411-413 CORNELIUS ST. / BALES GARAGE / UZZLE BUILDING / REVERIE LINGERIE

The original structure may have been built in 1932 for use as a garage. It was later known as Bales Garage and the Uzzle Building (utilized by Uzzle Motor Company of Durham). In May 1955 it became the lingerie "mill" for Reverie Lingerie, with approximately 25 women working on producing women's undergarments for the commercial market. The building may have been expanded in mid-late 1956.

 

On April 3, 1957 the women working at Reverie went on strike for the right to unionize and become part of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union. The (New York) owners got into state and federal trouble for illegal strike breaking and various other legal/illegal shenanigans. On September 27, 1957 the building was "mysteriously" burned, and a new building was built west of Efland by/for Reverie.

 

April 1957

 

1955 aerial photo excerpt

 

1975 aerial photo excerpt

 

2022 aerial photo excerpt

 

 

It seems that a few years later a new, large garage structure (likely again for the Uzzle Motor Company) was built on the property, and a smaller office structure. The office structure may have been salavaged from the remains of the original building. This later garage structure is no longer standing, but the office is.

 

View north, December 2021 (via Google Streetview)

 

View south, December 2021 (via Google Streetview)