Paper Service Limited- The Abridged History of Demise: One of NH's last Paper Mills

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produced by http://www.ReelifeProductions.com
• cool media stuff ...not boring or dumb •
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The video posted here was produced to help tell the story amidst a long and ugly legal battle...

but there is much more to the story...more to be told about the people, the families, the towns and the lives that have been affected by the decline of industry in this once bustling New Hampshire town and towns like it across the Untied States.

"Higher Ground" is the name of the documentary in progess... this larger story that needs to be told. Reelife Documentary Productions is currently working with former mill owner Gary O'Neal to produce this film and to help find a new use for this property and reinvigorate the surrounding economy that is so desperately in need of a new life.

On Columbus Day weekend, 2005, Ashuelot, NH, The Paper Service Limited mill was ravaged and destroyed when heavy rains breached a nearby dam. Instantly, a century of family history was washed down the river. Today, there are many issues of fault and negligence that have yet to be resolved. Reelife Documentary Productions of Williamsburg, MA is producing a mini-documentary that will explore the details of the flood and investigate the current state of the mill through interviews with mill owner Gary O'Neal and other members of the Ashuelot community. The documentary will use archival footage from NH Public TV Channel 11, WMUR Channel 9- Manchester NH and WFCR Pubic Radio- Amherst MA. Photos from the Cheshire County and Winchester Historical Society will also be included, along with those of private collections. Tom Adams, Director of Reelife Documentary Productions is also seeking photos, video, digital images and eye witness accounts of anyone who witnessed the destruction of the mill. He is hoping anyone with anything to contribute will step forward to share their story.

Adams finds this story particularly intriguing because of his own town's flood history. In 1874, Williamsburg, MA was a bustling mill town that suffered a similar calamitous industrial disaster. A huge, poorly constructed reservoir burst, demolishing many mills, businesses and homes, and sweeping away 139 lives along the course of the Mill River. The Ashuelot, NH Paper Services Mill site dates to 1850 when it was a saw mill powered by the Fuller Dam. In 1883 Christmas papers were produced in Ashuelot, NH and in 1884, a long term relationship was established with S. S. Pierce in Boston. Blocks of 1000 sheets of 5x7 cabinet tissue were shipped all over the Americas by Rail Road Express. During WWI Jerry Packs were made and shipped to the troops for use in fox holes. The mill changed with the times and rag paper gave way to recycled tissue. Hydropower then gave way to coal which, in turn, was replaced oil. The biggest change came with the 1970's Green Revolution and the mill adapted it's operation to include green energy and alternative operation methods. The mill has long been recognized by the EPA as a model for its anti-pollution efforts. Unfortunately, due to the amount of damage caused by the flood, the mill can not be rebuilt and the owner has now filed for bankruptcy. The mini-documentary will do its part to preserve the legacy of The O'Neal family business as well as a part of New Hampshire's Paper Mill history.

To contribute to this documentary, please contact Gary O'Neal: Paper Service Limited, Box 45, Hinsdale, NH 03451, gary@paperservice.com or Tom Adams: Tom@ReelifeProductions.com,
(413) 575-9707, Williamsburg, MA, www.ReelifeProductions.com.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Paper
• Service
• Limited
• higher
• ground
• new
• hampshire
• mill
• dam
• gary
• oneal
• tom
• adams
• reelife
• documentary
• productions
• algonquin
• power
• hydraulic
• energy
• hydro
• water
• flood
• history
• ashuelot
• winchester

[sheltercrow]

I'm not sure where you've gotten your research for this project but it couldn't have been from the actual long-time residents of New Hampshire. These Mills have been contaminating the rivers here since their inception. And they have, for most of their history, not made a legitimate effort to clean anything. Profits always came first. Every river was used a dumping spot, both commercial and personal, since the state was incorporated.

[reelife]

@sheltercrow using "blanket statements" isn't a good idea when discussing stuff like this without specific knowledge that you would like to use to accuse a specific individual or place...because, by using blanket statements, it seems as if you are indicating that THIS paper mill did all those things that you mentioned. If that's what you are saying...then let's see some facts and proof and everything else. This documentary is not about this topic and you are off-base by bringing it up. sorry.

[sheltercrow]

@reelife "some facts and proof"... you flatter yourself my friend. And comments are for reflection not regurgitation. I have 57 years living by the rivers of New Hampshire. You have a few recordings you spliced together. Your dreamworld constructed here is a product of the limitations of your source material. However much you might like to claim credibility, your credentials are a product of your shallow production.

[reelife]

@sheltercrow I'm sorry you feel that way. Have a nice day.

[KellyThundercloud]

Dam! That river knows how to get what it wants... Humans think we know what is best for the environment, but sometimes the man upstairs is the only one who knows the truth. Try to remember that this happened for a reason and don't let it discourage you. One door closes, but that only means a better one will open. Keep your hearts and eyes open so you can see what God is putting in front of you. Sometimes it is best to look forward, not back.

[tarotbear]

WOW! I am shocked, amazed, and dismayed to see this video. Gary ~ it's only words - but Good Luck.