Vintage Film Shows Crane Rag Papermaking in 1926

Quite a while ago, I came across a reel of really old film in a mill basement at Crane. Being the curious type, I wanted desperately to find out what might be shown. And I figured that whatever was on the film was worth preserving. I took it to the photo shop where I had done business (film) for many years and they were kind enough to transfer the film to VHS - oh yeah - cutting edge - that's me.

Little did I know that the advance of technology would be so fast-paced. Last week, I came across the VHS in a box in the archives and figured I needed to get current again. I was able to dust off our old VCR and, after many false starts, bit the bullet and got a machine to convert the tape to 1s and 0s.

So, to make a short story long, I hope you enjoy this film. It's about 10 minutes long. It's a little rough, but heck, it's old. It really is a fascinating look at how rag paper was made in the day at Crane's Bay State Mill. Much has changed in the intervening years, but those of us who know the company well will recognize some machinery that's still being used. In a while, I'll post the rest of the film, which shows paper being made into stationery.

Enjoy, fellow paper-lovers.

Crane Museum Opens for the Season

This is one of my favorite spots in the whole world. As you know, I'm a paper geek and a history nut, and the Crane Museum of Papermaking brings not only those two passions together, but the opportunity to share them with others.

The Crane Museum of Papermaking is tucked away along the banks of the Housatonic River a few hundred yards from where Zenas Crane first set up shop in 1801. It's right in the middle of Crane's manufacturing and administrative campus, but it's a place that gives the visitor an opportunity to step back in time in a quiet, serene setting.
















The Museum is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. through the middle of October. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by one of our curators - Mary Ward and Charlie Wellspeak, both retired after long careers at Crane. In addition to the permanent exhibits tracing Crane's papermaking history, there will be a special exhibit set up next week focusing on the Colonial Roots of Crane & Co.

The Museum is located at 60 Pioneer St. in Dalton, Mass., for your Mapquest or GPS reference. For further information, you may call Sandy Streeter at (413) 684-6481.