C. O. Jelliff Company, 354 Pequot Road, Southport, Fairfield County, CT

Significance: The C.O. Jelliff factory building is a characteristic example of early twentieth-century New England corporate architecture. Practical, utilitarian concerns of a wire manufacturing plant dictated the need for a functional design. The building's location on Southport's main thoroughfare, Pequot Road, necessitated that it be architecturally presentable, if not interesting. The factory is designed on a rectangular plan and is constructed of dark brick with a low-pitched roof and a profusion of window openings on the street facade. It is compatible with the immediate environment and an interesting solution to engineering and architectural needs. Charles O. Jelliff founded his company in 1880. His early wire products included sieves to separate onion seeds and chaff for Southport's prosperous onion farming industry. With a growing demand for wire products during the 20th century, the company has continued to grow, becoming a large and distinguished manufacturer of wire products.
Survey number: HABS CT-291
Building/structure dates: 1903 Initial Construction