On this site David and Daniel Hayden built Haydenville's first factory, a cotton mill, in 1809. Subsequent owners manufactured power looms and other industrial equipment. In 1828 the mill was enlarged and converted for the manufacture of buttons, which continued until 1848. In 1851, Joel Hayden and partners began manufacturing brass plumbing fixtures, giving rise to the name that continues today. The business was very successful and gained a national reputation. The Mill River Disaster of 1874 demolished the plant. It was rebuilt in 1876 and continued to produce brass goods until 1954. The building was renovated in 1983, and has since housed many small businesses and one of Massachusetts' first charter schools.