C&M Corporation started in 1964 with Jon P. Curtis as a partnership. The primary function of the company was salvaging. C&M developed a means to slice the insulation hookup wires. In February 1965, the company became incorporated under Connecticut state law. C&M originated in Willington, CT where it outgrew its facility. In 1967, the company moved to its present location in Wauregan, CT, leasing the building from the prestigious Atwood family. In 1968, Jon P. Curtis sold his interest in the company to Warren Mueller who became the sole owner. The company continued to expand by purchasing used equipment, building new machinery, and becoming interested in the insulation process for wire and cable. In 1974, the company purchased the entire facility and associated property and land. From that point on, C&M Corporation has continuously expanded becoming a leader in the custom cable and cable assembly industry.

The Village

The village of Wauregan was established in 1850. In 1853, a company was formed to manufacture cotton goods and, at the May session of the Legislature, a charter was secured and the Wauregan Mills were born. Wauregan was essentially built around the mill and consisted of several buildings related to the mill. A store, a couple boarding houses for workers and supervisors, a Congregation Church (since demolished) and three large residences where the Mill’s owners lived, eight supervisor’s houses, and 86 dwellings to accommodate all of the workers and their families. The mill adopted a philosophy in which they incorporated themselves into the lives of their workers. Thus, they were able to attract and retain more highly skilled and dedicated employees by providing housing, food, and educational opportunities.

The Mill

The mill was first constructed in 1853. Five years later, a tower and an addition were added. After the Civil War, another structure was built on the other side of the power canal. Powered by five turbine water wheels and two steam engines, the mill employed about 800 workers in the early 1950’s. Wauregan was a leader in the use of synthetics and formed a relationship early with DuPont, who we still have a strong relationship with to this day. They decided to move along with the times and started producing quality fine cotton goods and later, synthetic cloth such as rayon. Competition from Japan after World War II caused a decline in production at the Wauregan Mills. The New England textile industry was in a significant decline that would never rebound. In 1955, a flood brought on by Hurricane Diane caused the dams to flood along the Quinebaug. Water flooded the entire first floor of the mill up to its ceilings. Workers and their families rushed to the mills aid, rescuing some of the materials and machinery. However, they still lost more than was saved. The company was able to regain and modernize production but very slowly and with a great deal of financial borrowing. Eventually, the land, the water company and other property were sold and the mill was rented until the debts were repaid. Finally, in 1974, the mill building was sold to C&M Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial wire and cable, which still uses all of the floor space today in its production. The Wauregan Mills is one of the oldest manufacturing facilities in Connecticut today.