American Thermos Bottle Company Laurel Hill Plant, Historic industrial complex in Laurel Hill, Norwich, United States.
The American Thermos Bottle Company Laurel Hill Plant is an industrial complex with eleven main buildings and two additional structures stretching along the Thames River in Norwich, Connecticut. The facility displays Renaissance Revival architecture and includes a three-story manufacturing building along the waterfront, plus a converted 19th century Italianate residence that served as administrative offices.
The facility was established in 1913 and became the primary production site for Thermos bottles until operations ceased in 1984. Following closure, the complex was repurposed and eventually converted to house a school, which underwent major renovation in 2008.
The name reflects the adjacent Laurel Hill, and it represented civic pride when Norwich residents invested heavily to attract a major employer to their community. The factory shaped the daily lives and economic reality of workers and their families for generations.
The site sits directly along the river and is easily recognizable from above, with the different buildings clearly showing their original functions. Accessibility depends on the school's use of the property, so visitors should check in advance whether public viewing is permitted.
The factory repurposed a converted 1861 Italianate residence as its administrative hub, merging 19th century residential design with 20th century industrial operations. This unusual blend of domestic architecture serving factory needs demonstrates how quickly the community adapted to shifting economic demands.
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