Given the number of papermakers and paper processors in Holyoke, it was interesting to discover a company specializing in index card production. Although somewhat passe today, index cards were heavily used as an organizational tool during the 20th century. There was at least one such company in Holyoke, and here's the story of the Paper City Manufacturing Company.
The Paper City Manufacturing Company was established in 1918. The listed head of the firm was Thomas J. Kennivan. In October 1918, the firm was incorporated with the following officers: Edward P. Driscoll, President; Thomas J. Kennivan, Treasurer; and Jefferson L. Cardinal.
The business converted paper into paper specialties and initially operated on one of the upper floors of the Rackliffe Building at the foot of Suffolk Street. This was the property that housed the Suffolk Theater.
In 1921, an opportunity to move into a more industrial setting arose when the former Ferguson Laundry Co. at 624 Hampden Street was foreclosed. Paper City Mfg. Co. was the successful bidder at the auction, paying $20,000 for the complex. The history of Ferguson Laundry can be found in my blog dated February 6, 2025.
In 1924, Charles T. Ingham, who had served 33 years with Hampden Glazed Paper and Card Co., was elected Vice President and a Director of Paper City Mfg. Co. The concern began producing embossed and printed paper for use by box makers. The new line was called "Chardell."
Beginning in the late 1930s and continuing through World War II and into the mid-1950s, the company received many orders for index cards. Government contracts amounted to 50% of the work output.
The company produced a paper with an embossed surface, which produced novel effects for pencil artists.
For example, in 1951, the company was awarded a $65,000 contract to produce 22 million index cards, and the following year, a $67,000 contract to produce 30 million index cards. The company secured several additional agreements with the Defense Department and the General Services Administration during this period, into mid-1954.
Due to industry-wide competitive pressures and the company's limited product line, ownership decided to cease operations effective December 31, 1954.
The business began voluntary liquidation of its machinery and equipment on November 15, 1954. The paper converting equipment was sold to three major concerns, Graham Mfg. Company, Laminated and Coated Paper Company, and Gravure Engraving Company.
At the time, 30 employees were affected by the closure. As their skills were transferable, many employees were hired by the Old Colony Envelope Company in Westfield.
Five months later, on June 1, 1955, Edward P. Driscoll and James P. Harrington opened a new record-storage business, the New England Archives Center, at this location.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.
Assessors' Office, Holyoke, Massachusetts
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