Name/Title
Printing PressEntry/Object ID
2023.36.1Description
Kelsey Star Printing Press. A cast iron, floor model letter press printing press manufactured by the Kelsey Company of Meriden, CT. Foot pedal operated. Complete except for ink rollers. One leg damaged and would require repair prior to use. The press, along with the complete contents of a job lot print shop located in a home in Eastford, CT, was purchased circa 1974 by the donor. The previous owner said he had been employed as a printer by the American Thread Company in Willimantic, CT, and that the press had been used in the company print shop for miscellaneous short run printing jobs. He obtained the press and other items of printing equipment when they were being disposed of by the company. The Star Press remained in the possession of the donor until he donated it to the Mill Museum circa 1992. Press was used by Ashford Press to print poetry chapbooks, tickets for shows at Shaboo music hall in Mansfield, CT, the University of Connecticut literary magazine "Sarcophagus," tickets, wedding invitations, and all manner of small printing jobs.Context
In an example of vertical integration, the American Thread Company tried to keep the majority of its printing in-house, and so had its own print shop. The ATCO print shop printed boxes, labels, advertising, "Star" instructional booklets on making various textile items using ATCO thread and yarn, etc.Collection
General CollectionMade/Created
Manufacturer
Kelsey CompanyPlace
City
MeridenState/Province
ConnecticutCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
Press, PrintingNomenclature Sub-Class
Replication EquipmentNomenclature Class
Printing T&ENomenclature Category
Category 06: Tools & Equipment for CommunicationLocation
Location
Room
Dugan Mill Factory Floor ExhibitBuilding
Duagn BuildingCategory
ExhibitDate
October 22, 2023Condition
Overall Condition
FairCondition Detail
BreakDate Examined
Oct 22, 2023Exhibition
Factory Floor ExhibitCreated By
historian@millmuseum.orgCreate Date
October 22, 2023Updated By
historian@millmuseum.orgUpdate Date
October 22, 2023
