Historic Mills of Connecticut

Companies Associated w/Complex

• A.N. Pierson Inc. c.1870-2001

Use (Historic)

• Other: flowers

Largest Documented Workforce

500

Historic Narrative

Anders Nil Persson (1850-1925) was born in Sweden, and immigrated to the United States in 1869, changing his name to Andrew Pierson. He established a floral nursery in Cromwell, A. N. Pierson's Inc., which grew and employed large numbers of Swedish immigrant workers. By 1885, Pierson was selling his flowers in New York City, and by 1915 in Boston and Washington DC as well for both the wholesale and retail trade. By his death, Pierson was known as the Rose King of America. The company remained family run for four generations, until filing for bankcruptcy in 1990 and closing in 1991.

Number of Existing Buildings

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Dates of Construction

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Architect

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Builder

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Building Type

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Architectural Description

Acres of greenhouses; unknown which buildings date prior to 1965, and if any remain from 19th century operations.

Exterior Material(s)

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Structural System(s)

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Roof Form

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Roof Material

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Power Source

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Condition

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Condition Notes

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Specific Location

NWC of New Lane and Main Street

Adjacent To

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Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

• 43/ 45/ 6 / Link →

Acreage

73.48

Use (Present)

n/a

Form Completed By

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Date

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Bibliography

1. “The Rose King of America Transformed Cromwell’s Landscape”, ConnecticutHistory.org website.
2. Pierson's Floral Nursery Reached Full Bloom In Cromwell, by Diana Ross McCain, Hartford Courant (August 26 1998).