Diana Stricker Photo
The monument dedicated Thursday afternoon at the site of the former Malleable Iron Fittings company sparked a lot of memories for the 75 people in attendance. It was particularly moving for retired Branford police chief Robert Gill who spearheaded the idea of creating a monument as a lasting tribute to the MIF workers.
“It’s wonderful to see it,” Gill told the Eagle yesterday. It’s something to help make history real.” Gill is pictured above looking at a MIF photo before the ceremony.
File Photo
“I’m very grateful that so many of you turned out,” Gill said during the ceremony. “It’s not what MIF owes to Branford, but what Branford owes to the legacy of MIF,” he said. Gill’s grandfather began working at MIF in 1913 after recruiters went south to recruit workers for the factory. Gill worked there before he joined the Branford Police Department.
Diana Stricker Photo
L-R-Cosgrove, Gill, Crowley, Bouley & O’Brien
Several years ago, Gill shared his monument idea with town historian Jane Bouley, and with Bill O’Brien, a long-time Branford advocate. But nothing came to fruition until O’Brien approached Ed Crowley, owner of the Stony Creek Brewery, which opened less than year ago on a portion of the MIF site. Crowley offered to fund the project and to erect the granite monument below the flagpole at the brewery. Click here to read a story about their plans and the history of MIF.
Diana Stricker Photo
The granite monument, pictured here as it reflects the flags above it, was placed at the base of the flagpole at the entrance to the Stony Creek Brewery along Indian Neck Road. In addition to making iron pipe fittings, MIF also made flagpole hardware among its many products.
Jane Bouley Historian
The MIF company, founded in 1854, grew to become the largest employer in Branford before it ceased production in 1970. In the early years, MIF recruited immigrants of all ethnic backgrounds, leading to the rich diversity of the town. It was not uncommon for three generations of a family to eventually work at MIF. The business grew to encompass 59 buildings on 23 acres, and was the largest employer in Branford with 1,300 employees in its heyday.
Diana Stricker Photo
There will be a MIF family reunion reception at the Stony Creek Brewery on Nov. 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring photos and memorabilia.
Celebrating History
“We’re overwhelmed at the size of the crowd,” said O’Brien, who acted as master of ceremonies. “The memories here are overflowing.”
O’Brien shared stories about how the monument became a reality, and thanked Crowley for his help. “It’s a thrill to stand at this historic site,” he said.
Jane Bouley told the history of the MIF and how three generations of the Hammer family not only owned and operated the MIF, but created a legacy to the town. “The Hammer family was interested in Branford life and helping the community…They were very loved in this community,” she told the crowd.
Bouley’s two great-grandfathers worked at MIF, one retiring in his 80’s after 52 years at the factory. “It was hot, hard, dirty work, but there was a camaraderie,” she said.
First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove talked about the MIF workers who “helped influence this town through their strength and their pride.” Cosgrove said it’s important to remember the heritage of the workers and their families “as we stand in the shadows of the remaining MIF buildings.”
Cosgrove also thanked Ed Crowley and said the brewery has been a boon to tourism and sparked interest in Branford as a destination.
“It’s such an exciting day,” Crowley said as he addressed the crowd. He recalled how he’s participated in many projects that O’Brien has been involved with. Crowley said he was impressed by Gill, O’Brien and Bouley. “They had a determination and a passion to celebrate the employees and families at MIF,” he said.
Crowley said he is proud to have his manufacturing business and banquet hall on the MIF site. He said people have already been stopping to see the monument and read the inscription. “What a great honor to have this here,” he said.
Sharing Memories
Diana Stricker Photo
Prior to the ceremony, many in the crowd yesterday shared memories of family members who worked at MIF.
Pam Knapp’s grandfather Arthur Knapp worked at MIF all his life. She said when her father was young, he would ride his bicycle over to the factory at lunchtime to deliver her grandfather’s favorite raw onion sandwiches.
Ann Chomicz said her grandfather John Jakacka worked at MIF for 48 years. “I remember him talking about it,” she said.
Irving Hoadley, an accountant whose firm did audits at MIF, said his grandparents and parents worked at MIF. “My mother and father both worked here and I think they met here. That’s not unusual because the town was smaller then and that’s how you met people — at work,” he said.
Hoadley recalled that years ago that there was a neon sign on the main building facing the railroad tracts. The sign had the MIF symbol and the founding year of 1854 along with the current year. But he said someone had to change the neon sign every year to update the year. “Finally management got smart,” he said, explaining that they changed the sign to read, “Since 1854,” eliminating the yearly task of updating the neon numbers.
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Irving Hoadley,I have no idea why, but that neon sign sticks in my head SO clearly, despite the fact that it was probably 40 years ago that I last saw it? Thanks for the memory.