Hampton Paper Company (1871-1872)

 Not to be confused with Hampden Glazed Paper Company, with its long history, the Hampton Paper Company was short-lived and the predecessor to the Beebe & Holbrook Paper Company.

Hampton Paper Company was organized on October 2, 1871, by Gurdon Bill, the president, and George B. Holbrook, its treasurer. There were five additional incorporators whose names were not identified. 

Construction of the 130-by-50-foot mill building and 3 L buildings began on September 30, 1871, two days before incorporation. The first "L" building was a 36 by 40-foot bleaching house, the second a 90 by 30-foot machine room, and the third, a 30 by 20-foot boiler room.

The water used to run the machinery was drawn from the First Level Canal. A well was built that was 50 feet long and 5 feet high to wash the rags, ensuring adequate clean water.

D. H. Tower was the architect, and D. H. & J. C. Newton the building contractors.

By the end of November, the paper mill, roof, and 90-foot chimney were built. It was anticipated that the mill would begin operating by March 1, 1872, with 100 to 125 workers producing 2 tons of paper daily.

In February 1872, Gurdon Bill was replaced as corporate president by Jared Beebe. George B. Holbrook remained treasurer. Other shareholders were J. C and D. H. Newton and John M. Stebbins. Mr. Holbrook would also serve as the plant's General Manager.

In August 1872, a significant break in the canal system created a 50-by-15-foot channel from the First Level to the Second Level Canal. Damage to the Hampton Mill was minimal as it was located on the Second Level canal. However, it was projected to be months before it resumed operations, as it was powered by the upper canal, and substantial repairs were necessary to the canal at the nearby Massasoit Paper Company. It was estimated that 6,000 workers along the canal system were impacted by the disaster.

The properties were owned by the Massasoit Paper Co., the Hampton Paper Co., Jared Beebe, and the Warren Company. Before their ownership, the property was owned by J. C. & D. H. Newton, who purchased the land from Mr. Bigelow, the carpet manufacturer from Clinton, Massachusetts. He had acquired the property from the first Holyoke water company.

One week after the break, a flume was constructed from the coffer dam to the headgate of the Hampton Paper Company, providing the mill power while repairs were underway.

Within one year, all the stock of the Hampton Paper Company was purchased by Jared Beebe and George H. Holbrook, who formed a partnership. The story of Beebe & Holbrook begins in the next installment.

Citations:

Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.