Derby Feed Company

 

In Derby, a quiet transformation has taken place, one that tells a story of economic ambition, missed opportunities, and a community left to wonder what might have been.

Back in 2016, the site of the former Derby Garden Center and Derby Feed Co. was little more than a memory. The buildings had already been torn down, leaving behind rocky soil and empty foundation pads. The only remnant of the feed company’s once-busy operation was a towering grain silo at the back of the property. Its ladder hooks had been sawed off, ensuring no adventurous climber could scale the now-defunct structure. For years, the silo stood as a symbol of the company’s legacy—a place that had provided feed materials to countless customers. But even that was eventually removed, demolished by the city to make the land more appealing to developers eager for a clean slate.

Fast forward to December 2024, and the site has found a new purpose as a home for a construction materials business. Yet, the surrounding area tells a different story. Downtown Derby, particularly near Caroline Street and First Street, feels eerily desolate—a far cry from the bustling center it once aspired to be.

The road to this current state was anything but smooth. Eight years ago, the city became embroiled in a complicated legal battle with Derby Real Estate LLC, the group that owned the feed company, and neighboring businesses like Country Fare LLC and Derby Garden Center. The dispute revolved around the value of the 17-acre parcel, which had been left mostly vacant after the buildings were cleared.

Two ambitious proposals to redevelop the site had fallen through, leaving the property in limbo. Derby Real Estate argued that these failures, coupled with the city’s neglect of other downtown properties, had significantly devalued their land and hurt their business. They also claimed the city never seriously considered buying the feed company outright, even when it partnered with Ceruzzi Development, a project that ultimately went nowhere.

The city eventually settled, paying Derby Real Estate approximately $452,355—a resolution that came too late to salvage the grand visions many had for the area.

Before the Derby Garden Center graced Caroline Street, the land bore witness to the industrious spirit of the A.H. & C.B. Alling Company, a textile manufacturing giant that played a crucial role in shaping Derby's identity. This massive complex once bordered Main Street and stretched through Caroline Street, a testament to the city's rich industrial past.

Founded in 1905 with a capital stock of $300,000, A.H. & C.B. Alling Company emerged from the historic Paugasset Mills. The company, established by Charles B. Brewster, Charles E. Clark, William H. Williams, and Susie A. Baldwin, was a powerhouse in the production of hosiery, knit goods, underwear, and textiles of every kind. Its roots, however, date back even further, to 1845, when the Alling family began their textile venture in Orange. Drawn by Derby’s ample water power, they moved their operations, where the firm quickly flourished.

The Alling Company’s contributions extended far beyond Derby. During the Civil War, it supplied the U.S. Army with essential goods, including bootees, stockings, and socks. In 1860, the firm delivered 5,000 pairs of socks to the Secretary of the Navy under contract. These efforts established the Alling family as both innovative manufacturers and vital contributors to the nation during a pivotal era.

In 1858, the Allings purchased the old Globe Carriage Factory, repurposing the site to expand their textile business. By 1864, their operations included several multi-story buildings filled with cutting-edge machinery and over 300 employees. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when a devastating fire destroyed the original facilities in January of that year, claiming the life of an employee, Mr. Cooper.

Undeterred, the Alling family purchased the copper mill property nearby and rebuilt their operations. The new plant became one of the region's most prominent textile producers, solidifying its status as a key player in Derby's industrial boom.

The Alling brothers were more than factory owners—they were builders of Derby’s future. Beyond their factory, they erected numerous significant structures, including the Howard & Barber department store. Their contributions earned them a place among the most influential figures in Derby's history.

By the late 19th century, the site had evolved once more. In 1888, Cyrus Brewster constructed a corset factory on a portion of the land, employing over 100 people. This new venture, managed by W.H. Smith, continued the site’s legacy of innovation and industry.

In the early 20th century, the textile industry was a cornerstone of America’s industrial landscape—and also a hotbed of labor disputes. The workers at A.H. & C.B. Alling Company were no strangers to these challenges, navigating tensions that remain strikingly relevant in today’s economic climate.

On October 12, 1900, fifteen female knitters at the Alling mills staged a walkout, refusing to work overtime without additional pay. Their protest lasted four days but ultimately ended without victory. The women were not compensated for their overtime, a stark reminder of the grim labor standards of the era, where such exploitation was commonplace.

Earlier that same year, on April 23, the Alling mills saw two separate labor actions. First, 400 of the 550 workers in the stocking department went on strike after their foreman was dismissed. Solidarity among the workers won the day—the foreman was promptly reinstated, and the strike ended within hours.

That same day, 20 dyers' helpers demanded a 10-cent increase in their daily wages. Negotiations resulted in a compromise: their pay rose from $1.20 to $1.25. While the raise fell short of their initial demand, the resolution came without lost workdays, marking the action as a partial success.

The labor struggles at A.H. & C.B. Alling Company reflect the broader dynamics of industrial America during the early 1900s. Workers sought fair wages and reasonable conditions, while employers resisted unionization and wage increases. Fast-forward to 2024, and the parallels are unmistakable.

Today’s workers face similar challenges, grappling with rising costs of living and stagnant wages even as corporations report record profits. The echoes of past labor movements underscore the enduring tension between labor and capital—a dynamic that continues to shape economies and communities worldwide.

Sources:

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