Fun for All the Family in the Brass City of Waterbury
11/12/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is Here for You Whatever the Weather in Waterbury
Waterbury is an attractive Connecticut City situated on the Naugatuck River. The city has a plethora of green space and a classic New England historical vibe. And yet it is also jam-packed with excellent shopping, local restaurants and has a vibrant arts scene. All this, combined with a strong manufacturing past, makes Waterbury a fascinating city of different moods, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Waterbury also enjoys a gorgeous location close to New England’s rolling landscape and vibrant fall leaf displays yet within striking distance of New York City. The hot summers and cold, snowy winters can be challenging – especially when the weather gets bad – but there’s no doubt that the climate gives Waterbury its timeless personality.
The Home of Brass
Until the mid-20th century, Waterbury was the leading brass manufacturer in the country. The city’s motto is “Quid Aere Perennius?” which translates to “What is more lasting than brass?”
Brass has certainly lasted well in Waterbury. The city is proud of its industrial tradition, which shaped the city we know today. Waterbury had humble beginnings. Settlers first put down roots in the 1670s, but the new town was not without its problems. Flooding on the Naugatuck River and an outbreak of disease meant that after the first century, the city had only 5000 residents.
All that changed in the early nineteenth century when brass manufacturing came to town. The same rivers that had caused flooding problems – the Naugatuck and the Mad River – powered the new brass industry. Workers came from far and wide, creating a multicultural city. Waterbury brass was known for its high quality and was used nationwide, even in the Boulder Dam in Nevada.
Waterbury entrepreneurs did not stop at brass, however. The city also became famous for its clocks and watches – it is the home of the Ingersoll one-dollar pocket watch, which sold in its millions in the mid-nineteenth century. The city also produces silverware and historical silver pieces from the Waterbury feature in museums and exhibits everywhere.
When you come to Waterbury, look out for evidence of its rich industrial past. You will find impressive clock towers and retired brass factories all over the city.
Fun for Everyone in the Brass City
Waterbury’s industrial past is fascinating – but there is so much more to the city. All of your family is sure to find something to delight them. While checking out the historical clock towers and brass sites, why not try out some other attractions?
- Brass Mill Center. Named for the city’s heritage, the Brass Mill Center is a 110,000 square meter shopping mall, conveniently located just east of downtown. It has over 130 shops spread over two floors, offering everything from clothes to electronics and even a driving school. Do your kids need a rest? Enjoy a snack from the food court or relax and watch a movie at the in-house movie theater.
- Fascia’s Chocolates. If anyone in your family has a sweet tooth, you cannot leave Waterbury without visiting Fascia’s! Fascia’s proprietors established the store in 1964 and have been hand-making delicious chocolates ever since. As well as sampling the wares, you can tour the factory and even make your own chocolates.
- The Mattatuck Museum. Established in 1877, the Matt, as it is known locally, offers interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. You can participate in classes and demonstrations that bring art to life and check out their impressive collection of historical buttons.
- Laser Planet. Excitement awaits the whole family at Laser Planet. You can play laser tag, try out a virtual reality headset, stop by the arcade to play some games, or try your luck on the bumper cars.
- Brass Mills Mall Escape Room. Gather your family and get ready for fifty heart-pounding minutes. There are themed escape rooms, including Treasure Island or Superheroes, and you can choose your difficulty level.
After enjoying the shopping, entertainment, and historical buildings, you are sure to find an eatery to relax and refresh yourself. Waterbury is packed full of restaurants offering everything from Italian to seafood to fine dining.
Waterbury is no Stranger to Water Damage
Flooding along the Naugatuck River has been an issue for Waterbury residents since the first settlers arrived. The slow growth of the settlement in the 17th century was due in part to river flooding. The floods combined with not enough arable land made for harsh conditions.
In 1955, the area faced one of the worst floods in its history. Two back to back hurricanes caused widespread flooding, resulting in 87 deaths and $200 million worth of damage. In Waterbury, the water rose to 35 feet in places and reached speeds of 50 miles per hour, while the police, coast guard, and citizens fought to rescue those threatened by the rising water. As a result of the floods, the United States Corps of Engineers built several dams and floodwalls, including:
- The Thomaston Dam in 1960
- The Northfield Brook Dam in 1965
- The Colebrook Dam in 1969
SERVPRO was not established when the flood took place – our founders started the company in 1967. Now we are available to help the people of Waterbury whenever flooding occurs, and our water damage repair service helps them get back to normal fast, “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO is There When Water Damage Hits – Day or Night
Fast action is vital in the case of water damage. Within the first 24 hours, water can:
- Soak into building materials and damage structural integrity
- Create a moist setting where mold can thrive
- Cause wood furniture and beams to swell and crack, and wooden floors to warp
SERVPRO is Faster To Any Size Disaster. We aim to be on-site within four hours of receiving the first call from a customer. We equip our technicians with personal protective equipment such as breathing apparatus, bodysuits, and gloves, so they can get to work immediately.
Drying is key to rescuing a home or business after water damage, which is why our technicians emphasize the creation and execution of a drying plan. We use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry buildings and contents. We also monitor moisture and humidity throughout to ensure everything is dry and the risk of mold growth is lessened.
We understand that lingering damp smells are an unpleasant side effect of water damage. We deodorize every property after drying, using air scrubbers, foggers, and deodorizing compounds to ensure odor removal.
When the weather gets out of hand in Waterbury, do not despair. SERVPRO of Waterbury is here for you. Call us at (203) 757-5050 for all your water damage repair needs.