Ecusta Collection Contains Articles, Photographs

Diagramatic drawing of proposed Davidson River site for
Champagne Paper Corp., March 11, 1938.

The Ecusta Collection consists of newspaper clippings, company publications, and photographs donated to the Local History Room at the Transylvania County Library by former employees and their families.  There is also a large amount of information collected by Brian Du Toit while researching his book, Ecusta and the Legacy of Harry H. Straus.  After publication Du Toit donated the material to the Library.

The newspaper articles range from site selection in 1938 to post plant closure.  Subjects include early construction, Harry Straus, the Olin era (1949-1985), the Glatfelter era (1987-2001), Unions and strikes, sale to Nat Pari, plant closure, environmental concerns, and general history.

The collection also contains numerous company publications--brochures, employee bulletins, manuals, memos, and newsletters.  Documents covering Camp Straus buildings and grounds, the landfill, the dam, and the water system are available as well.

Ladies in the Hand Booklet Department.  Do you recognize anyone?

The Ecusta Echo was the company’s monthly newsletter.  The first issue was published in February 1940.  For 15 years it served as the voice of Ecusta and the larger community.  It covered news and events from each department, recreational activities, and the lives of employees and their families.  All issues of “The Echo” are available in the North Carolina Room thanks to Fritz Merrill who donated his bound copies to the Library.  It is also available online at DigitalNC.org.

Ecusta often offered public tours of the facility.

In addition the Library has approximately 500 photographs of the plant both inside and out, people at work, and recreational activities.  Most of the pictures date from the Straus and Olin time periods.  We are interested in identifying departments, machinery, and work taking place, as well as individuals in these photographs.   If you would like to help please visit the Local History Room.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library.  Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs. 
For more information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-1820.