Canfield Rubber Rubber Products for Industrial and Home Use. Canfield Rubber first formed in 1881 in Middletown, Connecticut, but moved to Bridgeport four years later where it quickly established itself as a leading producer of mechanical rubber goods and rubber specialties. In 1904 the company was organized into two separate concerns for product specialization and promotion purposes: the H.O. Canfield Company and Canfield Rubber. These two firms eventually became rival manufacturers. As a result, Bridgeport was producing an enormous number of rubber products for a variety of markets by the 1940's, including the aeronautics, plumbing , and automotive industries. Other product applications included coverings for hair curlers, syringe bulbs, collapsible rubber life-boats, and mouth guards for prize fighters. Canfield Rubber closed down its manufacturing facility in August of 1957.