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Domino Sugar Refinery

Introduction

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The Domino Sugar Refinery, located in Brooklyn, New York, was constructed in 1882 by Theodore A. Havemeyer, Thomas Winslow, and J.E. Thomas. Settled on the Williamsburg waterfront, this sugar refinery was the largest plant by the late 19th century. A quarter of a century after its opening, the Domino Sugar Refinery was producing more than half of the nation's sugar. The American Sugar Refinery Company and the Domino Refinery grew to control most of the U.S. sugar industry. However, after WW2, a two-year-long worker's strike, and lack of demand, the Domino Sugar Refinery finally closed its doors in 2004. Declared a city landmark in 2007, the sugar refinery is no longer standing, completely demolished by the end of 2014. Although the factory itself no longer exists, the expansive Domino Park continues to display equipment that was salvaged from the refinery.

Images

Sky, Building, Cloud, Water

Sources

Domino Park, Accessed January 19th, 2021. https://www.dominopark.com/history.

The Domino Sugar Refinery experienced great success during its peak years. Despite this, the factory was forced to shut its doors for good in 2007. This source provides insight into the sugar empire and why it was unable to continue operating. The Domino Park website features interviews from previous factory workers and planners who are looking to restore the refinery.

ABOUT DOMINO SUGAR FACTORY, Creative Time. Accessed January 20th, 2021. https://creativetime.org/projects/karawalker/domino-sugar-factory/.

After shutting its doors, the Domino Sugar Refinery remained a landmark on Brooklyn's East River. This source focuses on the artists whose works were on display in the abandoned factory. Artist Kara Walker draws on the history behind the location to create her sugar-coated monuments in 2014. With much of the focus on work and production after closing its doors, this source will provide information on the factory post-2007.

Additional Information