"Jonathan Bridges, in 1824, built what was then and subsequently known as the ‘Eagle Factory,’ on the northeast corner of Cayuga and Clinton Streets. It was carried by water-power obtained by damming Six-Mile Creek at a point a little north of Clinton Street. In this building Mr. Bridges conducted an extensive business in the manufacture of woolen goods for many years.
The business was abandoned and the building practically vacant for a long time prior to 1844, except that the ‘Millerites,’ of whom there were then a score or more in Ithaca, held there occasional meetings in the upper story, which furnished a very elevated point of departure. In October, 1844, some rogues anticipated the catastrophe, and made a fizzle of the ‘general conflagration’ by setting fire to this structure prematurely. Not enough fuel was left to rekindle their enthusiasm, and the sect died out.”