The oval insert shows the original factory on Valley Street in Westville, CT. The larger building shown is the factory at 119 Fox Street that was constructed in 1915 and is still standing today.

Based on the probable era of this photo I think it might be in the valley street facility. Also barrels were used to construct some larger magic sets. If it is Valley Street, it is probably on the first floor.

I think this is Valley Street because it was the only factory with a peaked roof. The racks at the back may hold the ingredients of magic kits and the boxes on the floor may be the assembled kits.

Possibly Foote Street if the machine in foreground is a stamping machine. That was first factory where Erector was made and other earlier magic products probably didn't require stamping. If not a stamping machine, what is it?

The "Mysto Erector" boxes visible in the center of the photo are definitely prior to June of 1916, when the company name was changed to A.C. Gilbert Co. You can find that particular box in magazine advertising of 1914. Since I am not sure of the number of years in which that box was sold, this could be any year between 1912 when Erector production began and 1916 when the company was renamed. I think this was most likely taken in the Foote Street plant as Gilbert didn't complete the Fox Street plant until May of 1915.

Foote Street or possibly Fox Street? Pillars more widely spaced and lower ceilings. Definitely Erector era because of stamping machines.

Peck Street? Ceilings too high for Fox Street. Also attire too late for anything other than Peck Street, which was purchased in 1916.

Peck Street? Ceilings too high for Fox Street. Also attire too late for anything other than Peck Street, which was purchased in 1916. Appears to be other side or other end of previous photo.

Aerial view of the Erector Square factory at 319 Peck street. 119 Fox Street factory is the dark building to the right of the Peck street buildings and on the top side of the row houses.

Why is policeman there as well as a lot of people on street. Was this during a labor dispute? or were they just looking for jobs during the depression? Note Gilbert signature porthole windows and "Hall of Science" logo. That doesn't mean it is post 1941 (when first Hall of Science opened) as Gilbert used phrase in 30's as seen in Playthings Magazine.

Gilbert B29 Mixer shells fresh from painting. These mixers were a postwar redesign of the Gilbert mixer, so this photo is most likely from the late 1940's

Testing armatures for the Gilbert B29 mixer in the late 1940's

Assembling Gilbert B29 mixers in the late 1940's

Heavy equipment using gas as fuel - This may have been a publicity shot for Gilbert's gas supplier.

This may have been a publicity shot for Gilbert's gas supplier.

This may have been a publicity shot for Gilbert's gas supplier. probably Peck Street

This may have been a publicity shot for Gilbert's gas supplier.

"Homemade" cakes and pies made in the cafeteria

Almost certainly Peck St. as I am pretty sure he didn't have cafeteria in any other plants.

Almost certainly Peck St. as I am pretty sure he didn't have cafeteria in any other plants.

Almost certainly Peck St. as I am pretty sure he didn't have recreation hall in any other plants.

Post war photo at Peck St. Note 1946 Hudson with "New York Central" lettering on tender.

Appear to be K5 bodies, but is there any way to tell if this is pre or post war?

Bodies are unpainted but appear to be Hudson bodies. Probably postwar 40's based on hair styles and dress. Hairdo on woman at right is classic 40's.

Most likely 50's?

Most likely 50's?

Most likely 50's?