of the cost of transporting sand from New Jersey, or because the wood supply was decreasing with the growth of farming in the area. There may have been poor management or increasing competition from other factories. Gradually the massive stone building fell into disrepair.
In 1928 Mr and Mrs Fred W. Pitkin and others of the Horace Pitkin family quitclaimed the property to the Orford Parish Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Finding the cost of maintenance a burden, a suggestion was made in 1977 that it be sold for commercial purposes. A group of interested citizens, led by Mr. Edson Bailey, protested the possibility, and formed a committee to preserve this historical site for the community.
The Pitkin Glass Works, Inc. has overseen the landscaping of the area, and installed a flagpole with a flag that has flown over our national capital. The monumental stone ruins have been repointed, and the oak lintels replaced. Students from the Central Connecticut State University made a preliminary archaeological dig in the 1980's but only shards of glass and pottery were found. All the funds to support the work of the Council have been raised by the generosity of private benefactors, or through the sale of replicas of a Pitkin Flask and an inkwell. A beautifully illustrated hard cover book by Dr. William E. Buckley, "A History of the Pitkin Glass Works", is also for sale. The council remains active, carrying out its mandate to maintain and preserve this part of our heritage for future generations.
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