THE “MILL” over time

Synonymous with “Sheldon Springs” the “Mill”, know by various names since its founding  in 1912 by J. T. Shipley, shaped the “The Springs” since its founding.        See   People of the Mill      Power for the Mill       Video Gallery

Excerpts From Dorothy Hemenway Ashton Sheldon, Vermont Second Edition,1979
P 142-145 “The Missisquoi Pulp And Paper Company”

“Joseph T Shepley came to Sheldon Springs from Newport in 1894. He was born in Groton, Mass on March 29, 1846. J.T. Shepley built the first part of what later became a larger pulp mill. As early as 1895 the Missisquoi Mill produced ground wood pulp. At one time the Mill contributed $100,000 annually to farmers of Vermont for spruce logs. In 1904 J. T Shepley was elected to represent Sheldon in General Assembly.”

“The Mill became incorporated as the Missisquoi Pulp and Paper Co. in 1912. Herbert E Raymond, who was born in Cambridge, Mass became the designer and builder of the plant in 1912. Those who incorporated were A. P. Ramage, Herbert Raymond and George C Gill. Gill invested $50,000 to begin the work of installing the first paper making machine. Herbert E Raymond was responsible for general management, engineering and mechanical development. His official title was President. He was especially proud of the fact that his company was able to operate continuously throughout the depression, frequently on a reduced basis.”

 

“250 men were employed at this mill with three shifts operating day and night with the exception of Sundays. During World War II the mill was seldom shut down, unless repairs were needed. Some jobs had only two shifts with men working in twelve hour tours. The 250 men were earning $350,000 for their work each year.” 

“The manufacture of cardboard and Bristol board of various types and weights were made. Some of the paper was converted into finished products at its subsidiary, the Fonda Paper Co. at Utica, NY. A large part of the theater tickets used throughout the country had their origin in Sheldon Springs. Much of the paper manufactured in Sheldon Springs was shipped to all parts of the country and to many foreign countries. “

 

 

“At first Sheldon Springs was called a ‘company town’ because the Company built nearly all the houses, maintained a store and several community buildings. The tenants were provided with electricity and water. (Not drinking water) Thus the Company ownership served to bring back a considerable amount of money paid out in wages.” “Many of the Company’s houses were sold in 1972”

 

 

“The second paper machine was installed in 1924-1927. An addition was added to the finishing department in 1928. During the years 1951-1952 a 600lb boiler was installed. Clay Coasters were added during the 1969-1970 period. An effluent plant was constructed in 1972”

“Among the executives of the Missisquoi Pulp and Paper Mill since the beginning are these names: Joseph T. Shepley, A.P. Ramage, Herbert Raymond, Theodore Lyman, Albert Backman, Lawson Ramage, Cleo Towle, Walter Burnham, George C. Gill, John Gale, Alden Sears, Roy Donna, Thomas Phillips, Frank Farrel, Sheridan Dow, Kenneth Lothian, Kenneth Bushey, and William McFeeters.” (Not presented in any significant chronological order)

 

 

“The second paper machine was installed in 1924-1927. An addition was added to the finishing department in 1928.

During the years 1951-1952 a 600lb boiler was installed. Clay Coasters were added during the 1969-1970 period. An effluent plant was constructed in 1972″

“Many changes have occurred since the original pulp mill began operating. Water was the main source of power. Around 1980 the plant began generating its own electricity using water power; later coal and petroleum fuel were used.”  The mill has recently beefed up its hydro generation and added solar generating panels in the field next to the mill.