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Logging and Timber Production
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Paper Production
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Tanning
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Paper Mills
John James establishes one of the first paper mills in he area. James' factory used straw to make pulp, the process of using wood pulp would not be perfected for another 4 years. -
Wood Pulp
The process of creating paper from wood pulp is perfected. This allows the paper production to grow to the extent that Adirondak lumber could be provided. -
George West Arrives
In 1849 George West arrives in America. West was born in England, and at the age of 11 started his apprenticeship in a British paper mill. At the age of 26 he arrived in America and began working at a mill in New Jersey. A year after he moved, he took over a paper mill in MA. He would eventually sell these companiees and move to Milton, NY where he purchased and began opperating his own paper company. West would go on to become the most important figure in paper Manufacturing. (Starr, 2010) -
Empire MIll
A photo of George West's Empire Paper Mill in 1862. -
Union Paper Bag
Union Paper Bag Company is formed. The company would go on to become the largest producer of paper bags in the nation, and was one of the largest companies in the world. (Starr, 2010) -
Hudson River Pulp Company
The Pagenstecher brotherslease lease a piece of land in Palmer Falls and start the Hudson River Pulp COmpany. A year later they would add a paper machine to their facility, becoming what might have been the first paper and pulp venture under one roof (starr, 2010)
Photo (hudsonrivermillproject.org) -
Paper Pag Patent
In 1871 Margaret Knight patented the first flat bottom bag machine. That being said there is evidence to suggest that while she had the patent, West had been producing bags of this type for years. (Starr, 2010) -
The Hudson River Water Power and Paper Company
Several investors devide to build large dam capable of powering a massive mill. The company would later be remnamed The Duncan Company. The Duncan company would produce chemical sulphate (used in paper making process) and employeed over 500 peple. The company allowd the population of the area to double in a fifteen year period. By the year 1900 the mill was producing 1.5 million tons of paper annually. (Starr, 2010) -
Wood Yard
Wood pulp production required that logs be cut into four foot lengths. The photo attached shows the wood yard at the Hudson River Pulp and Paper Company. (hudsonrivermillproject.org) -
International Paper
Hudson River Pulp and Paper Company is purchased by International Paper, becoming the largest paper company in the world. (hudsonrivermillproject.org) -
Recession of 1907
the recession of 1907 hits. Industries decrease in production and are forced to layoff workers. -
Beginning of the End
In 1912 West sells of his interest in Union Paper Bag. Shortly afterward labor strikes, WWI, and increased cost of production would lead the paper industry towards its steady decline. (Starr, 2010) -
Canada
Tariffs on canadian lumber are lifted which decreased the logging and paper workforce in New York. -
WESTVACO
In 1904 the duncan company was bought by west Virginia Paper Company (WESTVACO). The mill became the largest of all of west Vacos plants and in 1920 was producing 120 tons of book paper, 75 tons of soda fiber, and 75 tons of sulphite fiber daily. The industry however would soon start to decline. The plany however,outlasted most and was in operation until 1971. (Starr, 2010) -
Strike at Hudson River Pulp and Paper
Workers at Hudson River Pulp and Paper go on strike demanding higher wages. This is an important event and reflected the power that unions at the time had. Eventually paper mills would go back into manufacturing after disolving the unions. (hudsonrivermillproject.org) -
Mechanicville
In 1950 Mechanicville peaks in productivity. From then on a steady decline in labor and commerce defined the area.
