Papermill
Construction of Clinton's first paper mill was completed on Dec. 1, 1868.
The establishment was 132 feet by 128 feet and was located approximately at14th Ave. N. and Roosevelt St.
The company was organized earlier that year with A. P. Hosford as presidentand A. Siddle, secretary and treasurer.
When operations began, an average of 100 tons per month of wrapping paper wasproduced. When running at full capacity 24 hours per day, the plantconsumed upward of seven tons of straw.
Early-day Clintonians marveled at the 100-horsepower machinery and the 10,000gallon capacity water tank located in the upper part of the building.
For many years the plant turned out over 1,000 tons annually of wrappingpaper, straw, ray and tissue papers, using some 1,700 tons of stock. Paperbags, paper and wood plates and oyster and ice cream pails were alsoproduced. It was most famous for its "Red Express" paper, aproduct used widely throughout the midwest.
By 1911 the plant still was operating around the clock.
However, shortly before the outbreak of World War I, the mill ceasedoperations and the property was purchased by the Ford Roofing Co. Thisfirm continued in business until about 1916 when a fire destroyed practicallythe entire building.
It was never rebuilt and for many years the blackened walls and foundationstood as a mute reminder of a historic industry.
Five years after opening of this first mill, the Lyons Paper company wasformed with an invested capital of $60,000. Located between the Midlandtrack and the Ringwood slough, the mill, straw-yards and warehouse had afrontage of 800 feet. By 1878 daily production had reached eight tons,including thousands of paper dishes.
Approximately 100,000 butter plates were stamped out every day and the millfrequently was millions behind in orders. The payroll amounted to about$2,000 monthly.
SOURCE: Centennial Edition, Clinton Herald, Clinton Iowa, 18 June 1955
