New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1917-07-27
ROCKWELL DRAKE
EXPECTED TO LEAVE
Reported in Semi-O1dcial Quar-
tiers That Business Will Be Moved
FACTORY MAY BE LEASED

Said to Be Arranging to locate in
Philadelphia - Officials Give No
Definite Information-Other Items.
While definite information regard
ing the plans of the Marlin company
with respect to the future of the
Rockwell-Drake corporation, it's
Plainvllle branch, cannot be obtained
| from official sources, 1t is understood
In local manufacturing circles that
the town will lose the factory before
many months, the combine moving
the entire business to PHILADELPHIA
where it's largest branch is at present
located.
reticent when approached regarding
the plans now being formulated but
it is believed that the original idea
of having the main plant in Plain
Vile has been given up and there is
a strong likelihood that the business
done by the Rockwell-Drake people
will be transferred from the town.
When the Marlin company alb
sorbed the local corporation and the
Standard Roller Bearing company Of
Philadelphia some months ago, Off
GERS seemingly were favorable to the
suggestion that the ten acres of land
purchased by A. F. Rockwell for
manufacturing purposes be used as
site for the main plant. Local peo-
pie had visions of huge factory build
1ngs housing thousands of employees
In the eastern section of the town
and Plainville's prospects for a sub
stantial and permanent growth took
on a roseate hue.
Since that time, however, it is said
the men at the head of the combine
changed their decision and have prac-
tically decided against Plainville, pre-
ferring Philadelphia for their head
quarters. Plans for the erection of
new buildings which would more than
double the floor space now used by
the local branch were ordered pigeon
holed and it is now reported that they
have been entirely abandoned.
The company is doing a rushing
business in it's present quarters and
continues to seek help. Neverthe-
less the belief is held that the plant
is eventually to be moved from the
town. How long before the change
will be made is uncertain but it is
not likely that the business will be
transferred for several months.
While the loss of the ROCKWELL
Drake factory will prove a disap-
pointment to local people, who will
also of course view with considerable
regret the failure Of the Marlin peo-
pies original plans to develop salts
factorily to Plainville, the town will
undoubtedly benefit greatly by Mr..
Rockwells purchase of the Woodford
property and the erection of a factory
building on it. The plant is ideally
situated for manufacturing purposes
and when the Rockwell-Drake bust
ness makes its departure some other
concern will without question move
into the plant. In fact it is under
stood In manufacturing circles that
partial arrangeme nts have already
been made for the leasing of the
building to Hartford concern which
will engage in the manufacture of
ball bearings and similar products.
Men connected with the corpora
ton have made no definite statements
as to their plans in this direction but
the reports have been persistently
circulated in reliable quarters for a
number of weeks and are given gem
eral credence.
Veterans Reflect May.
Albert A. May was e-elected pres
1dent of the Veterans association
while Chloe A. Warren was chosen
to continue at the head Of the auxil-
larry at the business meeting held at
the camp grounds yesterday in con-
nection with the annual observance
of G. A r. day. Both leaders have
given excellent service and they we'll
merited reelection.
g. A. r. day was a splendid success
It was an enjoyable treat for the
veterans who came here from al
over the state to participate in the
program and they had many happy
moments in exchanging "reminiscences
with Cd comrades who they had not |
seen since the reunion of a year ago.
Methodist Sessions Begin.
With a large attendance of enthu-
siasts present, the fifty-second annual
session of the Plainville camp meet
ing opened last evening at. the camp
grounds. Rev. E. A. Dent, D. D. of
New Haven, superintendent of the
district. and the leader of the meet
ings opened the program with a bril-
liant address on the timely subject,
What This War Is About
Last evening, today and tomorrow
will be given up largely to the Ep-
worth league institute. Among the |
topics to be discussed during the next
two days will be, The Church, Lead
ership, Temperance, Sunday, World |
Evangelism, Home Missions, Stew |
ardship and Patriotism. A number |
Of prominent divines, who have ac
cepted invitations to give addresses,
arrived at the grounds this morning. |
The camp meeting proper will |