Company History | Holyoke History

High Street Holyoke in front of City Hall.

United Paper Box History

1937-United Paper Box Founded.

1937-1940’s-Manufactured pie rings and other paperboard packaging.

1940’s-1960’s-Typewriter, Ledger, Bakery Boxes, Writing Paper and Bakery boxes.

1960’s -1970’s-Greeting Card boxes, Typewriter Paper boxes, Apparel Boxes.

1980’s-1990’s-Software Packaging, Slipcases, Binders, Retail Packaging.

2000-2020 Retail Packaging, Custom Packaging, Slipcases, Drawers, Leather, Etc. 

2023-Current Major Network Packaging, Custom Menus, Industrial Packaging, Fine foods and chocolate etc.

The Paper City

The American Paper Company was a major paper manufacturing company located in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Founded in 1848, the company was one of the largest producers of paper in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

At its peak, the American Paper Company had multiple mills and factories throughout New England, including several in Holyoke. The company was known for its high-quality paper products, which were used for a variety of applications, including printing, packaging, and writing.

During World War II, the American Paper Company played a critical role in the war effort, producing paper products for the military and contributing to the war bond campaign. After the war, the company continued to expand and diversify its operations, acquiring several other paper companies and expanding into new markets.

However, by the 1970s, the American Paper Company began to face increasing competition from foreign manufacturers, and the company’s profits began to decline. In 1982, the company was acquired by the James River Corporation, and many of its mills and factories were closed or sold off.

Today, the American Paper Company is no longer in operation, but its legacy lives on in Holyoke and throughout New England. The city of Holyoke has preserved many of the historic mills and factories that once belonged to the American Paper Company, and the Wistariahurst Museum, which was once the home of the company’s founder, William Skinner, is open to the public and offers a glimpse into the city’s rich industrial history.

01

Loading the Beater

Text needed to explain the beater process.

02

Sorting Rags in the rag room.

Rags were taken in from the southern textile mills and separated. Any buttons or seams were removed and then cut down into small pieces so that they could be added to the pulp. This is what was called the rag content of the paper.

03

Cutting rags in the rag room.

Rags were taken in from the southern textile mills and separated. Any buttons or seams were removed and then cut down into small pieces so that they could be added to the pulp. This is what was called the rag content of the paper.

04

Making the paper on the paper machine.

05

Sheeting the finished paper.

06

Sheets coming off the paper machine.